Premium Pool Finish Guide: Choosing the Perfect Surface for Your Georgia Pool

Your pool's finish is far more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a critical decision that affects durability, maintenance requirements, comfort, and long-term value. For Georgia homeowners investing in custom pools, understanding the differences between plaster, quartz, pebble, and tile finishes ensures you select the surface that best matches your priorities, budget, and lifestyle.

At Alison Pools, we've installed thousands of pool finishes across the Georgia region over our years in business. This comprehensive guide draws on that experience to help you make an informed decision about one of your pool's most important components.

Understanding Pool Finishes: The Foundation of Your Investment

Your pool finish serves multiple critical functions beyond appearance. It provides the waterproof barrier that protects your pool's structural shell, creates the surface swimmers contact, determines maintenance requirements, and establishes the overall aesthetic of your backyard oasis.

The right finish delivers years of beauty and performance, while the wrong choice can lead to frustration, excessive maintenance, and premature replacement costs. For pools in Georgia, climate considerations add another layer to this decision.

At Alison Pools, we account for these regional factors in every finish recommendation.

Traditional Plaster Finishes: Classic Affordability

Plaster has served as the pool industry standard for decades, offering proven performance at accessible prices while providing the clean, classic appearance many pool owners prefer.

Composition and Application

Traditional plaster, often called marcite, is a mixture composed primarily of white Portland cement, marble dust, and fortifying additives to boost strength and water resistance. Mixed with water, it forms a smooth material that specialty crews use to coat the inside of a pool, applying it over the concrete surface with hand-held trowel tools to create a smooth, hard exterior.

Advantages of Traditional Plaster

Initial Affordability
Traditional plaster costs typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 or approximately $4 per square foot, making it the most budget-friendly option and representing 30-50% less than premium alternatives. This cost advantage makes quality finishes accessible to budget-conscious pool owners.

Smooth, Comfortable Surface
Plaster provides exceptional comfort for swimmers, with a texture that feels pleasant underfoot and doesn't cause abrasion during swimming or playing. The smooth finish is particularly appreciated by families with young children and those who spend extensive time in the pool.

Clean, Classic Appearance
Standard white plaster creates the traditional pool appearance that many homeowners desire—bright, inviting, and timeless. The classic look complements virtually any landscape design or architectural style common in Georgia homes.

Straightforward Installation
Plaster application is a well-established process that skilled contractors can complete efficiently, and the material itself is widely available throughout the pool industry.

Limitations to Consider

Shorter Lifespan
Plaster finishes typically last 7-10 years, requiring more frequent resurfacing than premium alternatives. In regions with particularly hard water like parts of Georgia, the finish may deteriorate even faster as pool water wreaks havoc on plaster's endurance.

Visible Wear and Staining
The surface can become increasingly uneven and pitted as the finish wears down, leading to an unpleasant swimming experience. Staining and mottling is very noticeable on plaster surfaces, and the finish shows imperfections far more readily than aggregate alternatives.

Higher Maintenance Requirements
Plaster constantly reacts to chemicals, minerals, and pH/alkalinity in pool water, making this finish more susceptible to problems if water chemistry is not properly and consistently balanced. Regular brushing and careful chemical management are essential for maximizing plaster lifespan.

Color Limitations
Although plaster starts as white, the wet mix can be dyed in a small range of blues and greys, but the deeper the added color, the more easily the finish shows imperfections such as streaks and fading. Many pool contractors in Georgia are reluctant to use deeply dyed plasters because they magnify minor blemishes.

Best Applications for Traditional Plaster

Traditional plaster works well for budget-conscious projects where initial cost is the primary concern, pools with excellent maintenance programs that include regular chemical monitoring, homeowners who prefer the classic smooth white pool aesthetic, and those planning to resurface within 10 years anyway as part of regular maintenance.

For clients at Alison Pools seeking traditional plaster, we emphasize the importance of proper pool maintenance to maximize finish lifespan.

🏊 Ready to Select the Perfect Pool Finish?

As experienced Georgia pool builders, Alison Pools guides you through every finish option with honest assessments tailored to your budget, lifestyle, and pool design. Our years of experience means we've seen how different finishes perform in real Georgia conditions.

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Quartz Aggregate Finishes: Enhanced Durability Meets Beauty

Quartz finishes represent a significant upgrade from traditional plaster, offering enhanced durability, brilliant appearance, and superior color retention while maintaining reasonable costs.

Composition and Technology

Quartz aggregate blends combine crushed quartz particles with white plaster and special polymers, creating a beautiful, durable surface highly resistant to stains and chemical exposure. The quartz stone is both very hard and dense, and after the plaster is troweled and curing begins, special water nozzles strip the top layer of plaster surface away, exposing the quartz within and giving the surface a more durable finish.

Advantages of Quartz Finishes

Superior Durability
Quartz finishes typically last 10-15 years, providing excellent value over time and beating traditional plaster's endurance by 3-5 years minimum. The quartz particles add significant strength to the cement matrix, reducing surface wear and improving longevity.

Outstanding Color Retention
Superior color retention maintains vibrant colors throughout the finish's lifespan, resisting fading from UV exposure and chemical treatments. The mineral-based colors are inherently stable and long-lasting, making quartz ideal for pools with colored finishes.

Brilliant, Shimmering Appearance
Light-reflecting quartz crystals create spectacular visual effects, particularly in the intense Georgia sunlight. The sparkle and shimmer of quartz crystals create luxurious, eye-catching pool surfaces that enhance the entire backyard aesthetic.

Smooth Comfort
Quartz provides excellent swimming comfort while maintaining durability superior to traditional plaster. The surface feels pleasant underfoot without the texture concerns associated with pebble finishes, making it family-friendly for all ages.

Reduced Maintenance Issues
Many concerns with standard colored plaster are not problems with quartz finishes because the top layer of plaster has been stripped away, giving the plaster greater color consistency and fewer issues with the appearance of crazing.

Stain and Chemical Resistance
Quartz is highly resistant to stains and chemical exposure, reducing the visibility of water chemistry imbalances that would significantly mar traditional plaster.

Considerations

Moderate Price Premium
Quartz finishes cost roughly 20-30% more than traditional plaster upfront, typically around $5 per square foot. However, they almost always produce a superior investment because they beat plaster's endurance by 10-15 years in many cases.

Still Requires Careful Chemistry
While more forgiving than plaster, quartz finishes still benefit from proper water chemistry maintenance. Quartz cracks more frequently than pebble and can show discoloration over time if water balance is neglected.

Moderate Slip Resistance
Quartz provides less traction than pebble finishes, though more than smooth plaster. This characteristic may be a concern in applications where maximum slip resistance is required, such as beach entries or steps.

Repair Complexity
If damage occurs, matching colors and textures requires expertise and may result in visible repair areas.

Ideal Applications

Quartz finishes work excellently for contemporary pool designs, installations where color retention is crucial, luxury applications where appearance is prioritized, pools with good maintenance programs that can maximize performance, and homeowners seeking the middle ground between plaster affordability and pebble durability.

Pool designs at Alison Pools frequently incorporate quartz finishes for clients who want that perfect balance of beauty, durability, and value.

💎 Discover Quartz's Brilliant Shimmer

Quartz finishes offer the perfect combination of beauty and value for swimming pool builders in Georgia clients. See how light dances across quartz surfaces in our portfolio of Georgia installations.

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Pebble Finishes: Ultimate Durability and Natural Beauty

Pebble finishes, often called aggregate finishes, represent the premium choice for homeowners seeking maximum durability, distinctive natural aesthetics, and long-term value despite higher initial investment.

Composition and Characteristics

Pebble finishes use natural pebbles, glass beads, or mini pebble stones mixed with special cement blends, creating a striking, natural appearance ideal for pool remodeling projects in high-end homes. The pebbles can be natural river stones, beach pebbles, or manufactured aggregates in various colors and sizes—all very small, with the smallest being slightly larger than a grain of sand.

Exceptional Advantages

Remarkable Longevity
Pebble finishes can last 15-25 years or longer with proper care, representing nearly twice the lifespan of quartz and triple that of traditional plaster. This exceptional durability makes pebble finishes the most cost-effective option over the pool's lifetime despite higher upfront costs.

Extreme Durability
The large pebble aggregates used in this finish are chemically inert, meaning they don't react with pool chemicals. This significantly reduces the risk of etching, staining, and surface damage, ensuring a pristine appearance for years. Because of its composition, pebble finish is virtually impervious to chipping, mottling, staining, or fading.

Natural, Distinctive Aesthetics
Pebble finishes create truly distinctive results that enhance any pool. The natural variations in stone color and size create depth and visual interest impossible to achieve with flat finishes, hiding imperfections “like a pool ninja.”

Superior Slip Resistance
The textured surface provides natural anti-slip quality, enhancing safety around steps, beach entries, and shallow areas where slip resistance is critical for family safety.

Low-Maintenance Startup
Unlike quartz, pebble finishes require significantly less labor during the startup process. Most pebble finishes need only one visit per week for four weeks, compared to daily brushing required for quartz. This streamlined startup process reduces labor costs and eliminates hassle.

Excellent Chemical Resistance
Pebble finishes resist chemical exposure better than any other finish type. They handle  hard water conditions exceptionally well, making them ideal for areas with challenging water chemistry.

Considerations

Higher Initial Investment
Pebble finishes typically cost around $15,000 or approximately $5 per square foot—similar to quartz but higher than plaster. However, when considering the 15-25+ year lifespan, the cost per year of ownership is often lower than cheaper alternatives.

Textured Surface
While comfortable for most swimmers, the textured surface feels different from smooth plaster. Those with particularly sensitive feet might find the texture less comfortable, though most families adapt quickly and appreciate the massage-like feel.

Limited Color Customization
While pebble finishes offer many color options through different stone selections, they don't provide the same range of solid colors available with quartz or plaster finishes.

Best Applications

Pebble finishes excel in high-end custom pools where longevity is prioritized, natural or lagoon-style designs that complement the organic aesthetic, pools in areas with hard water or challenging chemistry, families seeking maximum durability to minimize lifetime costs, and pools with heavy use where durability is essential.

For our Georgia pool clients seeking the ultimate in durability and natural beauty, Alison Pools frequently recommends pebble finishes, particularly for properties and custom estate pools.

🌊 Experience Pebble's Natural Elegance

Pebble finishes transform pools into natural water features that blend seamlessly with Georgia landscapes. As leading pool contractors in Georgia, we create pebble installations that stand the test of time.

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Tile Finishes: The Ultimate Luxury Statement

For homeowners seeking the absolute pinnacle of pool luxury, durability, and customization, tile finishes represent the ultimate investment.

Understanding Pool Tile

Tile can be made of several different materials, including ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass. Rather than pouring in a mixture and smoothing it over, tile finish consists of a collection of hand-applied tiles that can create attractive mosaic patterns or dazzling displays of color.

Tile Material Options

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic pool tiles cost between $1 and $35 per square foot and are among the more affordable tile options. They come in many colors, and you can even get textured porcelain for a non-slip surface, though ceramic isn't as durable as some other tile options.

Porcelain tiles are slightly more durable than ceramic and cost $2 to $56 per square foot. Porcelain is made from fine-grained clay fired at much higher temperatures than other ceramics, making it denser and more durable. There's a wide variety of customization options, and you can even choose hand-painted tiles.

Natural Stone Tile
Stone tile can give your pool a natural or tropical look and usually costs between $5-$30 per square foot depending on the stone used. Some common options include limestone, sandstone, slate, granite, and marble.

Stone is all-natural and quite durable, won't fade in chlorine, and provides a natural anti-slip surface. As an added bonus, the stone absorbs heat and can keep your pool warmer—beneficial during Georgia's mild winters.

Glass Tile
Glass tile represents the ultimate luxury option, typically costing $7-$50 per square foot, though premium custom mosaics can reach $100+ per square foot. Glass tiles are non-porous, incredibly durable, and UV-resistant, creating spectacular visual effects that cannot be achieved any other way.

When installed properly, most types of glass tile represent the most durable of all swimming pool surfaces, offering sturdy resistance to chemical corrosion and other types of damage. Compared to other interior surfaces like plaster or aggregate which typically last 5-25 years, glass tile surfaces can retain their appearance and surface integrity almost indefinitely.

Extraordinary Advantages

Unmatched Durability
Tile shouldn't ever need to be replaced under normal circumstances. The only time you'd need to replace a tile is if something breaks it. This virtual permanence makes tile the most cost-effective choice over 30+ year timelines despite high initial costs.

Infinite Design Possibilities
Tile offers unlimited customization through color combinations, patterns, mosaics, murals, and artistic expressions. You can create truly one-of-a-kind pools that reflect personal style and become works of art.

Many swimming pool builders in Georgia blend three or more colors of tile to create custom color mosaics. When viewed closely, individual tile colors are apparent, but when submerged in water and seen from even a short distance, these differently colored tiles blend visually to create an optical field generating an endless variety of hues—very similar to Pointillism used by Impressionist painters.

Superior Chemical Resistance
Glass tile especially makes maintaining proper pool chemistry simple, as it's completely non-reactive to pool chemicals and pH variations. This means less stress on water management and fewer concerns about finish damage from chemical imbalances.

Smooth, Comfortable Surface
When properly installed, tile provides a smooth, comfortable surface that feels pleasant and doesn't trap dirt or algae like textured finishes can.

Dramatic Value Addition
Beautifully tiled pools not only increase home value but can drastically reduce sale time. The artistry and luxury of tile work make homes stand out in competitive Georgia real estate markets.

Important Considerations

Substantial Investment
Tile represents the highest upfront investment, with costs that can make complete tile installations range from $75,000-$150,000+ depending on pool size and tile selection. However, when amortized over decades, the cost per year compares favorably to repeatedly resurfacing plaster or aggregate.

Installation Complexity
Tile installation is a specialized craft requiring expert artisans. Improper installation can result in sharp edges, potential installation failure, and disappointing results. Always work with experienced professionals who specialize in tile installation.

Time-Intensive Process
Tile takes the longest to install—you might want to set aside a couple of weeks during which you don't expect to use the pool to complete the installation or renovation process.

Maintenance Nuances
While tile itself is low-maintenance, the grout between tiles is porous and tends to encourage algae growth, necessitating frequent cleaning. Epoxy grout is the gold standard for its durability and resistance to pool chemicals, but it comes with a steeper price than cement-based alternatives.

Ideal Applications

Tile finishes are perfect for luxury custom pools where budget allows for the finest materials, pools where unique artistic expression is desired, properties where the pool serves as the centerpiece of elaborate outdoor living spaces, homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term, and installations where long-term value outweighs initial cost concerns.

At Alison Pools, our most exclusive pool projects often incorporate extensive tile work, from complete interior tile surfaces to elaborate mosaic designs that become the signature elements of extraordinary outdoor spaces.

✨ Create a Tile Masterpiece

Transform your pool into a work of art with custom tile installation from Alison Pools. Our artisan tile craftsmen bring decades of expertise to create stunning installations that last a lifetime.

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The Hidden Costs: Long-Term Value Analysis

Smart homeowners look beyond initial costs to understand total lifetime expenses.

30-Year Cost Projection

Traditional Plaster

• Initial: $4,000

• 3 resurfaces @ $4,500 each: $13,500

• Total: $17,500

Quartz Finish

• Initial: $6,500

• 2 resurfaces @ $6,500 each: $13,000

• Total: $19,500

Pebble Finish

• Initial: $12,000

• 1 resurface @ $12,000: $12,000

• Total: $24,000

Tile Finish

• Initial: $100,000

• Resurfaces: $0

• Grout maintenance: $2,000

• Total: $102,000

These projections don't account for the hassle, pool downtime, and water chemistry management required for each resurfacing project—factors that significantly favor longer-lasting finishes.

Decision Framework: Choosing Your Ideal Finish

Use this systematic approach to evaluate which finish type best meets your specific requirements.

Step 1: Define Your Budget Reality

Consider both upfront budget and willingness to invest in longevity. If replacing the finish in 7-10 years fits your plans, plaster may work. If you want decades of performance, higher initial investment pays dividends.

Step 2: Assess Your Maintenance Commitment

Honestly evaluate how much time and attention you'll dedicate to pool chemistry management. High-maintenance personalities do fine with plaster; hands-off owners benefit from pebble or tile resilience.

Step 3: Prioritize Your Must-Haves

Rank what matters most: initial cost, longevity, aesthetics, comfort, slip resistance, or low maintenance. Your priority hierarchy clarifies which finish aligns with your values.

Step 4: Consider Pool Usage Patterns

Heavy daily use favors durable pebble or tile. Occasional weekend use might justify plaster or quartz. Kids who spend hours in the pool benefit from comfortable finishes.

Step 5: Evaluate Water Conditions

Georgia hard water particularly challenges plaster finishes. If your area has notably hard water, strongly consider quartz, pebble, or tile for superior chemical resistance.

Step 6: Match Finish to Design Style

Modern geometric pools often showcase tile or quartz brilliance. Natural lagoon designs pair beautifully with pebble's organic aesthetic. Traditional pools suit classic plaster.

Step 7: Factor in Resale Considerations

If selling within 5-7 years, plaster makes sense. Long-term ownership favors premium finishes that boost property value and appeal to discerning buyers.

At Alison Pools, we guide clients through this framework during our design consultations, ensuring your finish selection aligns perfectly with your specific situation.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Our regional conditions require special attention in finish selection.

Hard Water Challenges

Many Georgia areas feature high calcium and mineral content in water. This hard water accelerates the deterioration of cement-based finishes like plaster and even impacts quartz over time. Pebble and tile finishes resist these effects far better.

Temperature Extremes

Our intense summer heat and occasional winter freezes stress pool finishes. Thermal expansion and contraction can cause cracking in less durable finishes. Premium finishes handle these temperature swings better.

UV Exposure Intensity

Georgia receives intense sunlight that can fade colored finishes over time. Quartz's superior color retention and pebble's natural stone colors resist fading better than traditional plaster.

Clay Soil Movement

Our expansive clay soils can cause minor pool shell movement that may crack brittle finishes. More flexible and durable finishes like pebble handle this movement better than rigid plaster.

Maintenance Requirements By Finish Type

Understanding ongoing care helps set realistic expectations.

Plaster Maintenance

• Weekly brushing to prevent algae and calcium buildup

• Strict water chemistry monitoring and adjustment

• Acid washing every 3-5 years

• Careful pH management to prevent etching

• Regular stain treatment

Quartz Maintenance

• Weekly brushing (less intensive than plaster)

• Regular water chemistry monitoring

• Occasional acid washing

• Moderate pH sensitivity

• Good stain resistance reduces treatment needs

Pebble Maintenance

• Minimal brushing required

• Relaxed water chemistry tolerance

• Rare acid washing needs

• Excellent resistance to staining

• Lower overall maintenance burden

Tile Maintenance

• Regular brushing of grout lines

• Periodic grout cleaning and sealing

• Minimal chemistry concerns

• Easy surface cleaning

• Long intervals between major maintenance

Our pool maintenance services at Alison Pools include finish-specific care protocols that maximize the lifespan of any finish type.

Installation and Timing Considerations

The installation process varies significantly by finish type.

Installation Timelines

• Plaster: 1-3 days application, 28-day cure period

• Quartz: 1-3 days application, 28-day cure period

• Pebble: 1-3 days application, simplified startup

• Tile: 1-3 weeks depending on design complexity

Seasonal Considerations

Cool weather provides optimal conditions for plaster and aggregate installations, as slower curing produces stronger results. However, tile can be installed year-round without weather concerns.

In Georgia, we typically recommend fall or early spring for plaster and aggregate installations, avoiding extreme summer heat and potential winter freezes during the critical curing period.

Warranty and Quality Considerations

Warranties vary significantly among finish types and manufacturers.

Typical Warranty Periods

• Traditional Plaster: 1-2 years structural, no cosmetic

• Quartz Finishes: 3-10 years depending on manufacturer

• Pebble Finishes: 10-15 years for premium brands, often with double warranty (product and workmanship)

• Tile: Product warranties 20+ years, installation warranty 1-5 years

Common Finish Problems and Solutions

Understanding potential issues helps set realistic expectations.

Plaster Issues

Etching and Pitting: Caused by aggressive water chemistry, requires resurfacing when severe.
Staining: Iron, copper, and calcium deposits create unsightly marks, often requiring acid washing or stain treatment.
Delamination: Plaster separating from shell, requires prompt professional attention.

Quartz Issues

Minor Discoloration: Can occur over time, particularly with improper chemistry.
Occasional Cracking: More frequent than pebble but less than plaster.
Color Matching: Repairs may show slightly different shades.

Pebble Issues

Initial Roughness: New pebble feels rougher but smooths slightly with use.
Rare Pebble Loss: Occasional pebbles may dislodge, easy to repair.
Limited Cosmetic Issues: Problems are rare and typically minor.

Tile Issues

Grout Problems: Discoloration or deterioration requiring periodic attention.
Individual Tile Damage: Cracking or chipping from impact, requires tile replacement.
Sharp Edges: Improper installation can leave hazardous edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change my pool finish type when resurfacing?

Yes! Pool resurfacing provides the perfect opportunity to upgrade your finish. Many Georgia pool builders' clients choose to upgrade from plaster to quartz or pebble when resurfacing. The pool shell remains the same—only the interior surface changes. This allows you to take advantage of improved finish technologies without rebuilding your entire pool. Our pool renovation services specialize in these finish upgrades.

Q2: How does the finish choice affect my pool's water color?

Pool water color results from the finish color combined with water depth and lighting. White plaster creates the classic bright blue appearance. Darker finishes like graphite pebble or dark blue quartz create deeper, more dramatic water colors ranging from Caribbean blue to almost black. Medium tones produce tropical turquoise effects. The finish acts as the canvas upon which water, depth, and light create the final color effect. We help clients visualize water colors during design consultations at Alison Pools.

Q3: Is pebble finish really rough on feet, or is that a myth?

Modern pebble finishes have evolved significantly. While pebble is textured compared to smooth plaster, most swimmers find it comfortable after a brief adjustment period. The texture actually provides a gentle massage-like sensation many people enjoy. The smallest pebble sizes (mini pebble) feel smoother than standard sizes. Sensitive individuals can choose smoother quartz or plaster, but the majority of families with pebble pools report no comfort issues. The enhanced slip resistance often outweighs any texture concerns for safety-conscious families.

Q4: Can I install a premium finish on an older pool during renovation?

Absolutely! Pool renovation is the ideal time to upgrade to premium finishes. We regularly transform aging plaster pools with quartz, pebble, or even tile finishes during renovation projects. The existing pool shell is prepared through sandblasting or other methods, then the new finish is applied just as it would be during new construction. Many homeowners use renovation as an opportunity to dramatically upgrade their pool's appearance and reduce future maintenance. Our renovation specialists assess shell condition and recommend appropriate finishes for pools in German properties.

Q5: How do I maintain water chemistry with different finishes to maximize lifespan?

Each finish has specific chemistry requirements. Plaster requires strict pH control (7.4-7.6), alkalinity management (80-120 ppm), and calcium hardness monitoring (200-400 ppm). Quartz tolerates slightly wider ranges but still benefits from careful management. Pebble is most forgiving, handling pH 7.2-7.8 and wider chemical ranges without damage. Tile is nearly bulletproof regarding chemistry. For all finishes, consistent monitoring beats perfect numbers—stable chemistry prevents more problems than occasional perfect readings. Our pool service programs include finish-specific chemistry management tailored to your surface type.

Making Your Decision: Expert Recommendations

Based on our years of serving Georgia, here are our final recommendations for common scenarios:

Best Overall Value: Pebble Finish

For most homeowners planning to stay in their homes 10+ years, pebble finishes deliver the best combination of durability, aesthetics, and lifetime value. The higher upfront investment pays dividends through minimal maintenance and exceptional longevity.

Best Budget Option: Quality Quartz

If initial cost is a concern but you want something better than basic plaster, premium quartz finishes offer excellent performance at moderate prices. Choose a reputable manufacturer and commit to good water chemistry for 12-15 years of beautiful service.

Best for Luxury Properties: Custom Tile

For estate homes and luxury properties where the pool serves as an architectural centerpiece, tile finishes create one-of-a-kind installations that become the signature feature of the property. The investment aligns with overall property value and homeowner expectations.

Best for Investment Properties: Traditional Plaster

If you're building pools for rental properties or flip investments where you won't own the pool long-term, traditional plaster provides adequate performance at the lowest initial cost.

Best for Hard Water Areas: Pebble or Tile

If your Georgia location has particularly hard water, skip plaster and quartz in favor of pebble or tile finishes that resist calcium and mineral damage far better.

Best for Natural Designs: Pebble

Lagoon-style pools, natural rock features, and organic landscapes pair beautifully with pebble's natural aesthetic. The stone texture and varied colors complement naturalistic design elements.

Best for Modern Designs: Quartz or Tile

Contemporary pools with clean lines and geometric shapes showcase the brilliant shimmer of quartz or the architectural precision of tile installations.

The Alison Pools Difference in Finish Installation

What sets Alison Pools apart in finish installation?

Four Decades of Expertise

We've installed thousands of pool finishes across every type and brand. This experience means we understand how different finishes perform in real Georgia conditions over actual decades—not just manufacturer claims.

Certified Installation Teams

Our finish installation crews include factory-certified applicators for major finish brands. Proper installation is critical for finish performance, and we invest in ongoing training to maintain certifications.

Honest Assessments

We never upsell finishes you don't need. If your budget and usage pattern suggest plaster makes sense, we'll tell you—even though our profit would be higher on premium finishes. Building long-term relationships matters more than maximizing any single sale.

Comprehensive Warranties

Beyond manufacturer warranties, we provide installation workmanship warranties that protect you if any issues arise from the application process itself.

Finish-Specific Maintenance Training

We don't just install your finish and disappear. Our team provides detailed maintenance training specific to your chosen finish, setting you up for success in preserving your investment.

Local Knowledge

As swimming pool builders in Georgia serving for years, we understand exactly how Georgia water, weather, and soil conditions affect different finishes. This local expertise informs every recommendation.

Beyond the Finish: Complete Pool Surface Considerations

Your finish choice impacts but doesn't solely determine pool appearance and performance.

Waterline Tile

Even pools with plaster or aggregate finishes typically include waterline tile—a band of tile at the water's edge that prevents staining and provides an aesthetic accent. Waterline tile costs $25-$50 per linear foot and offers an opportunity to incorporate decorative elements even with budget finishes.

Steps and Benches

Many homeowners choose to tile steps, benches, and tanning ledges even when using plaster or aggregate for the main pool surface. This creates visual interest while providing smooth, comfortable surfaces in high-contact areas.

Coping

Coping—the cap around your pool's edge—works with your finish to create a cohesive design. Natural stone coping pairs beautifully with pebble finishes, while sleek precast coping complements contemporary tile installations.

Pool Lighting

LED lighting dramatically affects how finishes appear. Color-changing LEDs create entirely different moods with the same finish. Discuss lighting during finish selection to ensure your choices work together harmoniously.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

Modern homeowners increasingly consider environmental impacts.

Longevity as Sustainability

The most sustainable finish is one you don't replace frequently. From this perspective, pebble and tile finishes' exceptional durability makes them environmental winners despite higher initial resource use.

Chemical Usage

Finishes requiring aggressive chemical management contribute to environmental impact. Pebble and tile's chemical tolerance means less chemical usage over the pool's lifetime.

Natural Materials

Pebble finishes use natural stone rather than manufactured materials, appealing to homeowners seeking natural, sustainable options.

Recycling Considerations

When finishes require replacement, plaster and aggregate materials can sometimes be recycled. Tile removal is more wasteful but occurs far less frequently.

Start Your Finish Selection Journey

Choosing the perfect pool finish represents one of your most important pool decisions. The right choice delivers years of beauty, comfort, and value. The wrong choice creates frustration and expense.

At Alison Pools, we've guided thousands of Georgia families through this decision over four decades. Our experience, local knowledge, and commitment to honest service ensure you select the finish that truly meets your needs—not just the one that maximizes our profit.

Your Next Steps

Schedule a Finish Consultation
Meet with our design team to discuss your priorities, see finished samples, and understand how different options look in actual installed pools.

Visit Completed Projects
We can arrange visits to completed projects featuring different finishes, allowing you to see and feel real-world examples.

Review Your Pool Design
Your finish should complement your overall pool design. We'll ensure your finish choice harmonizes with other design elements.

Understand Maintenance Requirements
We'll provide detailed information about ongoing care for your chosen finish, ensuring you understand long-term commitments.

Make Your Decision Confidently
Armed with comprehensive information and expert guidance, you'll select your finish with confidence.

Experience the Alison Pools Commitment to Excellence

As established pool contractors in Georgia, we bring unmatched expertise to every aspect of pool construction, including finish selection and installation. Our years reputation is built on honest service, superior craftsmanship, and results that exceed expectations.

Whether you choose traditional plaster, brilliant quartz, durable pebble, or luxurious tile, you'll receive the same commitment to excellence that has made Alison Pools a trusted name in Georgia pool construction.

Your pool finish will serve you for years or even decades. Make this important decision with guidance from Georgia's most experienced pool builders.

Contact Alison Pools Today

Transform your pool dreams into reality with the perfect finish selection and expert installation.
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