Are you thinking about owning a pool? Then you’ll be able to take advantage of the many benefits swimming has to offer! A pool is a luxury found in nicely designed homes. But before building such luxury, you’ll need to make sure that it’s made out of the proper material fit for you and your family. Pebble Tech and Plaster are two popular materials found in pools.
What are the differences between the two, and how to plaster a pool? In this article, we show you the comparison between pebble tech vs plaster, and how to do pebble finish concrete.
What is Pebble Tech?
Pebble Tech is made out of pool plaster or specialized cement mixed with stone pebbles. That way, the pool’s surface will have that pebbled design. It’s pneumatically applied then either water-blasted or hand wiped. It lasts longer than any other material, up to twenty years if cared for right.
Another great thing about pebble finish is that it won’t absorb pool chemicals and there are different designs to choose from.
What is Plaster?
Plaster is the most affordable pool-resurfacing material, but not as durable as any of the others. It can last up to ten years with good care and maintenance.
Plaster is made out of white cement mixed with either pulverized limestone or marble sand. It makes a white finish but will appear light blue underwater. You will also be able to have it colored or add sheen to it.
Pebble Tech vs Plaster
Here are the four major differences Pebble Tech has over Plaster (or vice versa):
Price
Pebble tech is much more expensive as compared to plaster, which, as mentioned, is the cheapest option.
Durability
Like mentioned, pebble tech would last longer than plaster, with both lasting twenty and ten years, respectively. You will need extra care when it comes to using plaster, avoiding harsh chemicals.
But, you will start to see cracks form when using pebble tech after twenty years, while plaster are less likely to have them after that amount of time (considering you had it resurfaced)
Design
The pebble tech design looks much more detailed as compared to the smooth finish of plaster. But pebble tech may irritate wet feet because it isn’t as smooth as plaster.
With that being said, pebble tech offers a better grip as you walk on the pool’s surface as compared to plaster. Some may find pebble tech too rough, which is why they choose pebble sheen, which are smaller pebbles. Pebble Fina is the finest, yet most expensive.
Another difference of design between pebble tech vs plaster would be that the former has more designs to choose from, with different beads or sizes of pebbles. You can even choose Tahoe Blue Pebble Tec!
Cleaning and Maintenance
When it comes to cleaning, Pebble tech is susceptible to stains, especially if you have pro quality water. But, it’s easier to remove stains from Pebble tech rather than plaster.
It will be difficult for automatic pool cleaners to mop or wipe the pebble tech surface though, because of its large or small pebbles. But there are companies that offer specialized cleaners for that.
While plaster is still easy to clean, it is sensitive to harsh chemicals. You can’t use it to remove harsh stains. Pebble Tech can be acid-washed without fear of damaging the material.
Read More: Robotic Pool Cleaner.
What’s Needed to Plaster or Do a Pebble Finish Concrete
If you want to know how to resurface a pebble bottom pool, or how to make a dark plaster pool, then you will need to prepare your protective gear and the following materials:
Here are what you need for plastering:
- Mix for pool plaster
- Acid wash
- Paint
- Air compressor
- Soda Ash
- Soft cleaning solution
- Hammer
- Cement Mixer
- Paper trowel
- Chisel
- Bond coat
- Brushes
- Sander
- Knife
- Buckets
- Marker
- Pain Roller
- Hose
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Sponge
Here are what you need for adding concrete finish:
- Pebble tec concrete
- Power or jet washer
- Broom
- Concrete grinder
- Muriatic Acid
- Respirator
- Epoxy Filler
- Roller
How to Plaster a Pool Yourself
- Prepare Your Pool
Drain the pool and switch off any working equipment. Clear any water using the sump pump. Clean the pool after and check the pool for any significant problems.
- Remove Loose Plaster
Using the chisel, take the loose plaster away. You can also use a putty knife for this.
- Sand Edges
Sand sharp edges without the plaster to make re-plastering easier. It’s recommended to sand twice.
- Add Acid on the Surface
Add the acid wash by pouring or spraying it, spreading it with an acid brush.
- Rinse
Rinse the acid using a hide and let it dry. Add a bond coat using the roller, then let it dry overnight.
- Apply Plaster
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, prepare the plaster and apply it onto the pool’s surface using a steel trowel. Begin with the deepest part of the pool.
Make sure that the plaster is 3/8 inches thick and that it is applied evenly. Let it dry.
- Apply Plaster Finish
Repeat step 6, but with plaster finish and make it 1/4 inches thick.
- Let It Dry
Check your work in case it has any flaws or unevenness, and let the plaster dry.
- Paint the Pool Surface
Once the plaster is dry, paint the pool and make sure that the entire surface is covered, brushing in one direction for a smooth finish.
- Refill the Pool
Once the plaster and paint is dry, refill the pool and chlorinate the water.
How to Do Pebble Finish Concrete
- Clean
After preparing the pool and darning it, clean the pool surface and remove it from dirt or debris. Use a high-pressure power washer to ensure a clean surface free from grease.
- Treat Concrete
Treat the surface using muriatic acid. While wearing your protective gear and respirator, follow the instructions on the acid and mix it. Push the acid using a still broom and hose it off with water when done.
- Evening
Grind down the ridges from your existing concrete using a concrete grinder. This will help let the coating dry better.
- Fill Cracks
Using epoxy filler, fill the cracks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply Pebble Tec
After an acid wash and filing the cracks, add the pebble ted material through rolling it like paint. Mix the pebble ted material if needed, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Let it dry overnight, then refill and chlorinate your pool with water. And you’re done!
In Conclusion
With the properly made pool, you will be able to enjoy your swimming sessions with your family and friends. Knowing the difference between pebble tech vs plaster will help you make the right choice as to what you need for your pool.
Hopefully, this article has made you more knowledgeable on pebble sheen and plaster, as well as how to plaster or do a pebble finish concrete for it. So what are you waiting for? If you’re beginning to build your pool, then consider your options and choose the finish best for you!
We hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any other thoughts about pool finishes and what the Pebble Technology Corp, then do comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to think.
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