Start with how you want the surface to feel
Every other choice gets easier once you settle on texture. The surface is the one thing your feet touch every time, so it is the right place to start. Premium Pebble runs a spectrum from a near-smooth micro pebble up to a full regular pebble, with classic plaster as the smoothest option and quartz joining next.
If you want something close to traditional plaster underfoot but tougher, look at micro pebble. If you want visible stone character and the deepest color range, mini pebble is the most-specified finish for a reason. If grip and a rugged, natural read matter more than smoothness, regular pebble is built for that.
Pick the water color second, not first
Most people start with the water color they want and work backward, which leads to disappointment, because the same color reads differently on different textures and at different depths. Decide roughly how light or deep you want the water, then let the finishes that produce that read narrow the list for you.
Use the depth strip on each finish page. It shows the color at one, three, five, and eight feet, which is closer to how the pool will actually look than a single flat swatch ever is.
Read the specs and the warranty before you commit
Once you have a short list, the specs separate them: aggregate size, slip, stain resistance, coverage, startup method, and salt compatibility. These are on every finish page, not hidden in a dealer binder.
Then check the warranty. A ten-year product warranty on the finish and a five-year workmanship warranty through an approved applicator is the honest baseline. Confirm both apply before you sign anything, and order a physical sample so the surface in your hand matches the page.