Living in Jacksonville means your pool is likely the most popular spot in your home from March through November. But when you look at your pool deck and water, do you see a sparkling oasis or a stained, rough surface that scrapes your feet? If the finish is chipping or cracking, it’s time to resurface.
Choosing the right material isn't just about looks; it’s about finding something that stands up to our humid North Florida climate and intense UV rays. In this guide, we’ll compare plaster, pebble, and quartz finishes to help you pick the right one for your budget and lifestyle.
What Is Pool Resurfacing and Why Do You Need It?
Pool resurfacing involves chipping away the old, damaged surface of your concrete pool and applying a new material layer to seal the shell. In Jacksonville, resurfacing usually costs between $6,000 and $15,000 depending on the material and pool size. This process fixes leaks, covers cracks, and restores the structural integrity of your pool, preventing expensive water damage later.
When the finish wears down, your pool shell becomes vulnerable. Water can seep into the concrete, rusting the steel structural beams (rebar) inside. We see this often in older homes in neighborhoods like San Marco or Arlington where pools haven't been updated in decades. Resurfacing stops this deterioration in its tracks.
You’ll know it’s time to call a pro when you see:
- Stains that won't brush off: Copper or iron stains often signal the surface is too porous.
- Rough texture: If the pool floor feels like sandpaper, the cement is eroding.
- Chalky residue: This means the material is breaking down chemically.
- Drops in water level: Unexplained water loss suggests structural leaks.
How Much Does Plaster Resurfacing Cost in Jacksonville?
Plaster resurfacing in Jacksonville typically costs between $3,500 and $5,500 for a standard 15x30 foot pool. It is the most affordable option upfront, offering that classic, smooth white finish you see in many older Florida pools. However, it has the shortest lifespan, typically lasting 5 to 10 years before it needs attention again.
The Details on Plaster (Marcite)
Standard white plaster, or marcite, has been the industry standard for decades. It’s a mix of white cement and crushed marble dust.
Pros:
- Cost: It’s the cheapest option initially.
- Feel: It’s very smooth to the touch, which is great for kids' feet.
- Look: It gives the water a clean, bright, sky-blue appearance.
Cons:
- Durability: It’s soft and porous. Algae loves to anchor into plaster, which means you’ll spend more time scrubbing.
- Staining: It absorbs chemicals and minerals easily.
- Lifespan: You will likely need to resurface again within a decade.
If you are renovating a rental property near the Beaches or looking for a quick refresh before selling your home, plaster is a solid, economical choice.
Is Pebble Finish Worth the Higher Investment?
Yes, pebble finishes are worth the investment for most Jacksonville homeowners because they last 15 to 20 years and resist staining far better than plaster. While the upfront cost is higher, ranging from $7,000 to $12,000, the aggregate stone material is non-porous. This makes it much harder for algae to grow and chemically tougher against our hot, humid summers.
The Details on Pebble
Pebble surfaces consist of tiny river stones mixed with cement. You can choose between "mini pebble" (smoother) and standard pebble (more texture).
Pros:
- Longevity: It’s common for these pools to go 20 years without needing a resurface.
- Maintenance: It requires fewer chemicals because the surface doesn't react as much with the water.
- Aesthetics: It offers a natural, lagoon-like look. Darker pebble finishes can even help warm your pool water by absorbing sunlight.
Cons:
- Texture: Some people find the stones slightly rough on sensitive feet.
- Price: It can cost nearly double what standard plaster costs.
In our experience servicing pools in Mandarin and Ponte Vedra, homeowners who plan to stay in their house for the long haul almost always prefer pebble. The reduced maintenance costs over 15 years usually pay for the price difference.
How Does Quartz Compare to Plaster and Pebble?
Quartz resurfacing bridges the gap, costing between $5,000 and $8,000 for an average Jacksonville pool and lasting 10 to 15 years. Manufacturers create this finish by crushing quartz stone and mixing it with polymer-modified cement. The result is a surface harder than plaster but smoother than pebble, offering a durable middle ground.
The Details on Quartz
Quartz gives you a speckled look that can add a nice sparkle to the water.
Pros:
- Durability: Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth. It resists chipping and etching much better than marble dust (plaster).
- Color: You can get rich blues, teals, and grays that hold their color longer than dyed plaster.
- Smoothness: It provides a flat, comfortable surface.
Cons:
- Cost: It’s more expensive than plaster.
- Application: It requires a skilled hand to trowel correctly to avoid uneven streaks.
Which Material Handles Jacksonville Weather Best?
Pebble finishes handle Jacksonville's specific climate challenges best due to their resistance to chemical fluctuations and UV damage. Our intense sunlight burns off chlorine quickly, and heavy summer rains can throw off your pool's pH balance overnight. Because pebble is non-porous, it doesn't degrade as quickly when water chemistry fluctuates, unlike plaster which can pit or roughen.
Factors to Consider:
- Your Budget: If you have $5,000 or less, plaster is your only real option. If you can stretch to $8,000+, quartz or pebble opens up.
- Local Climate: If you live near the coast (Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach), salt air is a factor. While the pool surface is underwater, the waterline tile and coping take a beating. Pebble finishes often blend better with durable, natural coping materials used in coastal homes.
- Maintenance Effort: Do you handle your own pool care? If so, pebble will save you hours of scrubbing algae.
Local Jacksonville Considerations
When planning your project, check local regulations. In Duval County, major pool renovations may require a permit, especially if you are messing with drain covers (VGB compliance) or electrical lighting.
Also, consider your neighborhood style.
- Riverside/Avondale: We see a lot of classic white plaster here to match the historic, traditional aesthetic of the homes.
- Nocatee/eTown: Newer pools in these master-planned communities often feature quartz or mini-pebble for that modern, high-end look.
Saltwater Corrosion:
Many Jacksonville pools use salt chlorine generators. Salt is tough on soft surfaces. Plaster can suffer from "salt pitting" if the chemistry gets off. Quartz and pebble are much more resistant to salt damage.
Case Study: A Transformation in Mandarin
We recently helped a family in Mandarin whose 1990s-era pool was showing its age. The original white plaster was stained brown from years of oak leaves falling into the water, and the surface was so rough the kids wore water shoes to swim.
The Project:
The homeowners wanted a lagoon look that would hide leaf debris better and feel smoother. They chose a Blue Surf Quartz finish.
The Process:
- Drain and Prep: We drained the pool and undercut the tile line.
- Bond Coat: We applied a specialized bond coat to ensure the new material stuck to the old shell.
- Application: Our team hand-troweled the quartz mixture for a consistent finish.
- Acid Wash: The next day, we acid-washed the surface to expose the quartz aggregate crystals.
The Result:
The pool now has a deep, shimmering blue color. The quartz is hard enough to resist staining from the oak tannins, but smooth enough for bare feet. The family increased their home’s value and extended the pool's life by another 12-15 years.
How Do You Maintain Your New Pool Surface?
Protect your investment by balancing your water chemistry weekly. New surfaces are most vulnerable in the first 28 days.
- Brush Daily: For the first two weeks, brush the entire pool twice a day to remove plaster dust.
- Watch the pH: Keep pH between 7.4 and 7.6. Acidic water eats surfaces; basic water causes scaling.
- No Salt for 30 Days: If you have a salt system, leave it off for one month after resurfacing. Salt can damage curing cement.
- Clean the Filter: That plaster dust will clog your filter quickly. Clean it when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI above normal.
Need Help With Your Pool Resurfacing?
Choosing between plaster, quartz, and pebble comes down to your budget and how long you plan to live in your home. Plaster saves money now; pebble saves money later. Quartz sits comfortably in the middle.
Don't let a rough, leaking pool keep you out of the water this summer. At All Phase Pool Remodeling, we’ve guided hundreds of Jacksonville homeowners through this exact decision. We’ll come out, inspect your pool, and give you an honest recommendation based on your specific needs.
Contact All Phase Pool Remodeling today to schedule your free consultation.
Sources
[1] HomeAdvisor. "How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost in 2025"