Resurfacing your pool? The finish you pick decides how it looks, how it feels underfoot and how long it lasts. Here's how plaster, quartz and pebble stack up.
Last updated: October 2026
Short answer: When choosing a plaster, pebble or quartz pool finish, think of it as good, better, longest-lasting. Standard white plaster is the classic smooth finish with the lowest upfront cost but the shortest life. Quartz blends add crushed quartz to the plaster for more durability, stain resistance and color options. Pebble finishes use small polished stones for the most durable, textured surface and the longest lifespan. In Florida's year-round sun and swim season, most homeowners who plan to stay put choose quartz or pebble.
Curtis Pools offers all three finishes on resurfacing projects across Pinellas County. Here's how they compare.
How do pool finishes compare side by side?
| Finish | Feel | Durability | Look | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard plaster | Smooth | Good | Classic white, bright blue water | Lowest |
| Quartz blend | Smooth to lightly textured | Better — resists stains and etching | Many colors, subtle sparkle | Middle |
| Pebble | Textured | Best — longest-lasting | Natural, lagoon-style water color | Highest |
Is plaster still a good pool finish?
Yes, for the right pool. White plaster gives that bright, classic blue water and costs the least upfront. The trade-off is that it wears faster, shows stains more easily and is more sensitive to water chemistry. If you plan to sell in a few years, plaster can make sense.
Why do people choose quartz?
Quartz blends balance texture and longevity. The quartz aggregate makes the surface harder and more resistant to stains and chemical etching than plain plaster, and it comes in a wide range of colors — from light blues to deep grays that make the water look darker and more dramatic.
Is a pebble finish worth it?
For long-term owners, usually yes. Pebble finishes are the most durable of the three and hold up well to Florida's constant use. They have a natural, textured feel — some people love it underfoot, others prefer smooth. Ask to feel a sample before you decide.
Which should you choose?
- Choose plaster if: you want the classic look at the lowest upfront cost, or you're planning to sell soon.
- Choose quartz if: you want a smooth feel with better durability and more color choices.
- Choose pebble if: you're staying long-term and want the most durable, lowest-hassle surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does finish color change the water color?
Yes. White finishes give bright, light-blue water. Darker gray and blue finishes make water look deeper and more like a lagoon.
How do I know if my pool needs a new finish?
Rough spots, cracks, stains that won't brush out and hard-to-balance water are the big signs. See does your pool need resurfacing?
Can I upgrade tile at the same time?
Yes — resurfacing is the best time to replace waterline tile and coping. Learn more on our pool resurfacing page or see finished work in our gallery.
Want to see samples? Call Curtis Pools at (727) 559-7946 or get a free resurfacing estimate from Largo's pool team since 1956.