Pool finishes CL or Pebbletec

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I've gone down the rabbit hole of pool finish selection! Someone pull me out.I went to look at a pool with the carribean blue color today and one with tropical isle.The pool builder told me the brand of finish I am getting is called CL industries "smooth." Supposedly both pools were the same brand and style.However, one was so rough I felt like my feet would be raw in 15 minutes. He told me it's because it was finished in November and would smooth over time.The second had a perfect texture, so we asked the owner when his was finished and he said 2 weeks ago. So, we followed with "and this is the CL industries "smooth" and he said, no it is pebbletec.I texted my pool builder to inquire and here is his response:"Pebble Tec is just a brand but has become commonly used like Kleenex. They have the exact same Caribbean blue from CLI That I want you to get. I'm not exactly sure what company the other is from."So, has anyone used CL Industries or Pebbletec? If so, what was your experience with the texture?I'm so confused.

Featured Answer

PRO

Mystic Pools, LLC

5 years ago

I honestly don't know why builders still offer the standard plaster finish, when the quartz, exposed aggregate, etc.. are far more superior and durable. Plus, multiple color choices.

With that being said, the Sunstone Select is a great product. The Hydrazzo line is a polished finish and provides a smooth, but not slippery finish. It's more expensive than the Sunstone, but this sounds like what you are looking for in a plaster. We apply a lot of Hydrazzo and my clients love it.

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Comments (11)

Natalie McKee
Original Author
5 years ago
Here is the pool so far.
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
5 years ago
We use CL industries products.

Their Hydrazzo line, is a premium, polished finish that gives a smooth result. We have used this line quite a bit in the last 15 years.

Sun Stone select and Krystalkrete are their other lines that are not a polished finish.

Plaster contractors and builders have a preference for plaster products. I believe most of them are of equally and good quality, others may argue that point.

For any plaster job to have longevity, it starts with the proper prep work of cleaning, the quality of the applicator, the weather conditions day of application, immediate filling (we truck in water), addition of chems during filling, daily chem testing, treatment and brushing for a minimum of two weeks and continued testing and adjustments going forward.

Most plaster failures are due to improper water balancing.
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Natalie McKee
Original Author
5 years ago
Do you have any thoughts about CL Industries CrystalStones- Smooth?
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
5 years ago
I like all their products.
Natalie McKee
Original Author
5 years ago
That is relieving to hear. I have been so worried about the crystalstones not being comfortable to sit on in the hot tub and on the ledge.
Melissa Vernon
5 years ago
If my PB says we can upgrade to sunstone select for a quartz finish rather than the basic plaster will we have the option of doing the hydrazzo line? Is the sunstone select a bumpy texture? I would prefer as smooth as possible and am considering just staying with the white plaster. Which is smoother? Hydrazzo or plaster?
Linda Bay
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
No. Pebble Tec is not generic. Pool plaster companies have to be certified by Pebble Tec to install their products whereas anyone can install CL Industries product. If you go with Pebble Tec Pebble Sheen in a medium to light finish you will have a pool water that has very little plaster dust to cloud up the water after filling. Plaster and other finishes will be cloudy for a few weeks until the filtration and brushing takes care of it.

I like texture, so we put in Pebble Brilliance in Aqua Falls and the pool water has been clear from day one after filling. Pebble Tec is coming out with a smaller pebble and 50% glass like Pebble Brilliance but with smaller stones. We have clear beautiful water and no mottling issues.
Melissa Vernon
5 years ago
Are there any photos anywhere of Sunstone Select Crystal color or Emerald color? I’d really like a turquoise and think we will be going with sunstone select. The Sapphire color may work but I would love to see what the other 2 colors look like . Can’t find them online . If you know of any pools in NJ with these colors I would love to see them in person. They just dug and rebarred our pool last week.
Melissa Vernon
4 years ago
So I learned from the PM on the project that they don not apply the Hydrazzo. We can use sunstone select (quartz) or sunstone pearl (pebble). He seemed to be of the opinion that the Pearl will be less rough than the Select/quartz.

Do you have any opinions on the differences of these 2 lines?
listan1
2 years ago
Is Sunstone Pearl considered rough on your feet? Wondering how long the expected lifespan of regular plaster properly installed is vs. something like Sunstone Pearl?