Choosing Your Pool's New Look

A swimming pool is a wonderful addition to any home, especially in sunny Orlando, FL. It offers a refreshing escape, a place for family fun, and a beautiful backyard centerpiece. But over time, the surface of your pool can wear down, becoming rough, stained, or cracked. When this happens, it's time for pool resurfacing—a process that not only restores your pool's integrity but also gives you a chance to completely transform its appearance.

Choosing the right material is the most important decision you'll make in this process. With options ranging from classic plaster to luxurious tile, the material you select will determine your pool's look, feel, and long-term durability. This guide will walk you through the most popular pool resurfacing materials—plaster, pebble, quartz, and tile—helping you understand the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed choice for your Orlando home.

What is Pool Resurfacing?

Pool resurfacing involves removing the old, damaged surface layer of your pool and applying a new one. This isn't just a cosmetic fix; it's essential maintenance that prevents leaks, protects the pool's structure, and ensures a safe, smooth swimming environment. For homeowners in Florida, where pools are exposed to intense sun and frequent use, resurfacing is a common necessity every 10 to 20 years, depending on the material.

The process gives your pool a fresh start. A new surface can fix issues like stains from minerals and algae, roughness that can scrape skin, and small cracks that could lead to bigger problems. It's also your opportunity to update your pool's style. You can change the color of the water, add texture, and create a look that perfectly matches your backyard aesthetic.

Comparing Pool Resurfacing Materials

Let's explore the four main options for your pool's new finish. Each has a unique set of characteristics, from cost and lifespan to appearance and texture.

Pool Plaster: The Classic Choice

Plaster is the original pool surfacing material and remains a popular option due to its affordability and classic look. It's a simple mixture of white cement, marble dust, and water. When applied, it creates a smooth, timeless finish that has been the standard for decades.

Appearance: Traditional plaster results in a classic, light blue water color that many people associate with swimming pools. While white is the standard, pigments can be added to create different shades, though they may fade over time.
Durability & Lifespan: Plaster is the least durable of the options, typically lasting between 7 and 10 years. It's porous, making it more susceptible to staining and algae growth if water chemistry isn't meticulously maintained.
Feel: When first applied, plaster is very smooth. However, over time, it can become rough or abrasive as the surface etches and minerals deposit.
Cost: Plaster is the most budget-friendly option for pool resurfacing, making it an attractive choice for those with cost constraints.

Best for: Pool owners looking for the most affordable option and who are diligent with pool maintenance to prolong its life.

Pebble Finishes: Durable and Natural

Pebble surfaces, like those from popular brands like PebbleTec® and PebbleSheen®, are made from a mixture of small, smooth river pebbles embedded in cement. This option has become incredibly popular in recent years for its durability and natural, lagoon-like appearance.

Appearance: Pebble finishes offer a more textured, natural look. The water color can range from a light Caribbean blue to a deep, dark lagoon, depending on the pebble colors chosen. The pebbles catch the sunlight, creating a beautiful sparkling effect.
Durability & Lifespan: This is where pebble truly shines. It is an extremely durable and stain-resistant material, with a lifespan of 20 years or more. Its non-porous nature makes it resistant to algae and chemical imbalances.
Feel: The texture can vary. Larger pebbles (like in PebbleTec®) create a bumpier surface that some people find rough on their feet, while smaller pebbles (like in PebbleSheen®) offer a smoother, more refined texture.
Cost: Pebble finishes are a significant investment, costing more than plaster and quartz. However, their longevity often makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Best for: Homeowners who prioritize durability and a long lifespan, and who desire a more natural, textured aesthetic for their pool.

Quartz Finishes: A Sparkling Mid-Range Option

Quartz aggregate finishes are a great compromise between plaster and pebble. They consist of a cement base mixed with finely crushed quartz crystals. This combination creates a surface that is both stronger and more attractive than standard plaster.

Appearance: The quartz crystals embedded in the surface create a multi-toned, sparkling effect that shimmers in the sunlight. It comes in a wide variety of colors, allowing for more customization than plaster.
Durability & Lifespan: Quartz is much more durable and stain-resistant than plaster, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years. It holds up better against chemical imbalances and is less prone to etching.
Feel: A quartz surface is smooth to the touch, offering a comfortable swimming experience without the potential roughness of plaster as it ages.
Cost: Quartz is a mid-range option, costing more than plaster but less than pebble. It provides a good balance of cost, durability, and aesthetics.

Best for: Pool owners who want a step up from plaster in terms of durability and visual appeal without the higher price tag of a pebble finish.

Pool Tile: The Premium, High-End Finish

Tile is the most premium and luxurious option for pool resurfacing. Typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or glass, tiles are installed by hand to cover the entire interior of the pool. This offers an unmatched level of customization and beauty.

Appearance: With tile, the design possibilities are virtually endless. You can create intricate mosaics, custom patterns, or a simple, elegant look. Glass tiles are particularly stunning, reflecting light to create a radiant, jewel-like effect.
Durability & Lifespan: Tile is the most durable of all pool surfaces. It's non-porous, impervious to chemicals, and won't stain or fade. A properly tiled pool can last for decades with minimal maintenance, often only requiring re-grouting.
Feel: A tiled surface is exceptionally smooth and feels luxurious underfoot.
Cost: The beauty and durability of tile come at a high price. It is by far the most expensive pool resurfacing option, due to both the material cost and the intensive, skilled labor required for installation.

Best for: Those with a generous budget who are looking for the ultimate in luxury, customization, and long-term durability.

Your Partner for Pool Resurfacing in Orlando, FL

Choosing the right material for your pool resurfacing project is a big decision, but you don't have to make it alone. The best choice depends on your budget, style preferences, and how much maintenance you're willing to undertake. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of plaster, the sparkling durability of quartz, the natural look of pebble, or the unmatched luxury of tile, there's a perfect solution for your backyard oasis.

If you're ready to give your pool a new lease on life, the experts at Pure & Simple Poolcare are here to help. We specialize in professional pool resurfacing in Orlando, FL, and can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free estimate and let's start planning your pool's stunning transformation.