FAQs
What is pool pebbling?
Pebbling is an Australian method for waterproofing and finishing new and renovated pools using small, rounded sea-washed pebbles, which are mixed at a ratio of one third white cement to two thirds pebble for application. The white cement is then pressure washed and removed from the surface prior to commissioning, revealing the pebble finish.
I have had a tiled pool at a previous home, but was unhappy that the grouting between the tiles became discoloured – will this happen with your pebbling?
One major advantage of pebble over tiling is that no grout is used in the pebbling process.
What is the life expectancy of pebble?
The pool is effectively lined in stone and the deterioration often seen in tiled pools will not occur.
My pool shell has recently been constructed in sprayed concrete gunite – what further preparation is required?
Pebble can be applied directly onto the gunite surface of the pool. However, as the pebble is only 8 to 15 mm thick, it is important that the original pool shell is plumb and parallel as the pebble will simply reflect any imperfections in the underlying surface.
How do I ensure that the shell can be pebbled without further preparation?
We will survey the existing pool and, if necessary, arrange to apply a sand cement scud or render coat to ensure the shell is plumb and parallel – exactly the same process would apply for a tiled pool, except that a waterproof render for the wall and waterproof screed for the floor would be required.
What about other methods of pool construction – for example if the pool is formed from shuttered concrete?
Shuttered concrete shells tend to be cast within a 5mm tolerance so that the only likely preparation will be that a roughening bonding agent may need to be applied to the walls and base and we can advise on this.
What about a pool constructed with blockwork walls?
A sand cement render coat tends to be necessary, acting to mask the blockwork – this can be applied in approximately one day.
Our new poolshell is not dry and groundwater has accumulated – is this suitable for pebbling?
Any pool finish must be applied in dry conditions. Groundwater can be removed by de-watering the immediate area around the pool shell – this is achieved by excavating two pits – one at each end of the pool – deeper than the maximum pool depth with a submersible pump removing the accumulated groundwater.
Can outdoor pools be pebbled in the winter?
Yes, but we still require dry weather conditions and temperatures above 6 degrees Centigrade.
How long does pebbling a domestic pool take?
Usually the pebble team commences work on a Monday and will have the pool filling by Thursday. This is a major advantage when compared with a tiled pool where waterproof rendering and tiling can take six weeks!
Where do PebbleTec ® and PebbleSheen ® come from and are they a natural product?
Fine pebbles are collected in New Zealand, then washed, graded and packaged in Australia.
Do you recommend that the freeboard above water level is pebbled?
Many pools in Australia use the same pebble for the freeboard – in the UK we favour using the same stone as the copings for cladding the freeboard, alternatively a dark grey slate to direct the eye into the stunning natural blue of the pool water.
Will you work with my pool contractor to complete the pebbling of the pool?
Many pool contractors throughout the UK use our pebbling service and we are happy to be instructed, as required.
Do you offer a range of colours?
As pebble is a completely natural product, the range of stone colours is limited, however all can be influenced by the addition of oxides. Most pools have tended to use either Sandy Beach, which produces a pale Aquamarine blue-green water colour or Paradise Blue, which consists of white pebble, with flecks of blue and produces a beautiful natural sky blue water colour.
I saw an almost black pool in America – can this be achieved in pebble?
We have a picture of a similar pool in the gallery. Very dark grey pebbles were used with oxide added. It produces water that looks almost black, which, on an indoor pool will produce a mirrored surface. Used on an outdoor pool the effect will be a gunmetal grey/blue.
I have an old pool, constructed in the 1970s with Marblite, which has become stained on the walls and floor. There are also blue glass mosaic tiles, some of which have become dislodged. Can pebbling be used to restore the pool?
Yes, we have renovated many such pools. After an S.B.R. sand/cement scud coat, pebble can be applied and the tile band re-tiled using stone or mosaics. The works are completed in approximately one week.
