When it comes to pool renovations in Florida, resurfacing is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions homeowners face. The surface you choose affects not only how your pool looks, but how long it lasts, how it feels underfoot, and how much maintenance it requires over time.
In this article, we break down the most common resurfacing options, their pros and cons, and which ones perform best in Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt-air conditions.
🌊 Why Resurfacing Matters
Pool resurfacing isn’t just about giving your backyard a facelift—it’s about restoring structure, improving durability, and ensuring safety for your family. A worn or outdated finish can lead to:
Rough surfaces that scrape skin
Structural damage from water intrusion
Algae growth and staining
Escalating maintenance costs
The right surface makes all the difference.
🔍 Popular Pool Resurfacing Finishes (Explained)
1. Marcite (White Plaster)
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners
Lifespan: 5–7 years (shortest)
Cost: 💲
Once the industry standard, marcite is a basic white plaster finish. While it offers a clean look at a lower price, it’s not as durable in Florida’s harsh climate and typically shows staining, etching, and discoloration more quickly than modern alternatives.
Pros:
Economical
Smooth, classic look
Cons:
Prone to staining
Shorter lifespan
Higher maintenance needs in saltwater pools
2. Quartz Finish
Best for: Mid-range upgrades with longer durability
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Cost: 💲💲
Quartz surfaces blend fine quartz aggregate into plaster for added strength, color, and sparkle. Brands like Diamond Brite are popular in Florida for their balance of beauty and resilience.
Pros:
Longer-lasting than plaster
More stain- and chemical-resistant
Variety of color tones
Cons:
Slightly rougher than plaster
Still susceptible to wear over time if chemistry isn’t maintained
3. Pebble Finish
Best for: Longevity and a natural, textured look
Lifespan: 15–20+ years
Cost: 💲💲💲
Pebble surfaces are made by blending small, rounded stones into plaster. They’re extremely durable and very popular in high-end pool remodels.
Pros:
Extremely long-lasting
Beautiful natural look
Resistant to staining, fading, and chemical damage
Cons:
Rougher texture (can be smoothed with “mini pebble” versions)
Higher upfront cost
4. Glass Bead / Beadcrete
Best for: Luxury pools with a high-gloss, shimmering finish
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Cost: 💲💲💲💲
Glass bead finishes reflect sunlight in a way that adds serious wow factor. While they’re among the most expensive options, they’re also highly durable and require minimal maintenance.
Pros:
Reflective, upscale look
Smooth surface
Excellent chemical resistance
Cons:
Premium cost
Requires expert installation
☀️ So…Which Surface Is Best for Florida?
Climate Factor | Best Finish |
|---|---|
High heat | Pebble or Quartz (resistant to fading/cracking) |
Saltwater systems | Avoid marcite; go with Quartz or Pebble |
Coastal exposure | Pebble or Glass Bead for best durability |
Luxury appeal | Glass Bead or high-end Quartz blends |
Budget-conscious | Basic Quartz or Marcite (with trade-offs) |
🛠 Final Word from the Experts
Choosing the right pool finish isn’t just about budget—it’s about matching your lifestyle, water chemistry, and long-term goals.
Need help deciding? At Econo Pools, we’ll walk you through sample textures and real-life examples from our past projects so you can make the best decision for your home.
Your Next Pool Project Starts with a Hello
At Econo Pools, we believe your backyard should be a place of pride, comfort, and lasting enjoyment. Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh renovation or starting from scratch, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with honesty, craftsmanship, and care. Let’s talk about your pool. Call today! The contact form is fully functional and monitored – we will review your submission and reach back out to you within 24hrs.
Call or Text: (239) 910-3892
