How much does a Pebble Tec pool cost?
How much does a Pebble Tec pool cost?
$10 – $20 average cost per square foot
$4,000 – $16,000 average total cost (400 – 800 SF pool)
Pebble Tec pool resurfacing cost
Pebble Tec pool resurfacing costs $10 to $20 per square foot on average. The average cost to resurface a pool with Pebble Tec ranges from $4,000 to $16,000 for a typical 400- to 800-square-foot backyard pool. While pricier than other pebble pool refinishing options, Pebble Tec offers superior quality and increased durability.
| Pool size | Square footage | Average Pebble Tec cost |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per square foot | 1 | $10 – $20 |
| Plunge pool | 60 – 160 | $600 – $3,200 |
| Lap pool | 180 – 500 | $1,800 – $10,000 |
| Small pool | 200 – 400 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Average pool | 400 – 800 | $4,000 – $16,000 |
| Large pool | 800 – 1,000 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Extra-large pool | 1,000 – 1,500+ | $10,000 – $30,000+ |
What is Pebble Tec?
Pebble Tec is a premium pool resurfacing material combining natural pebbles with a cement-like binder. It offers durability, chemical resistance, and a natural aesthetic, making it a popular choice for long-lasting pool finishes.
Benefits of a Pebble Tec pool
Some of the advantages of choosing Pebble Tec for your pool include:
Longevity: Pebble Tec finishes can last 25 years or more, longer than many other pool surfaces.
Durability: The finish is highly resistant to etching and cracking, making it a robust choice for pool interiors.
Aesthetic appeal: Pebble Tec offers a natural, textured look that enhances the pool's appearance and can be customized with various colors.
Chemical resistance: The pure cement and stone composition of Pebble Tec makes it highly resistant to chemical damage, as the stones are impervious to acid and the cement offers superior protection.
Low maintenance: The finish is resistant to staining and requires less frequent cleaning, though maintaining proper water chemistry remains crucial.
Safety: The pebbled texture provides a non-slip surface, enhancing pool safety for swimmers.
Eco-Friendly: Pebble Tec is made from natural materials, reducing environmental impact.
Pebble Tec vs. Pebble Sheen
Pebble Tec offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. PebbleTec is the original premium aggregate finish, while PebbleSheen provides a smoother texture. PebbleFina and PebbleBrilliance are the most luxurious choices, offering enhanced features at a higher price point.
| Finish | Cost comparison | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PebbleTec (Original) | $ | The original finish with large pebbles offers a natural, earthy texture and high durability |
| PebbleSheen | $$ | A smoother finish with smaller pebbles provides an elegant look and various color options |
| PebbleFina | $$$ | The smoothest Pebble Tec finish, made with finely ground pebbles for a luxurious feel |
| PebbleBrilliance | $$$$ | A premium finish combining stone aggregate and glass beads for a stunning, shimmering effect |
Pebble Tec vs. plaster
Pebble Tec offers a unique blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, but it is more expensive than other resurfacing materials. Comparing options is essential as pool resurfacing costs and features vary significantly among different materials.
| Material | Average cost (per square foot) |
Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pebble Tec | $10 - $20 | A premium aggregate finish known for its natural look and durability, offering a textured surface resistant to chemical damage and staining. It's a long-lasting option with a unique aesthetic appeal. |
| Plaster | $6 – $8 | A traditional and affordable pool resurfacing material providing a smooth finish, though it has a shorter lifespan and is prone to staining. It is widely used due to its cost-effectiveness. |
| Aggregate | $6 – $15 | A textured finish that includes exposed aggregates like pebbles or quartz, providing a slip-resistant surface and mid-range durability. It is similar to Pebble Tec but can vary in quality and appearance. |
| Epoxy paint | $1 – $2 | A budget-friendly, quick-to-apply coating suitable for temporary fixes or budget-conscious projects. However, it requires frequent reapplication for sustained protection. |
Pebble Tec pool cost factors
Several factors affect the overall cost of Pebble Tec pool refinishing:
Pool size: Larger pools require more materials and labor, increasing the cost.
Accessibility: Difficult access to the pool may result in higher labor costs.
Custom features: Additional elements like mosaic tiles or water features will raise the price.
Existing surface condition: The amount of preparation work needed can affect the final price.
Customizations: Unique pool designs or angles may increase installation time and costs.
Finish quality: Higher-end Pebble Tec finishes cost more than standard refinishing options.
Additional repairs: Addressing underlying issues like cracks or leaks will add to the total cost.
Pebble Tec pool resurfacing vs. remodeling
Pool resurfacing involves replacing the top layer of the pool surface with a new finish, such as aggregate materials like Pebble Tec, to restore its appearance and functionality. This process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks and is more cost-effective, focusing on enhancing aesthetics and durability.
In contrast, pool remodeling costs $5,000 to $30,000+ for a more extensive project that can include changes to the pool’s shape, plumbing, decking, and other features, often taking several weeks or months to complete. Popular projects include adding new features like slides and waterfalls, installing underwater LED lights, and converting from chlorine to saltwater filtration systems.
FAQs about Pebble Tec pools
How long does Pebble Tec pool resurfacing take?
Generally, the Pebble Tec pool resurfacing process takes 1 to 2 weeks. The entire process involves several steps, such as draining the pool, stripping old surfaces, applying a new finish, and curing.
Can you use a wire brush on a Pebble Tec pool?
Wire brushes can be used on Pebble Tec pools to remove stubborn algae from cracks and crevices. However, the company recommends using nylon, combo (50/50 nylon and stainless steel), or polypropylene brushes for regular maintenance to avoid potential damage to the surface.
Can you acid wash a Pebble Tec pool?
Acid washing a Pebble Tec pool is not recommended as it can be harmful to the surface. Instead, use a chlorine wash or power wash followed by a stain remover for stubborn stains. Acid washing may lead to rapid degradation of the pebble surface.
Can Pebble Tec pools be drained?
Pebble Tec pools can be drained, but caution is advised. While they are more resistant to damage than plaster pools when they are empty, there's always a risk of damage during draining and refilling.
How long can a Pebble Tec pool be empty?
How long a Pebble Tec pool can safely remain empty depends on various factors, including temperature and sun exposure. Generally, it's best to minimize the time the pool is empty. For maintenance work, 2 to 4 days is often considered acceptable, but longer periods increase risks.
Who can refinish a pool with Pebble Tec?
Only authorized Pebble Tec Builders or installers can perform Pebble Tec pool refinishing. These professionals are trained and certified by Pebble Technology International to ensure that the installation meets the company's high standards.
Getting estimates for pool resurfacing
When you're thinking about resurfacing your pool, it's important to get estimates from multiple pool resurfacing companies to compare prices and services. Consider the following:
Experience: Make sure the refinisher has done this kind of work before.
Detailed quote: Ask for a clear breakdown of costs, including materials and labor.
Warranty: Find out what's covered and for how long.
Timeline: Ask how long the job will take and if there might be delays.
References: Ask for examples of previous work.
Reviews: Read online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Insurance: Check if they have insurance in case something goes wrong.
Maintenance tips: Ask for advice on how to keep your pool looking good after the job is done.
Questions to ask a pool resurfacing company
Ask these important questions when choosing a pool resurfacing company:
How long have you been in the pool resurfacing business?
Are you an authorized Pebble Tec installer?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
Do you have any before-and-after photos I can view?
What is the estimated timeline for completing the project?
What material options are available for my pool?
Do you handle all aspects of the project, including permits and inspections?
What is the total cost of the resurfacing, and what does it include?
What payment terms do you offer?
What kind of warranty do you offer on your work?
Do you need to chip out the old plaster or can it be covered over?
How do you handle any underlying issues like cracks or leaks?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.