So you’re looking to build or renovate your inground pool and trying to decide between Gunite and Pebble Tec surfaces. With so many options out there for pool surfaces, it can get overwhelming fast.
Ultimately, you want something that is durable, low maintenance, visually appealing, and a good value.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and help you decide which pool surface – Gunite or Pebble Tec – is the best choice for your backyard oasis.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Gunite | Pebble Tec |
| Durability | Very durable, lasts 25+ years | Durable, lasts 15-20 years |
| Texture/Feel | Smooth plaster finish | Pebbled, softer texture |
| Customization | Highly customizable shape/design | Highly customizable color/finish |
| Initial Cost | More budget friendly | Higher cost |
| Long-Term Cost | Lower maintenance/repairs | Eventual resurfacing needed |
| Installation Time | Longer application process | Longer application process |
| Insulation Value | Lower, transfers heat | Higher heat retention |
| Repairs | Plaster repairs needed | Specialized aggregate matching |
| Colors | Standard plaster colors | Custom blends available |
| Designs | Best for complex shapes | Best for freeform, curved shapes |
What Is Gunite?
Gunite, also known as shotcrete, is a popular choice for pool surfaces. It consists of a concrete mix that is sprayed onto reinforced steel rods and wire mesh to form the pool shell. The concrete blend contains cement, sand, and water. It is applied wet, so it bonds and hardens quickly.
Once the Gunite shell is installed, a finish plaster like marcite, quartz, or pebble is added on top to create a smooth surface. This plaster layer gives the pool its visible appearance and color. The most popular Gunite pool plaster finishes are marcite and pebble.
Pros of Gunite Pools:
- Extremely strong and durable – can last over 20 years with proper care
- Highly customizable plaster layer – many finish options like pebble and quartz
- Concrete continues to get harder over time
- Lower initial installation cost than other surfaces like fiberglass
- Easy to repair cracks and pops – just plaster over affected areas
- Wide range of pool shapes and sizes possible
Cons of Gunite Pools:
- Rough plaster finishes can be abrasive on feet
- Plaster layer needs frequent acid washing and re-sealing to prevent staining, etching, and discoloration
- Plaster finishes deteriorate faster than Gunite shell and need re-plastering every 5-10 years typically
- Minor repairs require re-plastering entire pool
- Rough underlying Gunite shell is sharp – requires plaster layer
What Is Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec is a popular exposed aggregate pool finish that goes on top of a Gunite pool shell.
It consists of ceramic pebbles available in a few sizes that are mixed into the plaster coat.
Once applied, the plaster is washed away revealing the pebbles while still retaining a smooth finish.
The pebbles provide added durability and improved traction for feet in the pool.
Pebble Tec comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to create a unique, decorative look for your poolscape.
It is one of the most popular pool finishes thanks to its aesthetic appeal, longevity, and barefoot-friendly texture.
Pros of Pebble Tec Pools:
- Extremely durable finish – can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance
- Improved traction from pebble exposure great for bare feet
- Decorative, natural pebble appearance
- Color options from subtle earth tones to vibrant colors
- Less prone to staining, etching, and discoloration than other plaster finishes
- Minimal repairs needed over lifetime of pool
- Easier to match or alter existing Pebble Tec during resurfacing
Cons of Pebble Tec Pools:
- Higher upfront installation cost than marcite plaster
- Pebble texture can be rough on some sensitive feet
- Not ideal for lap pools due to greater water resistance from pebble exposure
- Limited pool shape options – best for curved kidney shaped pools
- Resurfacing requires Pebble Tec, cannot easily switch finishes
Key Differences Between Gunite And Pebble Tec
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Gunite and Pebble Tec, let’s compare them across some key factors to help you choose the best pool surface.
- Durability and Longevity
Durability and longevity are likely your top priorities for your pool investment.
You want something that will stand the test of time with minimal maintenance required.
The Gunite concrete shell itself is extremely durable and strong.
It can easily last over 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
The plaster layer on top, however, deteriorates much faster from the pool’s chemistry and exposure to elements. Standard plaster finishes like marcite typically last 5-10 years before needing resurfacing.
Pebble Tec on the other hand is warrantied to last 15-20 years with proper care. The pebble exposure helps protect the underlying plaster layer from etching and chemical damage.
Re-sealing and acid washing every 2-3 years will maximize the lifespan. Many Pebble Tec pools last even longer before needing to be resurfaced.
Winner: Pebble Tec
While the Gunite shell itself is very durable, the plaster layer requires frequent attention and still needs re-plastering every decade. Pebble Tec finishes stand up better over time.
- Appearance
Gunite offers the most flexibility and customization when it comes to appearance. Any type of plaster finish can be applied, from standard white marcite to exposed quartz and pebble aggregates. Other special finishes like glass beads can also provide unique shimmering effects.
Pebble Tec has a more uniform natural stone aesthetic, but still comes in a wide variety of color blends and patterns. The ceramic pebbles provide added visual interest and texture throughout the pool surface. The pool takes on the general color tones of the selected pebble blend.
Winner: Tie
With any plaster imaginable applying to Gunite and endless Pebble Tec combinations, you really can’t go wrong on appearance. It comes down to which look you prefer.
- Traction and Foot Feel
Traction is important for safety and having a pool surface that feels good on bare feet enhances the swimming experience.
Standard marcite and quartz plaster finishes on Gunite provide a smooth traction, but the rough concrete underneath can be felt. This abrasive texture requires bare feet to have a bit of caution.
The pebble exposure of Pebble Tec provides noticeable grip and traction underfoot. The plaster between pebbles remains smooth. The pebbles do create some roughness, but generally not enough to bother most feet.
Winner: Pebble Tec
While not uncomfortable, the underlying concrete of Gunite makes footing less secure. Pebble Tec offers better grip and is still mostly smooth on feet.
- Costs
The initial installation cost is one factor for pool surfaces, but properly maintaining and having to occasionally resurface or repair your pool’s finish is an ongoing expense to consider.
Gunite with marcite plaster is the most affordable upfront option for a pool surface, often 20% or more cheaper than Pebble Tec. However, marcite requires acid washing every 1-2 years and needs re-plastering every 5-10 years typically. Each resurfacing job can cost $5,000-$10,000.
Pebble Tec has a higher upfront cost, but its greater durability means fewer repairs down the road. Acid washing every 2-3 years and resealing will maximize lifespan. Many Pebble Tec pools go 15-20 years before needing resurfacing.
Winner: Pebble Tec
While the higher initial Pebble Tec price hurts, reduced ongoing upkeep costs and repairs over decades offset the difference.
- Maintenance
Proper maintenance is required for any pool surface to maximize its lifespan. This includes regular brushing and vacuuming, maintaining proper water chemistry, and preventing issues like scaling.
Gunite requires extra attention to the plaster layer. This means acid washing the pool at least annually to remove staining and scaling as well as re-sealing the plaster every couple of years. The plaster may still need replacing every 5-10 years.
Pebble Tec is a bit more forgiving than other plaster finishes. Its unique texture hides common issues like light scaling. The pebbles also protect the underlying plaster. Proper water chemistry and acid washing every 2-3 years prevents most wear issues.
Winner: Pebble Tec
While all pool surfaces need proper maintenance, Pebble Tec’s durability and more forgiving finish makes it less labor intensive in the long-run.
- Repairing Damage
It’s inevitable that any pool surface will experience some damage or defects over its lifetime from popping and cracks to more significant structural issues. How easily these can be repaired is important.
Minor repairing Gunite usually involves spot patching any cracks or deteriorated plaster. But fixing larger areas or cracks in the Gunite shell requires breaking out the affected areas and re-shooting new Gunite. Any repairs ultimately require re-plastering the entire pool.
Pebble Tec also requires breaking out and re-shooting larger damaged areas. But the decorative Pebble Tec finish can be matched and blended into existing areas more seamlessly. No need to redo the entire pool surface.
Winner: Pebble Tec
Gunite almost always requires a full re-plaster when damage occurs. The textured Pebble Tec finish allows blending repairs into small affected areas only.
- Design Flexibility
Gunite offers the most flexibility when it comes to pool shapes. The liquid concrete mix can form complex free flowing curved designs, raised edges, and custom tile shapes. Any plaster finish can then be applied to the Gunite shell.
Pebble Tec has some design limitations since the plaster is hand troweled. Tight radiuses and complex designs are difficult to finish evenly. Simple kidney-shaped pools or rectangular designs are best. Can’t do raised edges or tile lining with Pebble Tec either.
Winner: Gunite
Gunite works with any pool shape and style imaginable. Pebble Tec is best suited for simple curved pool designs without raised edges.
Choosing The Best Pool Surface
Based on our comparisons, Pebble Tec comes out on top for its superior durability, lower long-term costs, appearance, traction, and easier maintenance and repairs. The only advantages of Gunite are lower initial cost and total design flexibility.
Pebble Tec is the best choice for most homeowners wanting a low maintenance pool surface that will last over a decade without issue. While the upfront investment is more, you reclaim those costs in the long run through Pebble Tec’s longevity and reduced upkeep. It simply outperforms other plaster finishes.
Gunite makes most sense for homeowners prioritizing initial cost above all else or wanting complex completely customized pool shapes and tile designs. Just be prepared for the extra maintenance and shorter plaster lifespan. Opt for a finish like Pebble Tec to maximize Gunite’s durability.
At the end of the day, maintaining proper water chemistry and cleaning your pool regularly allows any surface to meet its lifespan expectations. But Pebble Tec simply requires less effort to keep your pool sparkling for decades.
The peace of mind of lower maintenance may justify the added initial investment for most homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still trying to decide between Gunite and Pebble Tec? Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about these pool surfaces.
No, Gunite refers to the concrete pool shell before any plaster finish is applied. Pebble Tec is a specific brand of exposed aggregate plaster that contains small pebbles that is applied on top of the Gunite shell. Pebble Tec is one of many plaster finish options that can be used with Gunite.
Of plaster finishes for Gunite pools, Pebble Tec generally lasts the longest. The ceramic pebble exposure provides added durability over standard smooth plasters like marcite and quartz. Properly maintained Pebble Tec pools can easily last 15-20 years before needing resurfaced.
Pebble Tec is one of the longest lasting pool resurfacing options. The decorative pebble aggregate helps protect the plaster underneath from chemical damage and wear. Re-sealing and acid washing maintains the finish. Other long lasting resurfacings are quartz and glass bead plasters, or switching to a tile pool lining.
Pebble Tec is considered one of the best finishes for inground pools. The pebble plaster provides improved traction for safety, visually appealing natural looks that hide imperfections well, and superior durability over a decade or more before needing to be redone. It’s a great option that balances appearance, longevity, and barefoot comfort.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to choosing between durable Gunite or attractive Pebble Tec, consider factors like longevity, maintenance, cost, appearance, and functionality for your needs. Pebble Tec offers a gorgeous, comfy surface, while Gunite provides an extremely strong and customizable pool shell.
Your contractor can help match this guide to your project requirements. With either choice, proper installation and care is key to maximize lifespan. Do your homework and you can enjoy your pool surface for decades!