Advantages: Tile is the longest-lasting interior finish for a concrete pool. Tile is easier to clean than exposed aggregate.
Quartz pool finishes are a combination of a quartz aggregate and polymer-modified cement – technically making it a kind of plaster surface. Quartz surfaces are in ways the best of plaster and pebble finishes. SwimmingPool.com said quartz finishes typically last between seven and 12 years.
Diamond Brite lasts eight to 12 years before it fades and gets spotty. We recommend acid washing this finish after about five years to keep it bright. Each style and color has a different price, but a Diamond Brite finish costs about $5,000 to $10,000.
Pebble Tec is extremely durable. Compared to plaster pools that only last between 6-8 years, Pebble Tec pool finishes can last from 10-15 years.
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.
River rok is good alternative, stones are somewhat smaller and smoother than pebble tec. Can also custom the colors to your liking.
Diamond Brite
With a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, and with a stunning appearance, it is an excellent choice for some pools. This option provides the best bang for the buck – it is truly beautiful and durable, but it just doesn't feel as luxurious as our all-time favorite plaster, Hydrazzo (see below).
Diamond Brite finish, on the other hand, costs a little more than white plaster but is more durable and has a longer lifespan of about 10-15 years. As well, you also have the freedom to personalize your pool thanks to the variety of exquisite shades available for you to choose from.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marcite is also the most affordable option for a new pool or replastering an existing one. With properly maintained pool water, it will last 8 to 12 years.
PLASTER IS LONG LASTING: The secret to long life of any pool surface is properly maintained water balance. Improper water balance will destroy any pool surface and in many cases, void the warranty of that surface. A plaster surface, in a properly maintained pool, can last 15 to 25 years.
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.
Common colors for Diamond Brite pools include Cool Blue, Onyx, Ivory, Oyster Quartz, Aqua Quartz, and Verde. However, our favorites are Tahoe Blue and French Gray.
No! A gunite pool indicates the underlying STRUCTURE. Plaster is the final FINISH on top of the gunite structure. All inground gunite pools have the same structure (gunite or dry shotcrete – synonymous terms).
Can I just patch my own diamond brite? Absolutely! You can find diamond brite patches online for an affordable price. But it's recommended to get a specialist who will be able to color match your Diamond Brite more closely.
Diamond Brite will last longer. How long either finish lasts is highly variable. One rule of thumb is that regular plaster (marcite) will last about 10 years, while quartz finished (like Diamond Brite) will last 15 years. But that is just a rough average.
There aren't many cons to a pebble pool surface, because it is such a great option, but homeowners should be aware of its unique characteristics. 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.
Hydrazzo $$$
This is the smoothest finish available in gunite pools but is still hard as a rock. Its life expectancy is 15 to 20 years and comes in a wide variety of colors as well.
Traditional pool resurfacing materials require a high level of maintenance and will only last 5-10 years before it needs to be replaced. We generally would expect a Pebble Tec surface to last upwards of 20 years with proper maintenance.
On Average, Replastering is Every 10 Years
So how often do you need to replaster a pool? The short answer is about every 10 years. However, it's important to consider the factors mentioned above, as they are typical signs that your pool needs to be replastered.
Brush Regularly
Instead of twice a day, just once a week should manage to prevent dirt, algae, or anything else from harming your PebbleTec finish. It sounds simple, but this is one of the most overlooked parts of pool maintenance, and it makes a huge difference.