Pebble finish
Also called: exposed-pebble finish, pebble aggregate, PebbleTec, PebbleSheen, StoneScapes.
A pebble finish is a pool interior with small natural pebbles exposed at the surface, the most durable finish you can put on a gunite pool at 15–25 years. The cement binder is largely washed off during installation, so the water contacts the pebbles instead of cement.
Why it matters
Pebbles resist chemical attack far better than any cement binder, which is why pebble outlasts plaster and quartz. It is also the priciest finish and the roughest underfoot, and the roughness is a choice within the line: Pebble Technology's PebbleTec uses the largest pebbles, PebbleSheen smaller ones, and PebbleFina is nearly plaster-smooth. Tier names do not translate between makers, so match the pebble size before comparing bids. Lifespan is not warranty: Pebble Technology covers the material for 5 years, only when a PTI-authorized applicator installs it, and the coverage does not transfer to the next owner.
In numbers
StoneScapes Micro is the PebbleFina rung, StoneScapes Mini is the PebbleSheen rung, and StoneScapes Regular is the PebbleTec rung. A bid quoting Mini against one quoting PebbleSheen is comparing brand names, not tiers.