What Are My Pool Surface Options?

Pool Surfacing Options for the Tampa Bay Area: Pros, Cons & Climate Considerations

Choosing the right pool surface is especially important in the Tampa Bay area, where pools are exposed to intense sun, high humidity, frequent rain, and year-round use.

Florida’s climate can accelerate wear on pool finishes, making durability, heat resistance, and maintenance key factors when selecting a pool resurfacing option.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common pool surfacing options in Tampa Bay, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Whether you have a new pool or you’re undertaking a pool remodel, the interior finish can take the construction to a whole new level.

Quick Guide: Pool Surfacing Options for Tampa Bay Pools

Plaster	Best for: Budget-friendly resurfacing	✔ Smooth feel ✔ Lower upfront cost ✘ Shorter lifespan in Tampa heat ✘ More prone to staining and algae
Quartz	Best for: Added durability with style	✔ Stronger than plaster ✔ Better stain resistance ✔ Multiple color options ✘ Higher cost than plaster ✘ Requires consistent maintenance
Pebble (Exposed Aggregate)	Best for: Long-term durability	✔ 15–20+ year lifespan ✔ Excellent for Florida sun & heat ✔ Natural, high-end look ✘ Higher upfront investment ✘ Textured feel
Polished Aggregate	Best for: Luxury look with comfort	✔ Smooth, polished finish ✔ Long-lasting and stain-resistant ✔ Ideal for heavy pool use ✘ Premium pricing ✘ Professional installation required
Tile (Glass or Porcelain)	Best for: Custom & luxury pools	✔ Extremely durable ✔ Resists fading and chemicals ✔ Easy to clean in humid climates ✘ Most expensive option ✘ Longer installation time

Traditional Pool Plaster (White or Colored Plaster)

Best for: Budget-friendly resurfacing and quick refreshes

Pool plaster is one of the most commonly used finishes in Florida and remains a popular option for Tampa homeowners looking for an affordable resurfacing solution.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Smooth, classic appearance
• Faster installation time
• Widely available and easy to repair

Cons (especially in Tampa’s climate):

• Shorter lifespan (typically 7–10 years)
• More susceptible to staining, etching, and algae growth
• Can degrade faster due to Florida’s heat and chemical demands
• Requires consistent water chemistry to prevent damage

Climate note:
In the Tampa Bay area, high temperatures and frequent rainfall can cause plaster to wear more quickly if water chemistry isn’t carefully maintained.

Quartz Pool Finish

Best for: Improved durability with a smooth, decorative look

Quartz finishes combine plaster with crushed quartz aggregate, making them a popular middle-ground option for Florida pool owners.

Pros:

• More durable than standard plaster
• Better resistance to staining and chemical damage
• Available in a wide range of colors
• Slightly longer lifespan (10–15 years)

Cons:

• Higher cost than traditional plaster
• Still requires regular maintenance
• Can feel slightly rougher than smooth plaster

Climate note:
Quartz performs well in Tampa’s warm climate and holds up better against UV exposure and fluctuating water conditions than basic plaster.

Polished Aggregate Finishes

Best for: Luxury look with a smoother feel

Polished aggregate finishes are similar to pebble surfaces but are mechanically polished to create a smoother texture.

Pros:

• Sleek, upscale appearance
• Smoother than traditional pebble finishes
• Excellent durability and stain resistance
• Long lifespan in Florida conditions

Cons:

• Premium pricing
• Longer installation process
• Requires skilled installation for best results

Climate note:
This finish holds up exceptionally well in Tampa Bay’s climate while offering a more comfortable surface for swimmers.

Tile Pool Finishes (Glass or Porcelain)

Best for: Luxury pools, waterlines, and custom designs

Tile is often used as a full pool surface or as an accent along the waterline.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Resistant to chemicals, fading, and moisture
• Easy to clean and highly customizable
• Performs well in humid environments

Cons:

• Most expensive resurfacing option
• Longer installation time
• Repairs can be more complex

Climate note:
Glass and porcelain tile handle Tampa’s humidity and sun exceptionally well, making them ideal for luxury pools or high-end renovations.

Pebble Pool Finish (Pebble Tec / Exposed Aggregate)

Best for: Long-lasting durability and natural aesthetics

Pebble finishes are one of the most durable and popular choices for Tampa Bay pool resurfacing, especially for homeowners looking for longevity.

Pros:

• Extremely durable (15–20+ years)
• Highly resistant to staining, chemicals, and algae
• Natural, high-end appearance
• Performs well in hot, sunny climates

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• Texture can feel rougher on sensitive feet
• Installation requires experienced professionals

Climate note:
Pebble finishes are ideal for Florida pools due to their resistance to heat, UV exposure, and heavy pool usage throughout the year.

Choosing the Best Pool Surface for Tampa Bay Homes

When selecting a pool surface in the Tampa Bay area, consider:

• Sun exposure and water temperature
• How often the pool is used
• Desired lifespan and maintenance level
• Budget and aesthetic goals

Ready to Resurface Your Pool?

If your pool finish is stained, rough, or showing signs of wear, resurfacing can restore both beauty and functionality. Contact JJB Pools & Spas for expert guidance on pool resurfacing options tailored to Tampa and the surrounding Tampa Bay area.

Deep Dive on Pool Finishes

What is Marcite Pool Finish?

Marcite, is a material comprising white Portland cement, marble dust, and additives to enhance strength and water resistance. This material has been utilized for pool plastering globally for decades. Known for its affordability, Marcite can last 5 to 7 years with proper water maintenance. It can also be tinted for aesthetic variety. However, its durability may be compromised by poor water chemistry (especially hard water), resulting in imperfections. These can include streaking, fading, and erosion. Furthermore, maintaining balanced water chemistry is crucial for marcite’s longevity. For these reasons, more pool owners are transitioning toward exposed aggregate and pebble finishes. These alternatives offer enhanced durability, aesthetic versatility, and less susceptibility to water chemistry imbalance. This makes them preferred choices for new pools and remodeling.

What are Aggregate Pool Finishes?

The most recent iteration of the plaster pool surface is the aggregate finish. This is a mix of granite, quartz, glass beads, or river stones with colored plaster. There have become the most popular finishes used on pool renovations today.

What is a Polished Aggregate Pool Finish?

These finishes are growing in popularity and appeal. They offer a luxurious surface that’s more stain- and chemical-resistant than plaster alone. They also provide a variety of lovely colors that can be specially blended to produce a unique look. This is achieved by using finely crushed colored stones. The exposed aggregate finish is polished after being manually applied with a trowel to the pool shell. This brings out the stone’s luster and creates a smooth surface. The finish has a decorative sheen, and the lifespan is increased by 15 – 20 years thanks to the colored quartz or granite flecks.

What is Exposed Aggregate?

These finishes have either glass beads or tiny river pebbles. Skilled artisans apply these by hand. To reveal the colored pebbles or glass beads underneath, the finish is power-washed with water and muriatic acid after the application is complete. The plaster’s exposed aggregates allow for various textures and color schemes while also adding traction to the pool surface.

What is a Pebble Pool Finish?

A pebble pool finish is an exceptional and durable surface treatment for pools. It evokes the imagery of river beds with its refined, pebble-inspired aesthetic. Composed of a blend of exposed aggregate and pebble aggregate, this finish resists chipping, mottling, staining, and fading. This provides a visually pleasing environment and ensures a longer lifespan compared to traditional finishes.

Despite the slightly rough texture of some pebble blends, homeowners are increasingly attracted to their enduring beauty and the variety of available colors. These finishes can create a spectrum of stunning aesthetics reminiscent of natural landscapes. This look adds a touch of modern luxury to any swimming pool.

While the application process may be labor-intensive and costlier than other finishes, the longevity of a pebble is worth the investment. With the potential to maintain its allure for approximately 10 to 15 years, a pebble pool finish ultimately offers an economically sound choice for those seeking a long-lasting, high-end solution for their pool surfaces.

JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, pool repair, pool resurfacing, pebble surfacing, and pool renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Westchase, Odessa, Nine Eagles, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach, and surrounding areas. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile.  JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373