The pool finish is an essential aspect of a pool’s overall look and feel, providing the final touch that ensures both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right finish will give you a result you will love while ensuring the longevity of your investment.
Among the options available, pebble finishes stand out as a top choice because of their durability, beauty and appealing texture. In this article, we will help you understand:
- what affects the lifespan of pool finishes,
- compare different types of finishes and
- discuss the advantages of pebble finishes.
At the end of the article is a list of popular FAQs that offer more details on pebble pool finishes.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Pool Finishes
The longevity of any pool finish depends on several factors, including water chemistry, maintenance, environmental conditions and usage.
Properly balancing a pool’s pH levels, alkalinity and calcium hardness is crucial in preventing the surface from deteriorating prematurely. Regular maintenance, such as brushing and vacuuming, helps keep the surface free from debris and algae growth, further extending its lifespan.
![photo of backyard design in PebbleTec Soft White Pool Finish by Artistic Pools for 2018 World's Greatest Pools](https://pebbletec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pti-hero-PT-SoftWhite-ArtisticPools-2018-WGP-1200x800.jpg)
Environmental factors, such as exposure to harsh sunlight, heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures can also impact the durability of a pool finish. (Note that a pebble pool finish is always meant to stay under water.) Additionally, the frequency and intensity of pool use can contribute to the wear and tear on the surface.
![PebbleTec Pool Finish Up Close photo of PebbleTec Pool Finish Up Close](https://pebbletec.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/pebble-finishes-pt-close-1-pihzm0k0pi3gnzfyvnq9q2qo6e4juaszyt71gs7iwo.jpg)
Comparison with Other Pool Finishes
There are a few categories of pool finishes, and all vary in cost, appearance and durability.
Plaster finishes, while cheaper, are prone to staining and chipping and require resurfacing every 5 to 10 years. Quartz finishes combine quartz aggregate with plaster and offer a slight improvement in durability, lasting around 7 to 15 years. However, neither can match the endurance and resilience of a properly installed pebble finish, which lasts over 20 years with proper maintenance and pool chemistry. PebbleTec is the premier provider of pebble finishes and offers the best value to customers seeking to maximize their investment in terms of aesthetics and durability.What is PebbleTec?
PebbleTec is a brand that has revolutionized pool finishes and is renowned for its carefully sourced natural pebbles.
Unlike traditional plaster or quartz finishes, PebbleTec pool finishes are made of premium pebbles with fade-resistant pigments and concrete, bound together with PebbleTec’s proprietary strengthening additives to create an exceptional adhesive blend. This unique composition not only enhances a pool’s visual appeal but also offers many practical benefits.
![Pebble Technology International logo](https://pebbletec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PTI-Logo-1200x452.png)
The primary advantage of using PebbleTec over other finishes is its exceptional durability. The pebble surface is highly resistant to etching, staining and cracking, which are common issues with plaster finishes. Additionally, the pebbles provide a non-slip surface, making the pool safer for swimmers. Many customers love the natural texture that the original PebbleTec pebble finish provides, but we offer a range of finish options with different levels of smoothness, including polished options that are ultra-smooth.
PebbleTec has earned a stellar reputation in the market for our product quality and longevity. In fact, market research shows that it is both the best known and most popularly preferred choice among pool builders and homeowners alike for its superior performance and aesthetic versatility. Whether you’re looking for a finish that will help your pool look like a natural lagoon, or something more contemporary, PebbleTec offers a wide variety of colors and textures to suit any design preference.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Pebble Pool Lifespan
With proper care and maintenance, a PebbleTec finish can maintain its beauty and functionality for over two decades, and often even three. As with any pool finish, regularly testing and properly managing the water chemistry, along with adhering to recommended pool care routines, is necessary to achieve maximum longevity.
To ensure your PebbleTec pool finish remains in pristine condition for as long as possible, it’s essential to follow a consistent maintenance routine. Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your PebbleTec finish:
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Routines
Regularly brushing and vacuuming the pool’s surface helps prevent buildup of dirt, algae and other debris. Using a pool skimmer daily to remove leaves and floating debris also contributes to maintaining a clean pool environment.
Chemical Balance and Water Quality
Maintaining the correct chemical balance is crucial for the longevity of your pool finish. Regularly test the water for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine levels. Adjust the chemicals as needed to keep the water balanced. This will help prevent scale buildup and surface etching.
Seasonal Care Tips
Seasonal changes can affect your pool’s water chemistry and overall condition. During the summer months, when the pool is used more frequently, monitor the chemical levels closely and adjust them more often. In colder months, reduce the frequency of chemical adjustments but ensure the pool is covered to prevent debris accumulation.
Maximize Your Investment with PebbleTec
FAQs
A resurfacing schedule for any pool depends on usage, maintenance and environmental factors. Regular maintenance and proper water chemistry can help you achieve the maximum lifespan of your PebbleTec pool finish, which, with proper care, can last decades without needing resurfacing.
For more information on maintaining your PebbleTec pool, view our maintenance tips.
A resurfacing schedule for any pool depends on usage, maintenance and environmental factors. Regular maintenance and proper water chemistry can help you achieve the maximum lifespan of your PebbleTec pool finish, which, with proper care, can last decades without needing resurfacing.
For more information on maintaining your PebbleTec pool, view our maintenance tips.
Yes, using high-quality pool maintenance products can extend the life of your PebbleTec finish. Regularly using pool cleaners and algaecides, along with maintaining the correct chemical balance, will keep the surface in top condition.
Check out this guide to pool cleaners for products that can help you maintain your pool.
Signs that any pool finish needs replacing include rough or pitted surfaces, discoloration and cracks. These issues are more common in standard finishes like plaster and can affect the pool’s aesthetic appeal and safety. If you notice these signs, it may be time to consider resurfacing your pool.
Many of our customers had pools with standard finishes that needed resurfacing and took the opportunity to remodel with PebbleTec. Learn more.
It is normal for pebbles to come loose during the initial curing process. It is also normal to see some small loss of pebbles over time. Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial to preserving the integrity of the finish. If water chemistry is not properly balanced, the cement may weaken over time, and the pebbles may come loose in larger amounts.
PebbleBreeze is the smoothest and most luxurious pebble pool finish PebbleTec offers. It features a buff-polished surface enhanced with sparkling glass beads and offers the durability and aesthetic appeal of a traditional PebbleTec finish.
Explore PebbleBreeze