Hi All, my pool was firs filled in March of 2015. in about August of 2018 (3.5 years), I noticed cracks as the pebble sheen (smoother version of pebble tech) started to move away from the "shot-crete" or gunite shell. It does not appear the shot-crete shell has moved and there are no water leaks. See the pictures of the curved wall with tile on one side and pebble tech on the other. It is an infinity or zero edge pool about 90% around. Water normally flows over the wall into the surge pond and back to the pump. The pebble sheen has moved 1/2" into the pool water and the cracks are quite large. The builder (who I'll not name) is saying water got behind the pebble sheen causing calcium, or poorly mixed shot-crete, to expand and push the pebble sheen out. The cracks are mostly just below the water level, but go down about 3' into the side wall. The builder says they sealed the shot-crete before the pebble sheen was installed. I don't really recall a very robust application of a sealant. The builder is saying he will make the repairs for his cost and not apply any markup. I think something else happened and like so many pool owners, I have no clue what. It almost seems like a thermal expansion issue of some kind. I imagine it will cost a pretty penny to repair and I am not happy about the builder's explanation. Have any of you seen this before and once fixed, did it happen again?
Pebble Sheen Delaminating
- Thread starter WardL
- Start date
What is the warranty On his work? Sounds like a delamination issue with prep or possibly the application?
Desert Dog
Silver Supporter
Read this: You are being redirected.... May help. I would wonder if tile on top or the weir wall would help.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 55,419
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Confirm that all the cracks and delamination are on the top of the weir wall and then radiate down into the water?
@onBalance thoughts?
@onBalance thoughts?
Last edited:
Since my "pool description" says California Pool... I went with a reputable builder, but the warranty doesn't offer much coverage. California Pools has offered to repair the cracks at their cost, which means no markup for their services. The cracks started at the top of the wall and went down the wall. The original design was to have tile on top but we decided the pebble sheen would look better. We have pretty hard water and see buildup of calcium on the top of the wall.
It seems very likely my wall was not sealed properly based on your reference. Thank you.
I have heard the Pebble Sheen is not supposed to be left dry and exposed to sunlight. The pool was originally going to have a tile cover over the top of the wall. The builder suggested leaving the tile off, saving some money and just have the exposed Pebble Sheen on top of the wall. It seemed like a great option and I approved the change in plans. With the cracks now, it makes me wonder if part of the problem is the daily sequence of the Pebble Sheen being wet when the pool is circulating and then the Pebble Sheen being dry and exposed to the heat of the day/sun. This daily cooling and heating of the Pebble Sheen could cause expansion and contraction eventually leading to a crack. There are very minor cracks around the top of the wall all along the pool edge. They seem very minor and not consequential. I think I should call Pebble Tech people and ask them what they think. Any other ideas out their? Is this something I should have the pool company repair under warranty or out of my pocket? You know what my builder says: It is not covered under his warranty.
Desert Dog
Silver Supporter
Tuff spot. Thats exactly what I was thinking too. The plaster probably should not be left dry. I have seen many infinity edge pools, never one with plaster on top of the weir wall. I would like to hear what Pebble Tech has to say. I have think I have seen pics of pools in AZ that do not have a tile line and thought that was a bad idea? I would think the PB would take some responsibility after all they did the work and should know if it is a bad idea or not. As long as you did not sign anything stating you are doing something against their recommendation and warranty is void I would press the issue. The problem is if you have to get lawyers involved, you often loose either way.
Maybe a compromise with the builder. Lets say Pebble Tech says it is a no no. Provide the builder with that info. They are supposed to an authorized installer. Maybe even a complaint with Pebble Tech, they might be able to pressure the builder or offer some product to help get it fixed.
The builder did ofter to fix at his cost. See if he will tile it at his cost and throw in cleaning the calcium off.
Maybe a compromise with the builder. Lets say Pebble Tech says it is a no no. Provide the builder with that info. They are supposed to an authorized installer. Maybe even a complaint with Pebble Tech, they might be able to pressure the builder or offer some product to help get it fixed.
The builder did ofter to fix at his cost. See if he will tile it at his cost and throw in cleaning the calcium off.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 55,419
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I would fix the wall with tile and not put pebble back on. If you fix with pebble you are likely to have the problem reoccur. Work it out with the builder to put tile where it should have been all along. He lead you astray.
I am not the lawyer up type. But do think the builder needs to do more. I sent Pebble Tech an email today and meeting with two builder types tomorrow. Update on that later. Thanks for the discussion.