If you have been considering a remodel for your swimming pool, odds are you are doing so because the surface of your pool is no longer what it used to be. While you may have other features you’d like to add during the remodel, resurfacing is the most common reason our customers come to us for their pool remodel.
That being said, we get asked this question on almost EVERY free quote appointment: which is better, plaster or mini pebble? This post will go over the pros and cons of both substances so that you can make an educated decision before your own pool remodel.
Plaster
What is plaster?
When swimming pools were being built all over Southern California in the 80s, plaster was the gold standard and the best option for surfacing, lasting much longer than the paint that was previously used. Older pools with plaster could easily go 25 years without needing to be resurfaced. Over the years, the formula has changed due to EPA regulations and new technology. Plaster that was used 20-30 years ago to surface a pool is not the same formula used today. It is not, however, a poor alternative to pebble by any means.
Pros of Plaster
One of the reasons people still love a traditional plaster surface is the smooth finish you get when it is new. For people with sensitive feet, plaster offers a completely soft touch without the need for water shoes.
Plaster is also a great alternative for people who like the look of a white finish on their swimming pool. A clean, solid color can make your pool stand out in your backyard.
Finally, plaster is a cheaper alternative to pebble, meaning that it can be more affordable for someone who is flipping a home, looking to sell in the near future, or can afford to resurface their pool more often.
With proper care and maintenance, plaster can last a decent amount of years. The average we see is between 7-9 years
Cons of Plaster
While plaster is a cheaper alternative, that comes with some sacrifices. In order to add high quality dye to the plaster to achieve any color other than white, you need to work with someone who can guarantee their work. This can also add quite a bit to the total price of the plaster.
Plaster is a concrete based material that is susceptible to mottling, which means there will be noticeable discoloration immediately that will worsen over time due to a variety of factors. If you don’t have professional maintenance more than once a week, improper chemistry can lead to even more rapid discoloration.
Pop-off is when plaster begins to peel away and cause rough patches that can be sharp and jagged. This can happen as soon as a few years after your resurface depending on environmental factors and quality of maintenance. Additionally, any metal in the pool (think a bottle cap, a bobby pin, construction debris, etc) can cause stains that will be especially noticeable with a plaster finish.
Many people assume algae issues would be more prevalent on a pebble finish, but the porous nature of plaster will actually attract more algae in the long run.
As far as longevity, plaster will not last as long as a pebble finish, generally speaking. Your swimming pool will look beautiful for a few years, and then you will begin to notice discoloration, mottling, and possibly even some staining, depending on the frequency and quality of your routine maintenance.
Why Choose Plaster Over Mini Pebble?
Even with the number of cons we find with plaster finishes, some homeowners still decide plaster is best for their individual needs. If you are looking to sell your home and your pool is in rough shape, a quick plaster remodel is a cost-effective way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
The same goes for a home you are remodeling to flip or sell quickly – plaster will not set you back as much as pebble, and you can spend the extra money elsewhere to maximize your return.
If you just love the look and feel of plaster and don’t mind needing to resurface your pool more frequently (and can afford the price tag that comes along with it), then your answer is clear!
Eric’s Advice
“If you are considering plaster for its lower cost or as a short term solution, especially a white plaster finish, make sure you discuss warranty offers with your contractor before making up your mind. To give you an idea, at Stanton Pools, we offer a two year warranty on adhesion (this covers any bubbling, pop-off, or peeling within the first two years but not discoloration or mottling).
If you are looking for a darker color finish for your swimming pool (anything darker than white), we recommend exploring your options, as the price of dyed plaster can quickly approach that of a pebble finish. Darker plaster finishes will also fade quickly and show mottling much quicker than white plaster, so keep that in mind as well.
With proper chemical maintenance and careful professional application, plaster finishes can last anywhere from 7-10 years before needing to be resurfaced.”
Pebble
What is Mini Pebble?
Pebble finishes have become popular over the last 25 years, and with good reason. Like plaster, it is a cementitious product completely combined with tiny stones, or aggregates, that offer multiple benefits as well as a completely different look than the standard solid plaster finish.
It is not, as sometimes assumed, just plaster with stones thrown on the top. It is a pre-mixed blend that has a unique texture and color. Just as clarification, many people assume “PebbleTec” is the name of the product, but that is merely one brand that offers a pebble pool surface product.
Why Choose Plaster Over Pebble?
Types of Pebble
There are three types of pebble surface finishes offered and available throughout the US. Traditional pebble, which has slightly larger aggregate stones, was the first of its kind in the 80s and 90s. While still available today, it is not the first choice of many pool contractors or owners due to its rougher surface.
Mini pebble, which is the most popular by far, offers a smoother finish and a wide variety of colors and additional aggregates. It is middle range as far as cost and can easily last 15-20 years before needing to be replaced.
Micro pebble is the smoothest possible pebble finish available today, but at a slightly increased cost. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and is offered by most companies who provide pebble finishes.
We will be discussing mini pebble as the alternative to plaster in this blog post, but your local contractors can give you more information on what is available in your area.
Pros of Mini Pebble
If you think mini pebble is like the pebble of your childhood days, tearing up swimsuits and feet left and right, you couldn’t be more wrong. As the name implies, mini pebble has much smaller stones incorporated throughout the mixture and is relatively smooth, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice comfort. Most customers are very happy with the texture of their mini-pebble surface.
As far as colors, not only can you select anything from white to black and every color in between, you can also choose to add additional aggregates like glass beads or abalone pieces to add shine and glimmer for relatively cheap.
Because of the variability of color in the stones and aggregates, the overall color is a blend. This means that any discoloration or mottling that will occur will be far less noticeable over time than on a solid plaster surface. This is also true for hairline cracks that may appear over time due to natural causes.
Pebble in general is a much more durable and hardy surface for your pool. It will hold up better to aggressive cleaning and acid washing and chemicals than a plaster surface. Where plaster can last 7-8 years before needing to be replaced, mini pebble can easily go 15-20 years without needing to be resurfaced. Note that when we mention resurfacing, we are referring to integrity of the material used (adhesion, delamination, pop-off, etc) and not the aesthetics.
If you do have issues with cracks throughout the life of your newly remodeled pool, a mini pebble surface will be much easier to patch than a plaster surface due to the original color variability; it will be much less visible than in a plaster pool finish.
Cons of Mini Pebble
Mini pebble will cost, on average, 30% more than white plaster. If you have a large pool, this could add up to a hefty sum. For this reason many people who want the most economical choice will choose plaster over pebble.
For pool owners that have medical or sensitivity issues with the unique texture of mini pebble, the smoothness of plaster may just be better for their individual needs.
Although mini pebble is overall a solid choice for resurfacing your swimming pool, it is not perfect. It will still discolor over time and will show some mottling even as soon as the first day. However, because of the blend of stone and color, it will be much less noticeable than on a plaster surface. Moreover, the stones in the mixture are much less likely to fade, meaning the color you choose will be more consistent over the life of your pool than plaster.
There may be some “fallout” meaning stones may become loose. This is inevitable but should not change the appearance or feel of your surface much due to the sheer amount of stones that will be in your individual mixture.
Why Choose Mini Pebble Over Plaster?
Many pool owners prefer the look of mini pebble over plaster because they can customize the color without adding any additional cost, unlike dyed plaster. It is very low maintenance and can be cleaned easily, contrary to what some people think.
The simple fact that pebble lasts on average twice as long as plaster is a huge selling point for many homeowners. The increased durability and oftentimes longer warranties can also be attractive selling points
Eric’s Advice
“If you plan on staying in your home for the foreseeable future, don’t want to go through the process of resurfacing again anytime soon, and want a pool finish that will look beautiful for years to come, mini pebble is your best bet.
At Stanton Pools we offer a 10 year warranty on adhesion for any mini pebble resurfacing remodel. If your contractor cannot offer you a warranty, find someone who will. You want to make sure you are getting a quality product that is applied by professionals in order to get the most bang for your buck.”
Price Variability
Whether you choose plaster or pebble for your new pool finish, there are a few things that will affect the overall cost of your project. Here are some things to look out for:
*Be wary of companies that offer either service for substantially cheaper than other quotes. They may use a cheaper quality dye or mixture than recommended by the manufacturer. This will shorten the lifespan of both finishes and cause premature issues and diminished durability.
*Ask what method is used to remove the old surface. Hydroblasting and chip-out are the two methods most commonly used. The NPC (National Plasterers Council) recommends any method that entirely removes any loose, peeling, or hollow areas and leaves behind the course, rough surface needed for adhesion of the new surface.
*Does your contractor provide the startup process? If not, there could be mistakes made that could compromise the durability and warranty of your brand new pool surface. Having one company take responsibility for the entire process, start to finish, means any issues can easily be handled and traced back to the same company.
Stanton Pools Is Here to Help!
Eric and the rest of the team at Stanton Pools are the experts in pool remodeling. Stanton Pools is located in Ventura County and we proudly offer new builds, remodels, and weekly maintenance in the Conejo, San Fernando, and Simi Valleys. If you are interested in any of our services, please fill out a form below or give us a call. We would be happy to help you with your pool!
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