What Are My Pool Surface Options?

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. This is why you need to make sure the finish you select for your pool remodel matches your pool’s design aesthetic.
What Are My Pool Surface Options?

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. This is why you need to make sure the finish you select for your pool remodel matches your pool’s design aesthetic.

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