A pool finish is one of those decisions that’s easy to underestimate until you’re walking around the deck barefoot every weekend. Cheaper finishes can rub the bottoms of your feet raw and need replacement years sooner than they should. The best pool finishes balance how the surface feels underfoot with how long it lasts, and the right choice depends mostly on whether you’re building a gunite pool or a fiberglass one.
The Best Pool Finishes for Gunite Pools
For gunite construction, Pebble Sheen is the finish we push the most on every project. It’s a great product backed by years of solid feedback from real customers.
Why Pebble Sheen is One of the Best Pool Finishes
Pebble Sheen earns its top spot for a few clear reasons:
- Softer to the touch than most plasters
- Great color options to fit any pool design
- Better price point than most premium alternatives
- Lasts longer than cheap plaster options
That combination is hard to beat in the gunite category.
Long-Term Value and Durability
Pebble Sheen is one of the 15 to 20-year plasters in the gunite world. When you’re already spending the money on a gunite pool, the price gap between Pebble Sheen and a cheap plaster isn’t large enough to justify going with the lesser option.
Pro Tip: A 15 to 20-year plaster is worth the small upgrade in cost. Cheaper plasters often need replacement in half that time, which wipes out any upfront savings.
The Best Pool Finishes for Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass is a different game entirely. The finishes and colors are set by the manufacturer, so your choice comes down to which fiberglass shell you actually like.
Working Within the Manufacturer’s Options
If you find a fiberglass shell with a color and finish you’re happy with, that may be the best product for your project. There’s less customization compared to gunite, but the trade-off is a faster install and a smoother surface.
When Fiberglass Is the Right Fit
Fiberglass works well for homeowners who:
- Want a quicker installation
- Prefer a smoother, more uniform feel
- Are happy with preset color and finish options
- Don’t need a fully custom design
Key Takeaway: Gunite gives you design freedom and a softer surface. Fiberglass gives you speed and a smoother finish. The right answer depends on which one fits how you actually plan to use the pool.
Need expert help choosing the best pool finishes for your project? Contact Hinkle for a free consultation.
How the Two Top Pool Finishes Compare
Both Pebble Sheen on gunite and a quality fiberglass shell deliver great results, but they feel very different when you actually use the pool.
Feel Underfoot
Fiberglass is smoother to the touch and smoother when you walk around the pool. The trade-off is that smoother also means a little slipperier, which is worth knowing if you have kids or older family members using the pool.
Pebble Sheen is the softest finish in the gunite category. Walking around it doesn’t rub the bottoms of your feet raw the way cheaper concrete plasters can.
Customization vs. Convenience
If you want something custom, gunite with Pebble Sheen gives you the most flexibility on shape, depth, and color. If you want something faster and easier with a smooth surface, fiberglass is the better fit. Both have delivered great customer feedback in our projects.
Make the Right Pool Finish Decision
The right finish comes down to how you want the pool to feel, how long you want it to last, and how much customization you need. Our team will walk you through every option, show you real Pebble Sheen color samples, and help you compare gunite and fiberglass side by side. Call Hinkle today, schedule your free consultation, and find out which of the best pool finishes is right for your backyard.
