Pebble pools (including glass beads) are the most common surface type used in concrete pools. This is because pebble is relatively inexpensive and comes in a huge variety of colours and styles. Remember, you literally have an unlimited colour choices!
BENEFITS
Cheap to install over the top of existing surfaces
New smaller pebbles sizes make this surface much smoother
Can last a long time if applied correctly
Almost unlimited colour choices and combinations available
CONSIDERATIONS
Can crack when used as a waterline finish
Some surfaces can absorb or trap stains
Not as smooth as fibrelgass, vinyl or tiles
Surface becomes ‘drummy’ if not applied correctly
Repairs are difficult to colour match
Pebble pools often last more than 20 years and are cheap compared to some other surfaces. This is the main reason why they are so popular.
Benefits of pebble pools
Pebble can be installed in almost any concrete pool no matter the size or shape of the pool. It can also be used to renovate an exisiting surface. Pebbles and glass beads are now much smaller than they used to be so the surfaces can be much smoother.
Pebbles come in a very wide variety of colours which means that when they are blending together, there is almost an unlimited colour pallet available to customers. Major manufacturers of glass pebble include Beadcrete, Blue Glass Pebble and many others.
Above all, pebble is a natural product that has been around for millions of years. Because of this, it means that it is well suited to being underwater. Unlike newer synthetic products, pebbles generally are very hard to stain and will last a very long time. We have seen 100’s of pebble pools that are older than 30 years and still look great.
Downsides of pebble
Installation issues – If the installation of the pebble interior is not done correctly then ‘drummy’ area and form on the surface. When tapped with a firm object, these areas of the pool surface will feel hollow. This can lead to part of the surface falling off or bad calcium formation in the years ahead. To avoid this, make sure you use a reputable company.
Smoothness of surface – Although pebbles are smoother and smaller than they used to be, they are still not as smooth as fibreglass, vinyl or tiled pools. This can mean that pebbles are able to trap and hold stains better than these other surfaces. It also means that little feet can be sore after swimming for long periods.
If you would like more information about pebble surfaces please feel free to contact us.
