The finish on your Texas pool can play a big role in its overall look, performance, feel, maintenance, and longevity. With the state’s intense heat and high summertime temperatures, choosing a pool finish that will stand up to these adverse conditions with ease is essential. Below, we’ll dive into some of the more popular pool finishes so that you can make a better-informed decision about which one is right for your pool.
Plaster
Plaster is one of the most cost-effective pool finishes out there. It provides a smooth and uniform look that’s applied over the entire pool’s shell. While white is a popular option, plaster is available in many different tints. Plaster provides an aesthetically pleasing, clean, and bright look for any pool that will give your water the appearance of a bluish, reflective color.
While plaster is an affordable option, it isn’t necessarily durable in Texas’s hot climate. Prolonged UV exposure can cause pitting or etching in the plaster. It can even lose its brightness over time. If you opt to get plaster as a finish for your Texas pool, you will need to resurface it about every seven to 12 years.
Plaster is also susceptible to damage from poor water chemistry. You’ll need to be super vigilant about your water chemistry management to prevent issues like calcium hardness that can cause permanent staining on the finish. Additionally, you will need to keep up with routine leaf management and proper filtration practices to ensure your water and your plaster finish stay pristine.
Pebble
Pebble is a popular finish for Texas pools as it provides a rugged and long-lasting solution. These finishes are made up of small stones or glass beads mixed into a cement or resin solution. Pebble provides a textured and natural-looking finish that can range in color from vivid blues to earthy tones. It provides a non-slip texture, increasing safety around your pool area.
This type of finish has excellent UV resistance and can stand up to heavy usage. It is also more durable than plaster, especially when it comes to poor water chemistry, as the aggregate surface is less prone to etching. Because pebble is less porous, it’s more resistant to issues like algae growth, which means it requires less frequent cleaning than plaster finishes. However, due to the textured aggregate, you’ll likely need to scrub the finish with a brush while cleaning.
Quartz
One of the most popular pool finishes in Texas is quartz. This type of pool finish uses crushed quartz with white cement or pigmented colors to create a unique finish. This is much smoother than a pebble finish but more durable than plaster. With quartz, you’ll notice a subtle sparkle from your pool finish that gets more vibrant in the strong sunlight. Quartz performs beautifully in the hot Texas climate and adds extra hardiness and durability to your pool.
Quartz won’t suffer UV discoloration or chemical erosion like other pool finishes can. You can expect a quartz finish to last around 10 to 12 years, which is fairly similar to a pebble finish. Because quartz has a smoother finish than pebble, it’s much easier to clean without the need for regular brushing. Most Texas homeowners find quartz to be one of the easiest pool finishes to maintain long-term.
Which Is Right for You?
If you’re doing a pool renovation in Boerne, you might be wondering plaster vs. pebble and pebble vs. quartz. The best finish for your pool depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Plaster can be a great, affordable option for budget-conscious homeowners who are happy with simple aesthetics.
Pebble can be a great finish option for homeowners who are looking for that high-end feel with optimal safety thanks to its non-slip texture. If you’re looking for something in between, quartz can deliver an aesthetically pleasing, sparkling look and high-end feel with a smooth texture and high durability. While plaster is generally the most affordable, it also has the shortest lifespan. Both quartz and pebble have a higher price point but a longer lifespan.
Reliable Pool Finishing
Cooper Custom Pools offers reliable pool finishing services for the New Braunfels, TX area. We can also assist with all your new pool construction and renovation needs.
Call us now to schedule your next consultation with one of our helpful pool professionals.
