Consider a pebble interior for an opulent, sophisticated look

A frequent application in tropical-themed pools, pebble interiors are becoming more fashionable in pools of all styles and design schemes. This trend is due to the pebble's sophisticated appearance and its long-term, durable qualities.

Eighteen years ago when I started in the industry, the installation of pebble interiors was very rare. Pebble Technology Inc., the pioneer of pebble finishes in the United States, had released the patented product on the market only two years prior. Only about 5 percent of consumers selected a pebble finish over plaster, and these were mainly the higher-end pools.

Pebble finish always has been a desired amenity, but when it came time to maximizing the homeowner's budget, pebble was the first to be eliminated. Most people considered the interior finish upgrade to be a luxury amenity that could be disregarded without compromising the integrity, size or shape of the pool.

In the late 1980s, the average cost to build a pool was around $12,000. Adding a $2,000 pebble upgrade was quite an expense at that time.

Nearly two decades later, the price of pebble has become more palatable for consumers. People are willing to spend additional money for an interior finish that is more durable and possesses greater longevity than traditional plaster finishes.

Aside from the durability factor, people are drawn to pebble finishes for their aesthetic qualities. Pebble alters the color and look of the pool, as well as its reflective behavior in relation to the sun. The different mix of pebbles changes the hues of the pool water, from dark and mysterious to the pristine sparkling feel of a Tahitian beach.

Natural stones are selected from oceans and other natural settings around the globe. These tumbled, rounded pebbles combined in cement to create a smooth, textured, nonslippery surface that is gentle to the touch. The texture will feel much like an orange peel -- bumpy and smooth. Free of bonding agents, polymers or glues, the exposed aggregate mix creates dramatic colors from deep black pearl to many shades of blue, green and white.

Since its initial splash into the industry, Pebble Technology Inc. has expanded its resources to deliver more than 16 color variations in three divisions -- PebbleTec, PebbleSheen and soon-to-be-available on the market PebbleFina.

Adams Pool Solutions of Las Vegas is the only authorized applicator of PebbleTec in the state of Nevada. Pebble Technologies' rigorous training program and strict application guidelines ensure consumers will receive quality, premier applications.

"Applying a pebble interior is a two-day process where the shell is shot with the finish, hand-trowelled and then washed with a spray wand to remove the slurry, exposing the pebble finish," said Sonny Mayes, general manager of Adams Pool Solutions.

"The finish is allowed to set overnight and then acid-washed on day two to expose the aggregate even more," he added.

Another alternative to plaster is a quartz finish. Well known for its long line of commercial and residential products, 3M has its version of alternative products for pools and spas -- the 3M Colorquartz Crystals.

Quartz, one of nature's hardest minerals, is bonded with an exterior ceramic coating and then added to the pool plaster mix. This coating, which contains inorganic pigments, gives each Colorquartz Crystal its brilliant color and durability. 3M Colorquartz crystals are available in three levels of density -- standard, premium splash and premium in 15 color choices.

Renovating a pool with a pebble or quartz interior can literally change the ambiance of the backyard setting.

Colors will vary with any alternative interior finish due to size, shape and depth of the pool or spa. Angle of the sun and exterior surroundings also can influence the final shade.

Only certified, well-trained, licensed plaster companies are authorized to apply 3M or Pebble Technology products to ensure the appropriate percentage of aggregates are added to the mix.

Joe Vassallo is the president of Paragon Pools, as well as a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, a certified building professional and a representative of the APSP National Builders Council, Region XI. Send questions or suggestions for column ideas regarding pools and spas to him at jvassallo@paragonpools.net or 251-0500.