Pebble Tec is a unique pool finish that uses a pebble aggregate to create a pool surface that is both very durable and visually appealing. Learn more about Pebble Tec finishes, including how to care for them, in this week’s blog.

Pebble Tec Pool Finishes

 
Pebble Technology pool finishes were first made in Australia. There are a number of different kinds of finishes made by the Pebble Technology brand including:
Pebble Tec – uses larger stones from around the world
Pebble Fina – made up of crushed aggregate and small seashells
Pebble Sheen – a smooth finish made by fusing tiny pebbles together
BeadCrete – uses all glass beads for a brilliant appearance and natural color

What’s so great about Pebble Tec finishes?

 
Pebble Tec finishes are among the most durable on the market. Here’s a comparison of how long Pebble Tec finishes last compared to other common pool finishes:
Plaster – 6 to 8 years
Quartzite – 8 to 10 years
Pebble Tec – 10 to 15 years
In addition to their durability, Pebble Tec finishes offer a unique visual appeal not found in other types of pool finishes.

How are Pebble Tec finishes installed?

 
The pebbles are mixed with cement and dye, and the resulting mix is pumped into the pool at high pressure through a hose. The mixture is troweled onto the surface of the pool and allowed to dry. Once it has dried, an acid rinse is used to remove the cement, which exposes the smooth and colorful pebbles.

How to Care for a Pebble Tec Finish

 
It’s important to monitoring the composition of the pool’s water very carefully. The Saturation Index (also known as the Langelier Index) is a system that takes in all the components of a pool’s composition including pH levels, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and temperature. You can input the values you measure in your pool to ensure that the water is within the proper range. The formula used to measure Saturation Index is SI = pH + TF + CF + AF – 12.1
“It might help to maintain levels of pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness toward the lower end of the index,” according to Pool Center. In addition, depending on your water source you may need to add muriatic acid a few times a week during the first month the pool is open in order to keep the pH down. “Do not chlorinate your pool until water is filtered and pH and alkalinity are acceptable. Chlorine is highly reactive and can cause metals or minerals to precipitate (cloud water, scale and/or stain).”
 
 
To learn more about Pebble Tec pool finishes and custom pool design, contact us today at 410-442-2445! You can also reach us using our contact form, and connect with us on social media on our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages.