Pool Surface Decisions

[Ed in Socal]

I have an inground pool, around 32 feet, plus spa, dying plaster. I've started the process of getting quotes and researching surfaces. Way more to it than I thought! I've read quite a few posts here on the subject, but thought I'd ask for some updated opinions.

First one was for Primera Stone, which I really like. That one is over 18K for just the surface, not counting the other line items. That salesman didn't really want to talk about other Wet edge products, i..e Luna Quartz, but his quote included 12 - 16k for Luna Quartz depending on color.
Second was a different company, for Pebble Fina, which was also over 18K. He described it as a quartz product. This salesman has Hydrazzo on their list but didn't want to talk about it.
These don't seem like a similar comparison? Based on his description, I would have expected Pebble Fina to be comparable to Luna Quartz? Is Pebble Fina vs Primera Stone and apples-to-apples comparison?
Looks like Primera Stone is applied, then later a power buffer is used to smooth it out. With Pebble Fina he said it is troweled on like plaster. I'm thinking the buffer would result in a better surface unless you have a gifted plasterer.
And which do you like better? Both claim they can be polished in a few years to renew them.

thanks

 

[kimkats]

Lets see what @AQUA~HOLICS has to say.

Me? I say the shell prep is really going to be almost the most important thing. It needs a full chip out with a flat chisel. Then the skill of the installers is next important thing. I am going to share a couple of links to help you learn about what to do and have done to get the best plaster job:
Plaster links:
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster Best one of all
All Plaster Finishes Should Last 20 Years
Not All Color Pigments are Good for Pools How to pick a good color for plaster.
A Plastering 'Watch List' | Professional Watershaping | Watershapes
Trouble Free Pool
Trouble Free Pool

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

You need to talk directly with an installer so you get the in-depth answers to these two questions and any others that will come up during your conversation.

The installer that all my customers hire uses a different product (see picture).
This installer also offers Hydro-Blasting for plaster removal, far superior than chipping.

 

[kimkats]

@AQUA~HOLICS just taught me something today............I did not know about hydro blasting for plaster removing! I do have one question about it though. How do they make sure they don't go too far and blast a hole in the shell? The flat chisel I think would easy to make sure it does not happen but water blasting is new to me.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

It’s pressure can be controlled to allow the proper amount so not to remove excess material.

 

[kimkats]

Betting there is some skill that needs to be learned to do it right. Thanks for the knowledge!

 

[Ed in Socal]

You need to talk directly with an installer so you get the in-depth answers to these two questions and any others that will come up during your conversation.

The installer that all my customers hire uses a different product (see picture).
This installer also offers Hydro-Blasting for plaster removal, far superior than chipping.View attachment 595529View attachment 595530

Thanks. As you probably know, they guy that comes out does measurements and basically a sales presentation. So not exactly the installer themselves. And I don't expect them to talk about the other guy's product objectively.

 

[kimkats]

It is at least a place for you to start so talking to them is your best move going forward. After you talk to them see if you can find any others to chat with about it.

 

[Ed in Socal]

see if you can find any others to chat with about it.

That's why I posted here.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Try calling the company that’s in the picture I provided, family owned.