What is the Best Option for a Pebble Pool Finish

Many homeowners are starting to think about opening up their pools for the summer. But if your pool is looking a little lackluster with a worn and outdated plaster finish, it may be time to consider upgrading to a pebble finish.

Pebble pool finishes have grown in popularity over the last decade thanks to their stylish natural stone appearance and superior performance. But with various types of pebble finishes to choose from, how do you determine what is truly the best option for your pool?

Understanding Pebble Pool Finishes

Pebble pool finishes contain a mixture of natural stone pebbles and binding Pigments that are hand-troweled onto the floor and walls of a swimming pool. The pebbles provide an irregular, multi-dimensional surface that mimics the look of a natural stone feature.

There are a few well-known manufacturers of pebble finishes including Pebble Technology (PebbleTec and PebbleSheen), Poolscapes (Pebble Fina and Pebble Kote), SGM (Diamond Brite), and Aqua Surfaces (Rock Pebble). Each company offers different grades, sizes, and types of pebble aggregates combined with unique epoxy, polymer-modified or cementitious binders.

Types of Pebble Finishes

Some of the most popular types of pebble pool finishes include:

• PebbleTec - Offers 80 different pebble colors containing natural quartz aggregates and polished ceramic pigments. Known for its durability and aesthetics.
• Pebble Fina - Contains a higher ratio of natural aggregates to binders for a more dimensional appearance. Natural earth tones and pastel colors available.
• Quartz Scape - Showcases brilliantly colored mother-of-pearl aggregates and lustrous glass beads. More expensive option.
• Pebble Sheen - Contains premium crushed glass as the main aggregate. Provides maximum shimmer and depth. Ideal for beach entry pools.
• Pebble Kote - Budget-friendly blended quartz-based option. Durable and easy to maintain.

Benefits of a Pebble Pool Finish

Some of the unique benefits that pebble pool finishes offer over traditional plaster include:

• Improved Durability - Withstands the normal wear and tear from pool use better thanks to the multi-dimensional pebble surfaces.
• Natural Look and Feel - The use of actual pebbles, stones, quartz and granite pieces provides an authentic, nature-inspired look.
• More Color Choices - With a wider selection of rich multi-colored, single-hued and mother-of-pearl options to match any backyard style.
• Low Maintenance - Dense surfaces resist staining, etching and scaling and retain their appearance longer.
• Increased Lifespan - Properly cared for pebble finishes can last up to twice as long as standard plaster.
• Eco-Friendly - Manufactured using sustainable and recyclable materials.

Choosing the Best Pebble Finish

With an abundance of pebble finish options available, it can be tricky to select the one that will complement your backyard pool design while also meeting your durability, cost and maintenance expectations.

Important Factors To Consider

Some key considerations when comparing different pebble finish products and deciding which option might be best for your pool include:

• Appearance - The visual aesthetic, including the shape, size, color and shimmer of the pebbles themselves.
• Durability - How well the finish stands up to normal pool wear and tear over time.
• Cost - Pebble material costs per square foot plus professional installation expenses.
• Brand Reputation & Warranties - Trusted manufacturers that stand behind their products.
• Pool Environment - Making sure the finish is suitable for the geographic climate and pool surroundings.
• Maintenance Requirements - Understanding the proper chemical levels and cleaning regimen needed.

Pebble Finish Differences

While pebble finishes may seem similar at first glance, there can be notable performance differences between products that impact durability.

For example, PebbleTec is considered one of the premier national pebble finish brands thanks to their specialized manufacturing process and quality control standards. PebbleTec applies their finish mix at a thickness 50% thicker than many competitors while also individually sorting their aggregates by size to avoid uneven wear.

These types of production and application enhancements result in PebbleTec finishes often outlasting other lesser-made imitation pebble products.

Climate Considerations

The geographic climate where your pool is located should factor into the type of pebble finish selected. In colder regions with regular freeze and thaw cycles, the expansion and contraction can increase the risk of delaminating or surface pebbles popping off if an inferior adhesive mixture is used.

Opting for a quality pebble finish formulated specifically for cold weather environments, like PebbleTec's FreezGard enhanced polymer binder, provides extra protection against climate damage.

Matching Pool Surroundings

Choosing a pebble finish color and aggregate style that complements the existing landscaping, hardscaping and architecture surrounding the pool area helps create a seamless backyard paradise.

Whether aiming for a coastal vibe with sea glass blue hues or a natural forest feel with earthy tones and Travertine details, selecting a finish that reflects the environment you are trying to achieve ensures design cohesion.

Best Practices for Pebble Pool Finish Care

To help maximize the lifespan and maintain the appearance of any pebble pool finish, adhering to proper water chemistry levels and cleaning practices is key.

Following Curing Instructions

It is vital to allow adequate curing time for a fresh pebble finish installation. Most manufacturers recommend preventing pool access for 14-28 days. This gives the finish time to fully hydrate and strengthen molecular bonds to resist staining and scaling.

Establishing Proper Water Chemistry

Maintaining appropriate pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine values preserves water clarity and prevents etching, corrosion and discoloration issues.

Implementing Cleaning Precautions

Gently brushing surfaces instead of aggressive scrubbing avoids inadvertent pebble loss. Large debris should also be netted out instead of vacuumed off new finishes whenever possible.

Scheduling Reapplications

Even quality pebble finishes may need fresh coating layers applied every 8-12 years as part of normal refurbishment cycles to keep pool surfaces looking revitalized.

Finding the Right Pebble Pool Contractor

The preparation, application method, skill level and artistry of the pool contractor hired to install your pebble finish impacts the final results as much as the finish products themselves.

Researching and Vetting Contractors

Look for licensed builders approved by the finish manufacturer and request examples of past work. Check reviews and references to verify expertise.

Comparing Project Bids

Get quotes from a minimum of 3 contractors to evaluate experience levels and price points. Confirm bids define all project phases and material costs apples to apples.

Understanding Warranties

Ask about workmanship warranties from the contractor as well as material warranties provided by the manufacturer to understand coverage terms and limitations.

When issues do occur with pebble finishes, it is often the result of improper installation methods or preparing underlying surfaces incorrectly prior to application.