Quartz holds up well against high amounts of pool chemicals and strong weather effects due to its non-porous nature. However, these surfaces are also hard and smooth. Stains will have trouble making a home in these types of pools as well.
If you look at quartz vs pebble pool finish, the differences are striking. A pebble finish will give you a natural feel, but it will be rough on your feet. Some people don't like that. If you choose a quartz finish, the pool will be smoother.
Quartz base products are more cost efficient. Quartz has a tendency to crack more frequently than pebble. In the long term, pebble is more durable and has less discolorations. If the design calls for plaster to be exposed above the water line, pebble will be the only option.
This gives the plaster a greater color consistency and less issues with the appearance of crazing. Quartz finishes are very smooth and have a similar look to standard plaster.
Traditional white plaster (or marcite) gives pools a smooth, classic appearance and remains a popular choice despite the range of pool finishes that have emerged over the years. The most inexpensive pool finish option, it typically lasts five to seven years before any signs of etching or chipping appear.
Quartz finishes deliver greater strength, beauty, and resilience to any inground pool's interior. For starters, quartz falls on the higher end of the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. That makes it difficult to scratch, and it resists chipping and etching better than marcite.
Quartz holds up well against high amounts of pool chemicals and strong weather effects due to its non-porous nature. However, these surfaces are also hard and smooth. Stains will have trouble making a home in these types of pools as well.
Resurfacing with a pebble or quartz aggregate finish (like PebbleTec or Diamond Brite can cost $3,500-$8,500 for a rough finish or about $5,000-$10,000 for a polished finish, depending on the style and color.
Plaster finishes are the cheapest and easiest to install, but they lack durability. Aggregates can be the most attractive but are slightly more expensive and more time-consuming. Tile finishes are the most expensive and take the longest, but their durability is top-notch.
Advantages: Tile is the longest-lasting interior finish for a concrete pool. Tile is easier to clean than exposed aggregate.
Gunite, marcite, and concrete pools are the same thing, just different names for them. Complete Pool Re-plastering Every 3-7 Years at $3500.00 to $8000.00 NO JOKE! Excessive Use of Electricity – because pump must run longer, to inject more chemicals, to keep algae from building up in the concrete poors.
In addition to the colors that model marble and soapstone, other options exhibit soft solid colors of blue, green and even red with a soothing earthy vibe. Most quartz manufacturers now offer selections in matte, brushed or suede finishes—but on a limited basis in comparison to the overall choices in their line.
Diamond Brite® finishes are blends of selected quartz aggregates and fortified white Portland cement ideal for new or re-finished swimming pools. Diamond Brite® finishes are factory blended to provide the pool owner with an extremely durable and attractive alternative to traditional pool coatings.
Pebble Tec®
While it is more expensive than plaster, it is the highest quality pool resurfacing material available due to its longevity and ability to hide chemical residue.
Cons of Pebble Pool Surfaces
Pebble pool finishes are generally pricier than plaster finishing, and it is true that pebble pool surfaces can be a bit rough on feet if not installed correctly. Calcium or mineral buildup can also be a concern for pebble pool surfaces.
Standard white plaster is the tried and true pool and spa surface finish. White plaster has been around as long as people have been building swimming pools and it remains a popular choice in spite of the myriad of choices that have come into the market in recent years.
The shallow end is going to appear lighter than the deeper water. In order to get blue water, you want a pool finish that has a gray, blue, or white pigment. For green water, you want to pick a darker finish with black, brown, tan, or green pigment. The water color and finish should complement the atmosphere.
It varies depending on the type of pool, with plaster or cement pools needing to be resurfaced every 3-7 years while fiberglass pools can sometimes go as long as 15-30 years.
Gunite. Gunite pools are among the longest-lasting pools on the market. When gunite pools are properly installed they could potentially last 100+ years. They are extremely durable and totally customizable.
Pebble Tec is more durable than Diamond Brite and can continue to give you service for years without getting damaged. Pebble Tec is mainly used for new swimming pools, while Diamond Brite works best when resurfacing an old facility. The two products make a pool to be more attractive and make it more welcoming.
Average Cost to Sandblast a Swimming Pool
Having a swimming pool blast cleaned is typically $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job.
While Marcite plaster is the least expensive of the gunite pool surfaces, it does have its disadvantages. The surface can start to show visible chipping or etching after 5 to 7 years. They will also start to stain, and inhibit algae due to its porous surface and is the least durable in the plaster pool family.
It does seem a little rough on the feet, especially when you have been in the water for a while. When we had our backyard pool remodeled a couple of years ago, we chose the Mini Pebble for a smoother feel, and have been glad we did.
River rok is good alternative, stones are somewhat smaller and smoother than pebble tec. Can also custom the colors to your liking.