The 2026 PoolPro Panel: What’s your favorite pool finish to work with

Current Issue Viewpoints

What’s your favorite pool finish to work with — and why?

Austin Gardiner, Founder and CEO
GL Pools
Two locations serving San Diego

We love Pebble Sheen Irish Mist by Pebble Tec for many reasons, but primarily it comes down to these three:

It’s durable. This product can last 20+ years with good water chemistry and maintenance and is less prone to damage that you may experience with plaster. It is also more resistant to staining that can occur in more porous and textured surfaces like standard pebble. The durability means less downtime from replasters, and also a lower annual cost of pool ownership.

It’s comfortable. The smaller pebbles create a less abrasive feel, which is great for high-traffic pools for families. We enjoy a pool finish that provides some grip and texture yet allows for hours of endless play without needing to keep a box of Band-Aids nearby for sensitive feet.

It’s inviting. The Irish Mist color gives the pool a gorgeous, luxurious teal hue with the proper sunlight, which is nearly always in season here in San Diego. We love the tropical teal look (it’s even our primary company color) because it reminds us that a swimming pool should be your private resort at home. This is a pool finish that evokes that feeling of contentment and relaxation, and it beckons you to get the swimsuit on and get in because you deserve to treat yourself to the good life.

Kim Langley, Owner
Tried & True Pool Company
Lancaster, South Carolina

My absolute favorite pool finish/surface is a vinyl liner. While this may be an unpopular opinion to most pool professionals, I love the versatility.

First, you truly do get the most bang for your buck with vinyl-liner pools. As far as shape, depth, curves, sun shelves and more, the possibilities are endless — not to mention, you can have your client swimming in a week’s time, weather permitting.

Additionally, the surface is so smooth, and the bottom feels cushioned due to the vermiculite. While it is a bummer to have your liner changed every 7-10 years, there are so many patterns available now. Some of these patterns have you questioning whether or not it is even a vinyl liner pool.

I could go on, but these are the main reasons why vinyl-liner pools are my favorite to maintain.

Nicole Geissberger, Assistant General Manager
Hansen’s Pool & Spa
Kenosha, Wisconsin

My favorite pool finish to work with is the vinyl-liner pool. What I really like about it is the flexibility it gives homeowners. With a vinyl liner, customers can completely customize the look of their pool by choosing a pattern that best fits their style — whether that means matching current design trends, complementing a home renovation or simply changing things up for a fresh look and feel.

With proper maintenance and chemical care, vinyl liners can last 10 to 15 years, and in some cases, even up to 20 years. That longevity gives homeowners real peace of mind when investing in a liner replacement. When the time does come, the process is seamless; the liner can be replaced either by the homeowner or by a professional pool company. Choosing professional installation often provides even greater confidence, thanks to manufacturer warranties and workmanship guarantees upon completion.

It’s always rewarding to hear positive feedback from customers who are thrilled with the team’s efficient work and to see the pattern they selected come to life in their pool. The vinyl-liner finish truly blends style, practicality and long-term satisfaction — and that’s a win for everyone.

Abby Martin, Operations Manager
Oak City Outdoors
Raleigh, North Carolina

Our favorite finish to work With is a hybrid plaster mix between quartz and pebble, which includes a few extra additives to help it cure stronger and hold up better against chemicals. It goes on smoothly, sets up evenly and ends up with that clean, classic look most customers still want. We’ve found it lasts longer than standard plaster and handles water balance swings better, which means fewer surface issues later.

From a builder’s point of view, it’s just an easier material to work with. It trowels nicely, doesn’t dry out too fast and gives us more time to get a clean finish. The surface stays uniform and smooth, and customers are always happy with how it looks and feels. It’s reliable, forgiving and performs great over time — that’s why we keep coming back to it.o collaborate, train and elevate safety standards nationwide.

Joshua Clinton, Owner/CPO Instructor; Remote Senior Service Manager
Clinton Aquatics Group; Aloha Desert Pools
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

For me, it’s definitely quartz aggregate finishes. They offer a fantastic balance of durability, aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. The variety of colors and textures allows for a lot of customization, which customers really appreciate. Plus, they hold up incredibly well over time, which means fewer callbacks and happier clients.