The interior finish is the most-seen, most-touched, and most-scrutinized part of your pool. It also has the biggest single impact on how the pool looks, feels, and lasts. For Florida homeowners, there are three mainstream choices that dominate the market - and one premium option for buyers who want the absolute best.
Diamond Brite (Aggregate Plaster)
The default for most Florida pools - and for good reason. Diamond Brite is an aggregate-plaster finish in a wide range of colors, from bright white and sky blue through deep greys and midnight blues. Lifespan is 10-15 years with proper care, cost is moderate, and the visual range is broad enough to suit almost any home. If you're not sure what to pick, Diamond Brite is the safe default.
Pebble Finishes (Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen, etc.)
A step up from standard aggregate plaster - larger pebble aggregate creates a more textured, natural-looking surface with a longer lifespan (15-25 years). Slightly rougher underfoot but dramatically more durable. Popular in resort-style and natural-looking pools. Costs roughly 20-40% more than Diamond Brite.
Glass Tile Interiors
The premium option. Full-coverage glass mosaic tile interiors are stunning, effectively permanent (30+ years), and give a luxury resort look no plaster finish can match. Downside: significantly more expensive - often 3-5x the cost of Diamond Brite. Best suited to smaller showpiece pools or for homeowners building once and building right.
What About White Plaster?
Traditional white marcite plaster is still available but rarely specified on new builds anymore. It's cheap upfront but stains easily, feels chalky within a few years, and typically needs refinishing within 7-10 years. For most Florida homeowners, upgrading to Diamond Brite is a no-brainer ROI.
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