Diamondbrite vs regular plaster

[Azmp1]

Folks,
The builder is quoting me $3800 up charge for the Diamond brite plaster finish versus regular plaster. PebbleTEC is $9800 upcharge which is well outside of my budget. (Pool size is 16x32 rectangular).

First off, are these costs way too high?

Second, is there really an advantage on going Diamondrbite vs. regular plaster? Will it give me better durability and longivity? From my understanding regular plaster is based on marble where is diamnd brite is based on quartz. Is that right?

Thanks

[three4rd]

Hi,

I am going through this same process - debating on having the pool renovated - new tile / coping / plaster and so am learning as I go. I've met with a pool renovator who prefers the diamondbrite. He indicated that it is much more durable than regular plaster. He mentioned that the diamondbrite typically will last 15-20 years and more like 7-10 years for plaster. The big thing to keep in mind is that in choosing diamondbrite you are also choosing a pool water color, since the pattern of the diamondbrite, by the very natural of the quartz content in there, will change the color. And so if you like that traditional pool water color, then plaster is probably the only thing that will give you that unless you would go with a very subtle and plain diamondbrite pattern. The guy showed me the samples of diamondbrite - it is a beautiful surface, although not that smooth-as-glass finish that the regular pool plaster has. I'm pretty sure we are going to go with the diamondbrite over the plaster.

[PoolDoc]

Do NOT believe the warranties; ask the builders to let you see pools that have 10 year old surfaces they installed.

[three4rd]

Another critical component affecting the life of any pool finish is to maintain proper water chemistry. With any new finish, I learned that there are very specific guidelines to follow for at least the first few days.

[PoolDoc]

The info I've seen suggests those super-specific guidelines are more CYA -- as in Cover Y___ A__, and not cyanuric acid -- documents than anything else. The old plaster jobs done in the 60's that lasted 20 - 30 years didn't come with such guidelines!

[three4rd]

Undoubtedly true! I tend to agree..."CYA"...lol

[Shredhead]

My friend that owns a pool maintenance company in Fl, told me he thought Diamond Bright was worth the up charge?
This was about 15 years ago and right after I purchase regular plaster pool. My plaster lasted 14 years and I re plastered with Pebble Sheen last summer and so far I'm very happy with the new finish. Yes, it does change the color.

[three4rd]

It certainly is a beautiful product, just from seeing small samples.