If you’re planning a Pool remodeling or just need a pool resurfacing, you need to consider what materials would be best for your needs. You’ll likely consider the architectural style of your home, pool design, and the surrounding area; but required maintenance, longevity, and costs also are concerns, as well.

The two most popular pool resurfacing materials are plaster and pebble. Let’s take a look at both of these.

The Material Composition

* Plaster:

• The basic material is white cement mixed with either marble sand or finely pulverized limestone.
• This mixture has been around since the 1960s, making improvements along the way. It’s a proven pool surface, regardless of environment.
• Finely ground quartz can be added to create a sheen to the surface.
• Additionally, the color in plaster surfaces permeates throughout the mixture. It’s not just a topcoat.

* Pebbles:

• The same aggregate mixture used for plaster is used to bond together the pebbles, which can vary in size and sheen.
• It was introduced in the 1980s with popularity growing slowly over the years.

Application

• Both are used on in-ground pools with concrete shells. The concrete is too abrasive for swimming. So, an additional surface is used to cover the concrete.
• The plaster is applied from 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick.
• Pebbles are applied to a similar thickness, depending on the size of the pebbles. After application, any excess plaster is removed to expose the pebbles with the plaster working the same as tile grout – more pebbles than plaster.
• Both surfaces are watertight.
• Pebbles can have a rough surface, creating issues for swimmers, compared to plaster, which is smooth. This makes pebble surfaces hard on automatic pool cleaners that use a back and forth wiping or mopping motion.

Durability

• Plaster lasts about 10 plus years, while pebbles last about 20 plus years.
• Because it is so porous, plaster is more susceptible to:o Erosion and etching,o Discoloration and stains,o Harboring bacteria and algae easier, ando Absorbing some pool chemicals.
• Pebbles is non-porous and avoids the above issues, even resisting the growth of bacteria and algae.
• Pebbles also hide chemical residue, while plaster doesn’t.

Aesthetics

• The look will depend on the pool design and the effect you desire. Both surfaces offer advantages.
• Both come in a variety of colors, though pebbles are limited by the actual color of the pebbles – usually, tans, greens, and blues. Plaster is only limited by the color that manufacturers add to the mixture.
• Pebbles give a more natural, earthy effect; but plaster can be more dramatic, as in the current trend of black, used in smaller, designer shaped pools with white marble decking.
• So pebbles might be the best choice to match a surrounding area of sand, beach or water; while plaster may best complement a theme, mood or architectural style.

Cost

• Plaster is the most economical pool surfacing to install on the market. Pebbles cost almost twice as much, though it lasts twice as long.
• Even when additives are used in the plaster to make it more resistant to chemicals, etching, and cracking, it’s still the most economical surface to install.
• Maintenance, however, will cost more with a plaster surface than pebbles. With all of the plaster’s susceptibilities mentioned earlier, it will take more chemicals to keep the water balanced and the surface clean of bacteria, stains, and algae, which also can require more brushing. Pool maintenance may need to be done more often, as well.

As you can see, both plaster and pebble surfaces have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice is whatever works best for you and your pool setting.

Contact Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches today to discuss all your pool resurfacing and pool remodeling needs.

561-203-0270

The post Plaster or Pebble Pool Resurfacing … What Is Best for You? appeared first on Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches.