Materials Guide

Choosing your material and colour

Start with two decisions: the character of the surface and the appearance you want from the water. They are related, but they are not the same thing.

PebbleCrete Classic uses quartz, granite, glass crystals or combinations of these materials, with glass beads as an accent in specified blends. PebbleSupreme may combine quartz, granite, glass beads and glass crystals. PebbleGlass uses glass beads as its entire aggregate component. All three are cement-based finishes. Compare physical samples to understand their texture, colour and response to light.

Sample photographs are for illustration and give a general idea of colour and texture. Natural materials and hand production mean the finished surface may vary; photography, lighting and screens also affect appearance. Underwater insets are computer-generated approximations of water colour, not photographs of completed pools. Review a current physical sample before specifying or ordering. Use verified project photographs to explore the relationship between the finish, water and architecture. Depth, sunlight, shade and reflections change the overall impression; one pool can look different throughout the day.

For a clear specification, record the material family and exact colour together. Keep the approved sample with the project records. Review steps, shallow areas and the main swimming zone as parts of one design. Check current availability and confirm any custom blend before placing the order. A photograph of an earlier blend does not establish what is currently available.

Aggregate finish or tile?

Both can be considered as part of a well-designed pool. The useful comparison starts with the effect and detailing required.

An applied aggregate finish creates a continuous surface appearance and can follow shaped pool geometry. Required movement joints still need to be designed and maintained. Tile creates a modular appearance, with tile dimensions, joints and grout becoming part of the design. The two materials can be combined, for example with a tiled waterline above an aggregate interior.

Compare the complete construction systems. Review substrate preparation, bonding, waterproofing, joints, transitions, maintenance and workmanship. Both finishes rely on appropriate installation and water care; neither should be selected on a promise that those responsibilities disappear.

For a renovation, establish what can remain and what needs removal before comparing prices. Include removal, repairs, fittings, access, filling and startup in the scope. Compare prices against the same measured finish area and responsibilities. Ask how a later repair would be carried out and whether it is likely to remain visible.

Fibre optics, waterlines and overflows

Lighting and edge details should be designed with the pool finish. They are difficult to treat as afterthoughts once the surface is complete.

For fibre-optic lighting, agree the intended pattern, cable routes, light-source location and service access before application. Coordinate the lighting specialist with the finish applicator. Record the concealed routes and components in the handover drawings so they can be located during future maintenance.

Waterlines, overflow lips, exposed walls and waterfalls experience different conditions from continuously submerged surfaces. Confirm suitability for each location, including areas that repeatedly wet and dry. A consistent appearance may require different construction details beneath the surface.

Draw the transitions: where materials meet, how joints continue, where water runs and how fittings will be maintained. Mock-ups are useful for reviewing edges and the relationship between finishes. Confirm equipment and exposed details against the relevant manufacturers’ instructions and the project specification.

What to include in your specification

PebbleCrete finishes are cementitious aggregate finishes. The supplied material, selected cement and application together form the finished surface. A result obtained with one tested combination should not be assumed to apply to every locally sourced cement or installation.

Record	Why it matters
Material family and colour	A colour name alone does not identify the complete finish. Include the agreed sample reference.
Areas and geometry	Measure the actual finish area: floors, walls, steps and other surfaces. The water-surface area alone is not the finish quantity.
Substrate and waterproofing scope	Identify who is responsible for structural repairs, render, waterproofing, water testing and acceptance.
Edges and interfaces	Show waterlines, overflows, movement joints, penetrations and transitions to tile or other finishes.
Supply and application responsibilities	Distinguish the material package, local cement, freight, site preparation, application and startup.
Required evidence	State the specific project requirement. Product documentation, a laboratory report and a project warranty serve different purposes.