Pebble pool finishes in Vero Beach, FL

Built from stone

A pebble finish is made of small, rounded natural stones set in a cement base. Once it's applied, the surface cement is washed back to expose the tops of the stones. Because most of what touches the water is stone rather than cement, pebble finishes resist the slow wear that roughens up plaster, and they typically last the longest of the common mineral finishes.

That durability makes pebble popular in Vero Beach, where pools run nearly year-round and many homeowners plan to stay put for a long time.

What it feels like

Standard pebble has a textured feel, a bit like walking on a smooth riverbed. Most people get used to it quickly, but if anyone in your household has sensitive feet, or if kids spend a lot of time on steps and benches, ask about smaller stones or polished pebble. Those versions feel much smoother while keeping most of the durability.

Picking a blend

Pebble finishes come in blends of different stone colors. Light blends with white and tan stones produce soft, sandy aqua water that suits beachside homes on the island. Darker blends with gray, blue and black stones make the water look deep blue or lagoon green and are popular with natural landscaping and tropical gardens.

A pebble sample looks very different dry in your hand than it does underwater in full sun. Ask to see photos of finished pools, or wet the sample, before you choose.

Good reasons to choose pebble

• You want to go as long as possible before resurfacing again.
• Your pool is under trees and gets leaf staining.
• You run a salt system.
• You'd like a natural, lagoon-style look.

The installation

Pebble prep is the same as any resurfacing job: the pool is drained, failing finish is removed, and the shell is prepared and repaired. The pebble mix is then applied and troweled, and the surface is exposed with water or a mild acid wash. It's heavy, physical work, so expect a larger crew and a full day of application. After refilling, a careful start-up still matters.

Pebble and tile together

A new pebble interior pairs well with new waterline tile and coping. Since the pool is already drained, many Vero Beach homeowners update tile and coping in the same project.

Call (772) 356-3733 to arrange a free estimate. Not sure pebble is right for you? Compare quartz finishes, which are smoother underfoot.