FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pebbling is a method for waterproofing and finishing new and renovated pools using small, rounded pebbles, which are mixed with white cement. This cement is then pressure washed and removed from the surface prior to exposing/revealing the pebbled finish.

Pebble Tec® brands are the original and most established pool pebble finishes. Considered the world's most trusted aggregate pool finishes because of the superior quality of pebble. Pebble Tec® own its own rock quarries around the world and control the availability, quality, colour, sifting, and finishing of every stone.

PebbleTec’s ranges of pool finishes are exclusively available in the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands through Aqua Stone Pool Finishes Ltd.

A Pebble Tec® finish is cement and stone. It is hand applied by experienced applicators and produces a smooth continuous surface without the use of grouting. Therefore over time there are no loose tiles or discolouration often associated with other types of finish.

PebbleTec® and PebbleSheen® pebbles are mostly sourced from New Zealand, and various regions in the United States. They are washed, graded and packaged into bio-degradable bags ensuring quality and consistency throughout the product.

Pebble Tec® is not rough; it is textured, providing an anti-slip finish.

The Pebble Sheen® product is made up of a smaller stone that is applied in a similar way to the Pebble Tec® finish; however, the process allows for a light buffing while completing the acid wash. This buffing is done to remove any loose pebbles in the pool finish.

No. Aqua Stone are the UK Licence holder for PebbleTec® and are bound by strict licensing laws which state that only fully trained; licensed applicators can apply the product. This is to ensure a quality finish is maintained thus protecting the PebbleTec® brand.

Tiles can range in value from £20/m² up to hundreds of £’s per m². In addition, there is a tile fixing and waterproof rendering cost which could be in the region of £70-£80/m² The PebbleTec® finish can be applied directly onto the concrete substrate without the necessity for a waterproof render. Depending on the tile chosen, a pebbled pool is comparable in price, if not cheaper, than a tiled pool.

A PebbleTec® finish requires little maintenance. This finish consists of pebbles and cement and will vary in colour, shades, consistency and exposure. This is the intended look. The colour and beauty will vary throughout the day as the sunlight reflects from different angles. It is recommended that you periodically (approximately once per week) brush your PebbleTec® or PebbleSheen® pool finish, especially in areas that accumulate debris and/or in areas with poor circulation as brushing will assist in keeping the surface clean. This would apply to any type of surface – not just a pebbled one!

Yes! There is no need for a waterproof render coat prior to its application. However, specific attention should be paid to all fittings, ensuring these are waterproofed around and pressure tested within the pipework. Also, a waterproofing compound must be applied behind any tile band.

Yes, the pebble can be used on floors and walls. However, it is not flexible and expansion joints require to be used and the product sealed or enhanced to protect it from dirt. We would strongly recommend using our Marbreline product which is more suitable for these applications.

Pebble Tec®, Pebble Sheen®, finishes can be combined with seashell pieces, such as abalone and mother of pearl. Because these pieces are made up of material from seawater and a living mollusc, it is possible that under certain circumstances, such as extreme sunlight exposure and water chemistry, these pieces may have cause to lose their lustre and sparkle over time. We have yet to experience this issue in any of the finishes that exist today.

The pool is effectively lined in stone and the deterioration often seen in tiled pools will not occur. There are thousands of pools throughout the world in excess of 20 years old with PebbleTec® finishes.

Pebble can be applied to all solid pool shells. Ie. shuttered concrete, Shotcrete/Gunite or Blockwork. A simple scud/key coat or blinding coat is required but this is relatively inexpensive and can be carried out by Aqua Stone.

Due to PebbleTec® being solid and very hard (twice the strength of concrete), it is not flexible and therefore unsuitable for finishing fibreglass structures.

It is quicker to pebble finish a pool than any other finish. In general, a 100m² pool can be completed in 3-4 days and, ready to fill with water within 24hours.

Yes, there are a range of colours available; we can also combine different coloured pebbles, glass beads and natural shell to create a bespoke look.