Plaster: the clean, traditional base
Classic plaster is the familiar finish: a smooth cement-and-aggregate coat that reads bright and pale. It is the most economical option and the smoothest underfoot, which some people prefer.
The trade-off is service life and color control. Plaster shows wear and chemistry damage sooner than pebble, and color is harder to keep even over time. Done right, with tighter color control and a longer service life, it is still the right call for a clean, traditional look on a budget.
Pebble: stone character and durability
Pebble finishes embed natural stone in the surface. They last longer than plaster, resist staining and etching better, and carry a richer, more natural color. The range runs from micro pebble, which is nearly as smooth as plaster, up to regular pebble, which has a strong texture and maximum grip.
The trade-off is feel and cost. A bigger aggregate means more texture underfoot, which is grippier but rougher, and pebble costs more than plaster up front. For most pools, the longer life and better color make up for it.
Quartz: hardened brightness, coming next
Quartz finishes blend quartz aggregate into the surface for added brightness and stain resistance, sitting between plaster and pebble on feel. They hold color well and resist chemistry damage.
Premium Pebble quartz is in development now and joins the line next. Until it ships, the page carries a waitlist rather than a grid, so nothing is sold before it is real.
Which one is right for you
Pick plaster for the lowest cost and the smoothest surface, accepting a shorter service life. Pick pebble for durability, color depth, and stain resistance, choosing the texture grade that matches how much grip you want. Wait for quartz if you want hardened brightness and can hold for the launch.
Whichever way you lean, order samples across the families and check them in your own light. The difference between micro pebble and plaster is hard to judge on a screen and obvious in your hand.