pool construction

Choosing Your Pool Plaster

Plaster is an important part of the pool build and design process. It serves as the interior finish of the pool, applied to the gunite shell. Plaster determines both the color of the water and the texture of the surface. The lifespan of plaster is typically 10 to 20 years, depending on how well the pool is cared for. When the pool is ready for re-surfacing, new plaster is applied after the pool has been drained and prepared.

We offer three different types of premium plaster finishes: PebbleTec® PebbleTec, PebbleTec® PebbleSheen, and PebbleTec® PebbleFina. These plasters vary in color, texture, and price. We no longer offer traditional marcite plaster, as the PebbleTec® line of plaster is much more durable and lasts longer.


Pebble Technology International®

PebbleTec® finishes are an “aggregate plaster,” which are made up of a mixture of quartz and granite stones. It is stronger than a traditional plaster and available in a wide range of colors and textures.

PebbleTec®

PebbleTec® finishes have the largest aggregates, and therefore are coarse to the touch. This plaster delivers a uniform look throughout the pool. The uniformity typically lasts for the life of the plaster.
View PebbleTec Options

PebbleSheen®

PebbleSheen® finishes have medium aggregates, and are smoother than PebbleTec® yet still have defined texture. Like PebbleTec, this plaster delivers a uniform look throughout the pool.
View PebbleSheen Options

PebbleFina®

PebbleFina® finishes have the smallest of aggregates and is thus the smoothest of all the PebbleTec® finishes. This is our most popular plaster choice and is the less expensive of the three options.
View PebbleFina Options


Choosing A Color

When choosing a plaster color, it’s important to consider both the texture and color of the plaster. To experience the varying textures, you will want to touch and feel a sample. When deciding on the color of the plaster, you must take into consideration the corresponding water color that the plaster yields. For example, a medium grey plaster color will yield a medium blue water color. It’s important to note that factors such as sunlight, surrounding landscaping, and the pool’s design can influence the perceived water color.

PebbleTec® has a “Choose Your Water Color” tool to help choose the best color for your pool, based on the water color you would like.

Choose Your Water Color Tool

Here are some of our favorite plaster colors:

PebbleTec: Midnight Blue, Emerald Bay, Tropical Breeze

PebbleSheen: Ocean Blue, Slate Blue, Turtle Bay, French Grey

PebbleFina: Steel Grey, Grigio


Rectangular vs Free-Form: Which is best for your backyard?

One of the first major decisions to be made when planning your swimming pool design is whether the shape of the pool will be rectangular or free-form. After getting some design inspiration from our Portfolio, Pinterest, and Houzz, you must turn to your own backyard to see what style is the best fit.