FAQs

Where do our pebbles originate?

Pebble Technology, Inc. acquires pebbles from New Zealand, Chile, Mexico, Canada and various regions in the United States. Our goal is to provide quality and consistency in the pebble materials we use in our products.

What is the difference between Pebble Tec® and plaster/marcite?

Plaster/marcite is a combination of cement, sand, and calcium carbonate (crushed marble). When applied, it is troweled until the “cream” is brought to the surface. In that cream is calcium carbonate and cement. The cream hardens and becomes a protective layer. It is approximately the thickness of two to three sheets of paper. This is why an acid bath is damaging to plaster/marcite, because the protective layer is so thin.

A Pebble Tec® finish is cement and stone without calcium carbonate. There is no cream to be brought to the surface and the entire 3/8” to ½” coating is the same all the way through. Because 90-95% of the surface is pebble, it is much more resistant to acid and poor water chemistry.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdpKMqeX-_Q&context=C35d1b1fADOEgsToPDskJbvWVsY-OnKC-08DtKaX5f for a short video demonstration on this topic.

Is a Pebble Tec® finish rough?

A Pebble Tec® finish is not rough; it is textured and has a “bumpy” feel. When applied properly, you can spend more time on a Pebble Tec® finish than in a pool with regular plaster/marcite. However, be aware that there is no surface in any pool that you can spend several hours playing volleyball and not get abrasions on your feet.

What is a Pebble Sheen® finish?

The Pebble Sheen® material is made up of a smaller stone that is applied similarly to the Pebble Tec® finish; however, the licensed installer will do a light buffing with a diamond sanding disc while completing the acid wash. This buffing is done to remove any loose pebbles or “high points” in the pool finish. It is common that steps and benches may be buffed more than other areas.

Why was the Pebble Sheen® finish developed?

The Pebble Sheen® finish was developed for a different look and texture. The Pebble Sheen® finish is not as bumpy but has a more even texture than a Pebble Tec® finish. A Pebble Sheen® finish has a more traditional look that takes on the features of granite.

When can you swim in a pool with a Pebble Fina® pool finish?

The answer is the same for Pebble Tec® and Pebble Sheen® pool finishes. You can swim once the pool is completely filled with water. Once the procedure is started to chemically balance the pool water, we recommend that you wait until the water is balanced before swimming.

How often does the new Pebble Fina® pool finish need to be brushed?

We suggest that you brush the finish daily for the first week. Using a standard, nylon bristled pool brush with a long handle, brush the walls and the floor of the finish toward the main drain. After that, regular maintenance may include brushing the pool approximately once per week, depending on the amount of dust or debris that may fall into the pool.

What does the Pebble Tec® and Pebble Sheen® finish warranty cover?

The warranty covers any failure due to improper application or imperfect materials.

Why is there a disclaimer associated with our finishes that contain seashell pieces?

Select Pebble Tec®, Pebble Sheen®, and Pebble Fina® finishes contain seashell pieces, such as abalone and mother of pearl. Because these pieces are made up of material from seawater and a living mollusk, it is possible that certain circumstances, such as extreme sunlight exposure and water chemistry, may cause these pieces to lose their luster and sparkle over time. We have yet to experience this issue in any of the finishes that exist today. In fact, some of these finishes have been in pools for over 6 years.