Your pool's interior finish is one of the most important decisions in pool design. It affects how your pool looks, feels underfoot, and how much maintenance you'll need over the years.
Traditional Plaster: The Classic Choice
White plaster has been the standard pool finish for decades. It's the most affordable option and provides a classic, clean look. Modern plaster comes in various colors beyond white, though lighter colors remain most popular.
Pebble Finishes: Premium Durability
Pebble finishes like PebbleTec, PebbleSheen, and Pebble Fina embed small stones into the plaster surface. This creates a more durable, longer-lasting finish with a natural, organic appearance.
Cost Comparison
Standard plaster: $4-7 per square foot. Pebble finishes: $8-15 per square foot. For a typical 500 sq ft pool interior, that's $2,000-3,500 for plaster vs $4,000-7,500 for pebble.
Final Thoughts
For most Southern California homeowners building or renovating a pool they plan to enjoy for 15+ years, pebble finishes offer the best long-term value despite higher upfront costs.
Build this at your home
We build from Santa Clarita to Long Beach, Thousand Oaks to Riverside, and Orange County down to Mission Viejo. Start with your city:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does plaster last vs pebble?
Traditional plaster typically lasts 7-12 years before needing replacement. Pebble finishes last 15-25 years with proper maintenance.
Is pebble finish rough on feet?
PebbleSheen and Pebble Fina offer smoother textures than original PebbleTec while maintaining durability.
Topics
- pool finish
- pebble
- plaster
- pebbletec
- pool remodeling
About the author
Remodel Your Vibe Design Team
Written by the design team at Remodel Your Vibe, a licensed (CSLB #1119054 (opens the CSLB license record in a new tab)), bonded and insured, veteran-owned and family-operated design-build company based in Los Angeles. Our own crews design, permit and build pools, backyards, ADUs and interiors across Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.
How we work
