Plaster · Pebble Tec · Glass tile.
Cost, lifespan, look, Arizona-water performance — compared side-by-side, no sales pitch.
At-a-glance comparison.
| Spec | Plaster | Pebble Tec / Sheen | Glass Tile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost (added to base pool) | $0–$4,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | $25,000–$60,000+ |
| Lifespan in Arizona | 7–10 years | 15–20 years | 30+ years |
| Texture underfoot | Smoothest | Slight grit | Smooth |
| Color depth | Light, chalky | Rich, mottled | Jewel-like, glowing |
| Hard-water staining | Stains fastest | Resists well | Resists best |
| Chemical / pH tolerance | Sensitive | Tolerant | Most tolerant |
| Best fit | Budget builds, rentals, replasters | 95% of Arizona homes | Luxury, spas, vanishing edges |
Plaster
White-coat marcite — the original pool finish. Smoothest underfoot, lowest upfront cost, but the shortest lifespan in Arizona's hard water and intense UV. Expect to replaster every 7–10 years. Best for budget builds, short-hold rentals, and re-plaster jobs on aging pools that aren't getting a full remodel.
- Lowest upfront cost
- Smoothest texture
- Easy to repair / patch
- Stains fast in AZ
- 7–10 year lifespan
- Chalky color depth
Pebble Tec / Pebble Sheen
Pebble Technology's aggregate finish — small natural stones blended into a cement matrix. Pebble Sheen uses smaller pebbles for a softer feel. This is what 95% of Arizona pools use today: 15–20 year lifespan, holds color in UV, tolerates hard water, and looks rich in every light condition. The right call for nearly every Phoenix Valley homeowner.
- 15–20 year lifespan
- Rich color depth
- Tolerant to AZ water
- Slight grit underfoot
- Higher upfront than plaster
- Costs $4–9k more
Glass Tile
Hand-laid glass tile (waterline only, or full-pool). 30+ year lifespan, jewel-like color, glows under pool lighting. Costs 3–5× more than Pebble Tec at full coverage but adds significant resale value on luxury builds. Right call for vanishing-edge pools, raised spas, and signature view-lot homes in Silverleaf, Desert Mountain, Paradise Valley.
- 30+ year lifespan
- Jewel-like depth
- Best resale on luxury homes
- 3–5× the cost
- Specialty install crew
- Repair = more expensive
Want a recommendation for your build?
We'll spec the right finish for your design, sun exposure, and budget — and quote it fixed-price.