If your pool surface is rough on feet, mottled with stains, or flaking like old paint, you’re not alone—Jacksonville’s sun, rain, and sandy soils are tough on finishes. The right resurfacing choice can buy you a decade (or more) of clear, blue water with far less maintenance. The catch? Not all finishes age the same in North Florida. In this guide, we’ll break down marcite (classic plaster), quartz, and pebble finishes—how they look, how long they last, what they cost to care for, and which one makes the most sense for your pool and budget.
Along the way, we’ll call out real-world issues we see in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fernandina Beach, and Orange Park—things like heavy rain dilution, leaf tannins, coastal corrosion, and the “new surface startup” that can make or break your results.
Quick Definitions (Plain English)
Marcite (White Plaster): The traditional smooth white finish—cement + marble dust. Clean and bright at first, more porous over time.
Quartz (Plaster + Quartz Aggregate): Similar base, but infused with hard quartz crystals and pigments for better durability and richer colors.
Pebble (Exposed Aggregate): Cement mixed with natural pebbles; the surface is gently exposed for texture. Extremely durable with a “river stone” look. Variations include mini-pebble (finer feel) and polished pebble (smoother).
The North Florida Reality Check
Jacksonville brings:
Intense UV that can fade pigments and accelerate surface wear.
Torrential rains that dilute chemistry and swing pH/alkalinity.
Leaf litter & tannins (oaks, magnolias, pines) that can stain porous finishes.
Coastal influence (in some neighborhoods): salt air and metals that demand steady water balance.
Because of this, finishes that resist etching, mottling, and staining tend to pay off—if the startup and weekly care are dialed in.
Head-to-Head: Marcite vs. Quartz vs. Pebble
1) Appearance & Style Options
Marcite
Classic blue-white look; makes water appear bright azure.
Limited color options; shading/mottling becomes more visible as it ages.
Great for a clean, timeless vibe—until stains or etching show.
Quartz
Wider color palette (whites, grays, teals) with subtle sparkle from quartz crystals.
More consistent color than marcite; can hide minor imperfections better.
Works beautifully with glass waterline tile and LED lighting.
Pebble
Natural, upscale “lagoon” feel; water reads deep and gem-like.
Endless blends—from light Caribbean blues to moody graphite.
Mini-pebble and polished pebble deliver a smoother feel without losing the stone look.
Winner (Looks): Quartz for versatile, modern color with a smooth feel; Pebble for a premium, natural resort aesthetic.
2) Durability & Lifespan
Marcite
Typical: 5–8 years when chemistry is well-managed; shorter if water balance swings.
More porous; vulnerable to etching from low pH and stains from metals/leaves.
Quartz
Typical: 10–12+ years with solid maintenance.
Harder surface resists etching and mottling better than marcite.
Pebble
Typical: 12–20+ years, depending on product and care.
Pebble aggregate is extremely tough; great for high-use pools and rental properties.
Winner (Longevity): Pebble, with Quartz a strong second.
3) Texture & Comfort
Marcite
Smoothest feel when new—great for sensitive feet.
Can become rough as it ages (etching, calcification).
Quartz
Generally smooth to silky, slightly “harder” feel than marcite due to crystals.
Holds that feel longer because it resists wear.
Pebble
Mini-pebble: pleasantly textured; most homeowners adapt in a day.
Standard pebble: more texture underfoot; superb traction for play areas.
Polished pebble: refined, surprisingly smooth while keeping the stone look.
Winner (Comfort): Tie between Quartz and Mini/Polished Pebble, depending on personal preference.
4) Stain Resistance & Maintenance
Marcite
Most prone to leaf/tannin and metal staining.
Chemistry must be on-point; rain dilution can quickly unbalance water.
Quartz
Much better stain resistance than marcite; color holds more evenly.
More forgiving during summer storms and fall leaf drop.
Pebble
Excellent at hiding small stains/mineral film; darker blends conceal even more.
Surface is less reactive, so it tends to look “new” longer.
Winner (Stain Resistance): Pebble, with Quartz close behind.
5) Startup Sensitivity (The First 30 Days)
All finishes need a proper startup, but:
Marcite is most sensitive to low pH/alkalinity and aggressive brushing.
Quartz tolerates early swings better but still needs disciplined care.
Pebble is stout, though calcium control is still vital to avoid scale.
Good news: Our team manages the startup for you and trains you on week 2–4 care so you don’t inherit a brand-new surface with brand-new headaches.
What About Cost?
We won’t publish pricing here (materials and scope vary), but the general order from lowest to highest upfront cost is:
Marcite → Quartz → Pebble
However, total cost of ownership tells a different story. If marcite needs to be redone in ~6 years while quartz lasts ~10+ and pebble ~15+, you may spend less over time with quartz or pebble—especially if you plan to stay in the home or list it with a “recently resurfaced” highlight.
Which Finish Fits Your Situation?
“We Host a Lot, and We Want the Pool to Photograph Well.”
Go Quartz or Mini/Polished Pebble. Both look fantastic at night with LEDs and offer richer colors for photos. Pair with fresh waterline tile for a dramatic makeover.
“We’re Near the Coast / Lots of Leaves / Busy Schedules.”
Choose Pebble. It’s the least fussy long-term and hides minor debris or leaf stains between cleanings. Great for rentals and second homes, too.
“We Want the Silkiest, Classic Feel on Feet.”
Marcite is smoothest on day one, but Quartz stays smooth longer and resists the issues that make marcite feel rough later.
“We’re Thinking Resale in a Few Years.”
Quartz hits the sweet spot: modern look, visible upgrade, and solid lifespan that still pencils out for a sale timeline.
Color Picks That Work in North Florida Light
Bright + Clean: Arctic/White Quartz or Light Mini-Pebble with cool LEDs—coastal vibe that keeps temps down on hot days.
Modern Natural: Silver/Granite Quartz or Mid-Tone Pebble—pairs beautifully with travertine decks.
Bold, Resort Look: Tahoe/Black Mini-Pebble or deep Graphite Quartz—dramatic water color and night pop (just plan for a little more heat absorption).
We’ll bring real samples to your estimate so you can see how each finish reads in your backyard light—no surprises.
What to Expect During a Resurfacing Project
Drain & Prep – We remove water, chip out weak spots, address hollow areas, and repair cracks.
Surface Application – Marcite, quartz, or pebble is applied by trained techs; details like steps, benches, and edges are carefully finished.
Fill & Startup – We fill immediately to cure correctly, then dial in chemistry over 1–4 weeks with brushing and check-ins.
Owner Walk-Through – We review care basics, show you how to protect the finish, and schedule any follow-up as needed.
Smaller cosmetic add-ons (waterline tile, mastic, light swaps) can be bundled for a “new pool” reveal without opening the shell twice.
Pro Tips for Jacksonville Pool Owners
Control run-off: Channel deck water away from the pool to prevent dirt/minerals washing in during summer rains.
Skim after storms: Tannins stain more quickly on porous surfaces; quick skims save you headaches.
Stick to the brush plan: The first 30 days matter most—especially for marcite and quartz.
Keep the pH steady: After big downpours, check pH/alkalinity so your new finish doesn’t get “etched” by acidic water.
Use a quality sequestering agent if your area has metals in the fill water.
The Bottom Line
Choose Marcite for the lowest upfront cost and a classic look—just be ready for more attentive chemistry and a shorter lifespan.
Choose Quartz for the best blend of aesthetics, durability, and smooth feel—our most popular pick for North Florida.
Choose Pebble if you want maximum longevity, richer water color, and a forgiving surface that still looks great years later.
Not sure which way to go? We’ll walk your backyard, look at shade patterns and landscaping, test water, and map a resurfacing plan that matches how you actually use your pool.
Ready to Compare Options on Your Pool?
Explore materials and timelines with our Pool Resurfacing service
Add tile, lighting, or water features via Pool Renovation
Fix leaks, stains, or equipment issues first with Pool Repair
For 40+ years, All County Pool Services has helped Jacksonville families keep their pools comfortable, beautiful, and easy to maintain. Tell us your budget and your “must-haves,” and we’ll recommend the finish that gives you the most life—and the best look—for the dollars you spend.