Pool surface?

[sirbob]

I see lots of different finishes for pools, some have gunite, some are pebble tech, I see different colors etc. What I like when i see it, is mosaic tiles.

Does anybody know how you would rank the cost of the different finishes? What most expensive / least expensive and how does a mosaic tile fit in the coast range?


http://www.contemporist.com/2016/03...panoramic-views-of-the-brazilian-countryside/

 

[DC-88]

I'd say mosaic is the most $$$, but I agree it's the best look if done right. Hearst Castle has a nice indoor mosaic tile pool if I remember correctly :thumbsup Grey plaster with with the right mosaic style elements might be my choice on a budget, depending on the style...

 

[wsuwrhr]

Mellowyellowvector to the non-colored, non-gender specific courtesy phone please.

 

[BHC Vic]

I see lots of different finishes for pools, some have gunite, some are pebble tech, I see different colors etc. What I like when i see it, is mosaic tiles.

Does anybody know how you would rank the cost of the different finishes? What most expensive / least expensive and how does a mosaic tile fit in the coast range?


http://www.contemporist.com/2016/03...panoramic-views-of-the-brazilian-countryside/

I'm getting some estimates at 5pm today. Pebble tec white and the French grey voodoo went w.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Regular plaster is definitely the cheapest.

Gunite is the concrete, not a finish.

As Brian mentioned MYV can detail it out if he answers the white phone. He posted up in my build thread about some stuff he did in Vellano that would probably cost as much as my whole pool.

 

[sirbob]

I'm getting some estimates at 5pm today. Pebble tec white and the French grey voodoo went w.

If you wouldn't mind asking your guy - I would love to get a feel for the price difference. Thx!

 

[sirbob]

Having recently seen the Versace pool, it really was special - I could never afford the kind of tile work in that pool, but I sure like the idea of tile...


[video=vimeo;157359291]https://vimeo.com/157359291[/video]

 

[VoodooMedMan]

If you wouldn't mind asking your guy - I would love to get a feel for the price difference. Thx!

That would actually be my guy. However I never asked if they did any pebble etc. Work was top notch but as been detailed out in other threads the aggregates need to be done right to be smooth and also to last. Plaster my guys definitely have on lock. Would have to ask but my tile/stone sub could likely do the entire pool in tile. Just gotta be silly expensive just knowing what it cost for waterline tile.

MYV does tile in house and his prices are competitive. He'd likely be able to give an idea on the overall cost of any finish though being a general builder.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Having recently seen the Versace pool, it really was special - I could never afford the kind of tile work in that pool, but I sure like the idea of tile...


[video=vimeo;157359291]https://vimeo.com/157359291[/video]

lol at the end of the video.

That is some $$$$. Imagine being at some opulent Vegas hotel brand new with all the icing. Now imagine it's not open to the public and that stuff is your backyard. Wow.

 

[sirbob]

lol at the end of the video.

That is some $$$$. Imagine being at some opulent Vegas hotel brand new with all the icing. Now imagine it's not open to the public and that stuff is your backyard. Wow.

Ya my wife is great with the punch line at the end!

Its really hard to convey the detail that went into that pool in Miami - you just have to see it to believe it. I have known about that pool since it was built, but to your point, had never been in to see it in person until last month. This place has all the icing for sure!

 

[RiverDave]

Having recently seen the Versace pool, it really was special - I could never afford the kind of tile work in that pool, but I sure like the idea of tile...


[video=vimeo;157359291]https://vimeo.com/157359291[/video]

LMAO at the end!!

RD

 

[GRADS]

I was waiting for the expert to chime in but I can see he already did.:rolleyes

 

[VoodooMedMan]

I was waiting for the expert to chime in but I can see he already did.:rolleyes

Somebody has to help because the self proclaimed 4000 pool building expert gets it wrong and these guys aren't asking about refinishing a dildo surface.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Somebody has to help because the self proclaimed 4000 pool building expert gets it wrong and these guys aren't asking about refinishing a dildo surface.

B.NAG.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Somebody has to help because the self proclaimed 4000 pool building expert gets it wrong and these guys aren't asking about refinishing a dildo surface.

Sorry Greg, He does have a point.

 

[Big B Hova]

 

[teded]

Did a nice pebble tec, I think it was Tahoe blue[video=vimeo;157373609]https://vimeo.com/157373609[/video] changes color as the sun moves.

 

[GRADS]

Somebody has to help because the self proclaimed 4000 pool building expert gets it wrong and these guys aren't asking about refinishing a dildo surface.

Funny thing is the dildo I took a picture with is the same color as your deck. :lmao

 

[Bigbore500r]

As seen in many a porn - Dildos and pools make a great combo [emoji3]
Can't we all just get along

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Funny thing is the dildo I took a picture with is the same color as your deck. :lmao

So many ways to slam you. I'll leave it alone to not hijack someone elses thread.

 

[milkmoney]

Can't we all just get along[/QUOTE]

Good luck [emoji202][emoji12]

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Pebble Tec was discouraged in Havasu, why i forget, possibly an expert can chime in. We went with blue Quartz

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok voodoos guy left a little bit ago. Lots of great ideas. He's going to go over everything and shoot me some number tomorrow.

 

[rivermobster]

Here is what I know...

I've had a pool in my back yard for 25 years at least. Eventually, the tile Always needs work!! I just went with a standard white finish when I redid my current pool. It has had it's share of problems as well. Can't even imagine what the maintenance would be like if the whole pool was tile! :yikes

Way out of my pay grade...

 

[530RL]

Just re-did our pool and negative edge 10 months ago.

Now all the tile is coming off the negative edge. Register of contractors, engineers, lawyers, head scratchers.

Never, ever, ever do a negative edge if you want a pool that does not require money by the buckets.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Pebble Tec was discouraged in Havasu, why i forget, possibly an expert can chime in. We went with blue Quartz

You rang? J/k. I ain't got a clue.

Looking forward to seeing the transformation of your pool. And maybe even peeing in it one day.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Just re-did our pool and negative edge 10 months ago.

Now all the tile is coming off the negative edge. Register of contractors, engineers, lawyers, head scratchers.

Never, ever, ever do a negative edge if you want a pool that does not require money by the buckets.

Man that sucks. I've resolved to knowing at some point my new pool will start with money. I mean equipment and stuff only last so long. I just plan to maintain as best as possible so it last as long as possible and doesn't all go at once.

 

[sirbob]

Does anybody know how you would rank the cost of the different finishes? What most expensive / least expensive and how does a mosaic tile fit in the coast range?

Back to the original question. Anybody ?

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Back to the original question. Anybody ?

MelloYelloVector
Aquaholic
Grads

I can give you the number to my who did my work if you want to ask if they do that and get a quote.

All I know is plaster is the cheapest.

 

[Tom Slick]

Back to the original question. Anybody ?

Plaster is the least expensive. Next up is Quartz, then Pebble and most expensive is Jewel (glass).

 

[G. Faulk]

Back to the original question. Anybody ?

So I'm clear on your question, are you asking what the price difference is in doing the entire pool in mosaic tile versus say plaster or Pebble? Or just waterline and edge definition in mosaic and the pool floor and walls in Plaster-Pebble?

 

[Melloyellovector]

Ok so here we go, in order of cost and perceived quality
45 range per ft plaster - add 300-500 for color
60 range per ft Quartz
68 range per ft pebble mini or regular ( we always use mini )
75 range for pebble w glass added
80-100 range per ft for all glass pebble
All tile pools can be enormous difference in costs, costs are a per sq ft price, plus adding for benches steps barstools vanishing edges etc. starting range on all tile would be 20 range per sq ft, to well beyond 200 per sq ft. And this is measuring not just the surface, but walls also, and every nook and cranny between

Plaster life expectancy is no where no what it was in the past, like say 20 years + ago. Generally a plaster pool will look 20 years old with in a couple years. There will be exceptions
Quartz can look good and help with life expectancy of finish, smoother than pebble, how ever the aggregate isn't as large as pebble so hiding stains and or imperfections is not to be expected with Quartz
Mini pebble or an equal finish is rougher than plaster or Quartz but no where near as rough as regular pebble, but with all the benefits of a larger aggregate and multi colors so staining is not an issue ( this is the most cost effective and best bang for your buck hands down )
Large pebble same as mini but tends to be very rough on feet. How ever it is ok to run out of water with it making it beneficial for pools with no waterline tile, or vanishing edges finished with pebble. ( just because it can be used I would try to avoid doing so, it will eventually fail and become a PIA to repair ) also a algae likes the large pebble nooks and crannies
Pebble with glass is nice mix and gives some extra bling without breaking the bank, no other benefits other than looks
Beadcrete or all glass pebble is a reeeeeeaaaaaalllll nice finish! The pebbles are literally glass beads, even if installed wrong the surface is smooth to the touch. ( very expensive, and reserved for the FU I have more money than you crowd, how ever if you can afford it it feels amazing and gives unreal water colors and effects with lighting and or sunlight.
All tile pool, takes a VERY skilled crew of craftsmen to do correct, and actually very easy to maintain, very little will adhere to a tile surface submerged, algae can be brushed off by water movement, use epoxy grouts and stuff will not even stay in grout joint. Done correct will usually outlast the life of the person who owns the home and possibly generations. Usually for very high end custom homes, historic homes, high end hotels and resorts out of California.

We do all this, for plaster pebble product we can do anytime, for all tile likely end of year before I could even think about it.

And with out going back to see who said negative edge don't do. Sounds like you've had bad luck, lol
We do many negative edge, vanishing edge, infinity pools, what ever name you know them by. If designed and built correct they will last as long as any normal pool. Does it cost more than a normal pool to remodel of course. But one doesn't build a higher end pool and think this is a one time cost, or it will be same price as regular pool to remodel.
If and when you remodel you have more tile or stone to replace and costs will be higher. If your having tile failure or adhesion problems sounds like, installation error, or shell structure is failing. I would suggest if or when your tile work is done ( if not already done) you look closely at structure to see if underlying issues causing your problems. Make sure you don't slap tile back on only to have the problem again in couple years.
Best to water proof before any tile done, use modified thin set, epoxy grouts. On a vanishing edge it's very important to not get water beneath the tile. That edge wet,dry,cold,hot,expansion, and contraction all play a part. That and keeping it clean from the beginning. Many owners or service guys will let calcium build up, throw acid on it, do that a few times with standard grout, and you now let water into the structure all across that surface. Causing the failure.
Proper EDGEucation should have been shown when built.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Ok so here we go, in order of cost and perceived quality
45 range per ft plaster - add 300-500 for color
60 range per ft Quartz
68 range per ft pebble mini or regular ( we always use mini )
75 range for pebble w glass added
80-100 range per ft for all glass pebble
All tile pools can be enormous difference in costs, costs are a per sq ft price, plus adding for benches steps barstools vanishing edges etc. starting range on all tile would be 20 range per sq ft, to well beyond 200 per sq ft. And this is measuring not just the surface, but walls also, and every nook and cranny between

Plaster life expectancy is no where no what it was in the past, like say 20 years + ago. Generally a plaster pool will look 20 years old with in a couple years. There will be exceptions
Quartz can look good and help with life expectancy of finish, smoother than pebble, how ever the aggregate isn't as large as pebble so hiding stains and or imperfections is not to be expected with Quartz
Mini pebble or an equal finish is rougher than plaster or Quartz but no where near as rough as regular pebble, but with all the benefits of a larger aggregate and multi colors so staining is not an issue ( this is the most cost effective and best bang for your buck hands down )
Large pebble same as mini but tends to be very rough on feet. How ever it is ok to run out of water with it making it beneficial for pools with no waterline tile, or vanishing edges finished with pebble. ( just because it can be used I would try to avoid doing so, it will eventually fail and become a PIA to repair ) also a algae likes the large pebble nooks and crannies
Pebble with glass is nice mix and gives some extra bling without breaking the bank, no other benefits other than looks
Beadcrete or all glass pebble is a reeeeeeaaaaaalllll nice finish! The pebbles are literally glass beads, even if installed wrong the surface is smooth to the touch. ( very expensive, and reserved for the FU I have more money than you crowd, how ever if you can afford it it feels amazing and gives unreal water colors and effects with lighting and or sunlight.
All tile pool, takes a VERY skilled crew of craftsmen to do correct, and actually very easy to maintain, very little will adhere to a tile surface submerged, algae can be brushed off by water movement, use epoxy grouts and stuff will not even stay in grout joint. Done correct will usually outlast the life of the person who owns the home and possibly generations. Usually for very high end custom homes, historic homes, high end hotels and resorts out of California.

We do all this, for plaster pebble product we can do anytime, for all tile likely end of year before I could even think about it.

And with out going back to see who said negative edge don't do. Sounds like you've had bad luck, lol
We do many negative edge, vanishing edge, infinity pools, what ever name you know them by. If designed and built correct they will last as long as any normal pool. Does it cost more than a normal pool to remodel of course. But one doesn't build a higher end pool and think this is a one time cost, or it will be same price as regular pool to remodel.
If and when you remodel you have more tile or stone to replace and costs will be higher. If your having tile failure or adhesion problems sounds like, installation error, or shell structure is failing. I would suggest if or when your tile work is done ( if not already done) you look closely at structure to see if underlying issues causing your problems. Make sure you don't slap tile back on only to have the problem again in couple years.
Best to water proof before any tile done, use modified thin set, epoxy grouts. On a vanishing edge it's very important to not get water beneath the tile. That edge wet,dry,cold,hot,expansion, and contraction all play a part. That and keeping it clean from the beginning. Many owners or service guys will let calcium build up, throw acid on it, do that a few times with standard grout, and you now let water into the structure all across that surface. Causing the failure.
Proper EDGEucation should have been shown when built.

I should just be enjoying and not thinking about remodel time but I have a couple questions.

Are those lineal foot prices new build or remodel so including demo?

Second and most importantly since I did end up with plaster is what do think the reason plaster isn't as good as it used to be? Crew quality or product quality? What are the exceptions and what should I look out for/ is there anything special I can do to prolong other than brushing, vacuuming and proper chemical balance?

 

[Melloyellovector]

I should just be enjoying and not thinking about remodel time but I have a couple questions.

Are those lineal foot prices new build or remodel so including demo?


Second and most importantly since I did end up with plaster is what do think the reason plaster isn't as good as it used to be? Crew quality or product quality? What are the exceptions and what should I look out for/ is there anything special I can do to prolong other than brushing, vacuuming and proper chemical balance?

Remodel prices include chip out and redo, measured per Lin ft perimeter

Product quality, the raw materials for plaster is the biggest problem. Next salt systems will etch and electrolysis stains, generally why if salt system 90% plus of the time have a pebble finish. Usually with plaster finish I suggest good old fashioned liquid chlorine. Proper ph and alkalinity is very important to maintain at minimum weekly. Not intruducing algaecides containing metals ( silver, copper, magnesium etc... ) Not pouring acid direct in pool ( best to dilute first even though no one does ) pool guys and home owners over time tend to pour in similar locations every week over time etching finish at pour in area walls, and also will pool in deep end causing same etching, and or finish delamination.

The exceptions are usually luck, the odds are against you

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Remodel prices include chip out and redo, measured per Lin ft perimeter

Product quality, the raw materials for plaster is the biggest problem. Next salt systems will etch and electrolysis stains, generally why if salt system 90% plus of the time have a pebble finish. Usually with plaster finish I suggest good old fashioned liquid chlorine. Proper ph and alkalinity is very important to maintain at minimum weekly. Not intruducing algaecides containing metals ( silver, copper, magnesium etc... ) Not pouring acid direct in pool ( best to dilute first even though no one does ) pool guys and home owners over time tend to pour in similar locations every week over time etching finish at pour in area walls, and also will pool in deep end causing same etching, and or finish delamination.

The exceptions are usually luck, the odds are against you

Thanks. Very informative. Will keep an eye out for all of that. If things go my way then I'll be afford the upgrade when the time comes. Hopefully I can stretch it out.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Could you expand on this a bit?

Brian

Plaster life expectancy is no where no what it was in the past, like say 20 years + ago. Generally a plaster pool will look 20 years old with in a couple years. There will be exceptions

 

[wsuwrhr]

So it sounds like there is no middle ground.

Plaster is the cheapest, but doesn't last, tile is the best, but can cost more than the property where the pool is built at.

Everything else is rough on the feet.

Is that accurate?

 

[DC-88]

So it sounds like there is no middle ground.

Plaster is the cheapest, but doesn't last, tile is the best, but can cost more than the property where the pool is built at.

Everything else is rough on the feet.

Is that accurate?

You forgot fiberglass breaks down and gets itchy, but yes that pretty much sums it up

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Could you expand on this a bit?

Brian

Take a look right above your post. He explained it for me.
I went plaster for cost and I see a lot of pools that look fine. Even my neighbors pool that doesn't seem to show wear even though their pool guy sucks (I watch him show up for no more than five minutes and not do much). I figured it was crews because you can see how sloppy that plaster was done.

Now the big thing is I was a teen 20 years ago and not paying attention to plaster quality so I have nothing to compare too.

I also didn't want rough pebble and I thought pebble sheen cost even more.

Now I should have quoted as MYV obviously knows his stuff.

But oh well I was going to go super basic from the get go so at least color will hide any stains etc better and I can always upgrade at remodel time but I just hope it's a long way from now and I'm the exception.

I did hire a pool guy so it's done right and this guy is good. I watch to make sure things are not shortcutted and when he pours in chemical he walks around the pool doing so and things are distributed. And I give it extra brushing and plan on doing so for good.

I didn't want to jack up the startup and more than likely Ina month or two I won't have time for squat so for now I'm keeping with a pool guy.

One question I do wonder about though. Isn't the pebble stuff just an aggregate mixed in with plaster? If so then why doesn't that degrade like plaster only?

 

[sirbob]

So I'm clear on your question, are you asking what the price difference is in doing the entire pool in mosaic tile versus say plaster or Pebble? Or just waterline and edge definition in mosaic and the pool floor and walls in Plaster-Pebble?

Yes whole pool in tile not just waterline - like in the original post picture - thx!

 

[Tom Slick]

So it sounds like there is no middle ground.

Plaster is the cheapest, but doesn't last, tile is the best, but can cost more than the property where the pool is built at.

Everything else is rough on the feet.

Is that accurate?

Mini Pebble is the best bang for the buck. Yes, it's roughly twice the cost of plaster, just a little bit rougher than plaster, but extremely durable (it is real stone after all) and there's an extensive color palate to choose from.

 

[sirbob]

Ok so here we go, in order of cost and perceived quality
45 range per ft plaster - add 300-500 for color
60 range per ft Quartz
68 range per ft pebble mini or regular ( we always use mini )
75 range for pebble w glass added
80-100 range per ft for all glass pebble
All tile pools can be enormous difference in costs, costs are a per sq ft price, plus adding for benches steps barstools vanishing edges etc. starting range on all tile would be 20 range per sq ft, to well beyond 200 per sq ft. And this is measuring not just the surface, but walls also, and every nook and cranny between

Plaster life expectancy is no where no what it was in the past, like say 20 years + ago. Generally a plaster pool will look 20 years old with in a couple years. There will be exceptions
Quartz can look good and help with life expectancy of finish, smoother than pebble, how ever the aggregate isn't as large as pebble so hiding stains and or imperfections is not to be expected with Quartz
Mini pebble or an equal finish is rougher than plaster or Quartz but no where near as rough as regular pebble, but with all the benefits of a larger aggregate and multi colors so staining is not an issue ( this is the most cost effective and best bang for your buck hands down )
Large pebble same as mini but tends to be very rough on feet. How ever it is ok to run out of water with it making it beneficial for pools with no waterline tile, or vanishing edges finished with pebble. ( just because it can be used I would try to avoid doing so, it will eventually fail and become a PIA to repair ) also a algae likes the large pebble nooks and crannies
Pebble with glass is nice mix and gives some extra bling without breaking the bank, no other benefits other than looks
Beadcrete or all glass pebble is a reeeeeeaaaaaalllll nice finish! The pebbles are literally glass beads, even if installed wrong the surface is smooth to the touch. ( very expensive, and reserved for the FU I have more money than you crowd, how ever if you can afford it it feels amazing and gives unreal water colors and effects with lighting and or sunlight.
All tile pool, takes a VERY skilled crew of craftsmen to do correct, and actually very easy to maintain, very little will adhere to a tile surface submerged, algae can be brushed off by water movement, use epoxy grouts and stuff will not even stay in grout joint. Done correct will usually outlast the life of the person who owns the home and possibly generations. Usually for very high end custom homes, historic homes, high end hotels and resorts out of California.

We do all this, for plaster pebble product we can do anytime, for all tile likely end of year before I could even think about it.

And with out going back to see who said negative edge don't do. Sounds like you've had bad luck, lol
We do many negative edge, vanishing edge, infinity pools, what ever name you know them by. If designed and built correct they will last as long as any normal pool. Does it cost more than a normal pool to remodel of course. But one doesn't build a higher end pool and think this is a one time cost, or it will be same price as regular pool to remodel.
If and when you remodel you have more tile or stone to replace and costs will be higher. If your having tile failure or adhesion problems sounds like, installation error, or shell structure is failing. I would suggest if or when your tile work is done ( if not already done) you look closely at structure to see if underlying issues causing your problems. Make sure you don't slap tile back on only to have the problem again in couple years.
Best to water proof before any tile done, use modified thin set, epoxy grouts. On a vanishing edge it's very important to not get water beneath the tile. That edge wet,dry,cold,hot,expansion, and contraction all play a part. That and keeping it clean from the beginning. Many owners or service guys will let calcium build up, throw acid on it, do that a few times with standard grout, and you now let water into the structure all across that surface. Causing the failure.
Proper EDGEucation should have been shown when built.

This is exactly what I was looking for - thank you for taking the time to share this information detail.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Mini Pebble is the best bang for the buck. Yes, it's roughly twice the cost of plaster, just a little bit rougher than plaster, but extremely durable (it is real stone after all) and there's an extensive color palate to choose from.

Isn't the pebble aggregate just set in the plaster substrate?

 

[wsuwrhr]

Yep, this

One question I do wonder about though. Isn't the pebble stuff just an aggregate mixed in with plaster? If so then why doesn't that degrade like plaster only?

 

[2Driver]

We went from plaster to mini pebble or pebble sheen. I wish I had done the Quartz with some color in it

Only benefit in pebble over the plaster that I see is it looks nicer if you can keep it clean

Negs:
Hard on the skin. If you play hard in the pool with kids you will be skinless in places, especially big toe.
Lots of places for dirt and algae to grow easily. Takes 3 times the work to keep clean IMO.
.

 

[G. Faulk]

This is exactly what I was looking for - thank you for taking the time to share this information detail.

Yes, what MYV said. I've done two tiled pools in my career and if you choose this route make sure your builder knows tile and installation, and when its competed you have a very good service that knows what there doing. There way more money then Plaster-Pebble-Glass.

Slick needs to stick to making Pegged 3, Pebble is about a third more then plaster. No wonder him and his buddy are making so much money.

Fiberglass surfacing has come a long way and with the right applicator you will not see the deterioration like in the old days.

Like Slick said do Pebble Sheen, best money spent, and if you want to make it pop a bit have the Pebble authorized installer add some crushed abalone to the mix.

If your pool water chemistry is right and your pool service is doing there job it doesn't matter what finish you have you should be alga free.

Dont do a salt pool IMO. Pentair Inteli chem controller. And its expensive, Ferrari expensive, add Ozone if its in the budget. The combination of these two work really well, but good service is needed to be successful.The Pentair Inteli chem controller alone works really good. Don't forget what ever you do back it up with a good old in line chlorine tablet feeder just in case.

The big key for longevity is the right pool service.

 

[VoodooMedMan]

Yes, what MYV said. I've done two tiled pools in my career and if you choose this route make sure your builder knows tile and installation, and when its competed you have a very good service that knows what there doing. There way more money then Plaster-Pebble-Glass.

Slick needs to stick to making Pegged 3, Pebble is about a third more then plaster. No wonder him and his buddy are making so much money.

Fiberglass surfacing has come a long way and with the right applicator you will not see the deterioration like in the old days.

Like Slick said do Pebble Sheen, best money spent, and if you want to make it pop a bit have the Pebble authorized installer add some crushed abalone to the mix.

If your pool water chemistry is right and your pool service is doing there job it doesn't matter what finish you have you should be alga free.

Dont do a salt pool IMO. Pentair Inteli chem controller. And its expensive, Ferrari expensive, add Ozone if its in the budget. The combination of these two work really well, but good service is needed to be successful.The Pentair Inteli chem controller alone works really good. Don't forget what ever you do back it up with a good old in line chlorine tablet feeder just in case.

The big key for longevity is the right pool service.

So how come no salt no matter the finish?

 

[Melloyellovector]

Isn't the pebble aggregate just set in the plaster substrate?

I explained some of this directly to Brian today. But for others that may have the same question unanswered.
In a nut shell the raw material for pool plaster just isn't available anywhere to match the quality from 20-30 + years ago. Hydration is one of the largest problems of regular plaster for the past 10 years thru present. Basically moisture gets behind the plaster making greyish discoloration thru out. Among other things. No point in explaining every possible potential problem of today's plaster. Basically if you do plaster, know there are potential inherent issues, some will get lucky and never have any, but more often then not it just simply doesn't hold up the way pools from 60s-80s did.
Yes pebble regardless of size is held together and mixed w plaster.
The biggest problem of today's plaster is maintaining color clarity. Add pebbles to that mix the plaster is in the nooks and crannies, discoloration in the plaster part of a pebble mix would rarely ever be noticed because so many color variations already exist from the aggregate.
As far as strength, think of it same as cement mix. Add sand you have spec mix, good for grout etc but not much more than that, add p gravel can be used for walkways driveways etc, add 3/4 gravel can be used for foundations, footing, heavy duty driveways etc.
Now same type situation w plaster the larger the aggregate the stronger the mix/finished product
And I keep seeing people say pebble rough. Is it more texture than plaster yes. But Iv got to say I believe the biggest haters are judging off of large regular pebble ( almost similar to walking in rough asphalt street )
With mini pebble ( or pebble sheen ) you can get the same look, can be finished pretty smooth, and can be diamond sanded to a glass finish if desired at additional cost of course. Generally when we do steps, benches, and shallow ends we try and make as smooth as possible just for this reason. Just know sanding is an option if that is the problem
Quartz finish can look good, however the aggregate is not large enough to hide discolorations or stains, finish is closest to plaster finish smooth wise. But as it ages it will be a bit better than plaster, not as good as pebble ( as far as looking close to the same in 10 years )