Pool surface confusion in Houston, Texas

[Keeson]

We are in the midst of new home construction and already have the gunite shell for a 35 x 11 foot (16,000 gallon salt) lap pool (it was built last summer before starting the house due to space constraints). We are now gearing up for completing the pool construction and are looking at options. The item that has us particularly confused is the pool surface choices.

We were quoted on level 2 Quartzscape for which there is little information on line. Based on our research so far I think we would prefer BeadCrete or maybe Pebble sheen. Does anyone know what the cost difference should be?
Any opinions on these 3 surfaces?
Also, I read that Pebblesheen and I think Bead crete as well, can only be installed by certain dealers. Any ideas on how to handle this issue with our current pool builder since he is not on that list?

Thanks for any input you might have!

JD

[waterbear]

There are several brands of aggregate surfaces but the main difference is in the aggregate material and how big or small the pieces of aggregate are. Some are rather uncomfortable to the feet so you might wnat to see if some of the surfaces you are considering are in any pools that the builder has done that you can see (and walk on). You are correct that some dealers and builders will have an exclusive on a certain brand BUT there is certainly a competing product that is basically identical (marketing claims aside). All of them are basically a polymeric plaster that has either marble, quartz (sand), rocks, or glass beads mixed in. The plaster is then etched off the surface to expose the aggregate. Depending on the aggregate matierial and the type of plaster used it may last longer than a plain plaster (marcite) pool but is often more uncomfortable to stand and walk on.