Pebble pool finishes in New Smyrna Beach

Why pebble lasts

A pebble finish is made of small, rounded stones in a cement base. After it's applied, the top layer of cement is washed off so the stones sit at the surface. Since stone is far harder than cement, pebble resists the slow etching that wears plaster down. It's the longest-lasting of the common mineral finishes and the best at hiding small stains and debris.

A good fit for coastal pools

Pools in New Smyrna Beach face strong sun, near-constant use, and in many cases salt chlorine systems. Pebble handles all three well. It's also forgiving of the leaves and sand that blow into pools near the beach or under oaks, because its varied color hides what a white surface would show.

Texture: what to expect

Standard pebble has a textured feel, a bit like a smooth riverbed. Most adults don't mind it. If children or older swimmers spend a lot of time sitting on steps and benches, ask about:

• Small or "mini" pebble, which uses smaller stones for a finer surface.
• Polished pebble, which is ground smoother after application.

Choosing a color

Light blends with white and tan stones give soft aqua water that suits a beach cottage. Gray and blue blends look deeper and more dramatic. Dark blends produce deep blue or lagoon-green water and pair well with natural stone decks. A dry sample looks very different from a finished pool, so wet the sample in sunlight and ask to see photos of filled pools in the blend you like.

How it's installed

The prep is the same as any resurfacing job: drain, remove failing finish, prepare and repair the shell. The pebble mix is then applied, troweled, and exposed. It's demanding work, so expect a larger crew and a full application day. After the refill, follow the contractor's start-up plan.

Is pebble worth the extra cost?

If you plan to stay in your home for many years, pebble often makes sense because it can last much longer than plaster before the next resurfacing. If you're selling soon, plaster or quartz may be the smarter spend.

Call (386) 220-9512 to set up a free estimate and see pebble samples in person.