Pebble Fina - Is this normal?

[letterk]

Built our pool last summer. We are in Southern California and it was extremely hot when they put in the Pebble Fina. I knew it could have some variation in color, but what we got is very splotchy. Pool contractor said it's normal, so I didn't complain much. Then, they had to redo the spa because the Pebble Fina cracked in a number of places and leaked. The surface in the spa looks much better than the pool. I'm thinking it was way too hot when they did the pool and it dried to fast. I have a friend that just put in a pool, same Pebble Fina and it looks like my spa. So, is my pool normal? Am I overreacting? If it's not normal, what do I do?

Spa photos:

 

[letterk]

Here are the pool photos:

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I should point out it looked like this from the very beginning. This isn't discoloration due to bad water chemistry. I was told it would mellow out as it cures, but it hasn't changed at all. Still not happy with the look.

 

[sktn77a]

Can't see the pool pics.

 

[pooldv]

Call pebbletec and ask them to send out a rep to look at it.

Can't see pool pics either.

 

[riley00dog]

I can see the pool pics. It is very spotchy. See what pebbletec says. I am starting to feel very nervous about our pebble installation given how many posts there are recently about unacceptable results.

 

[riley00dog]

Here are the pool photos:

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I should point out it looked like this from the very beginning. This isn't discoloration due to bad water chemistry. I was told it would mellow out as it cures, but it hasn't changed at all. Still not happy with the look.

Quoting to see if helps others to view the pool pics.

 

[letterk]

Sorry about the images. My account has limited space to upload photos. I tried using google to host them but it appears that isn't working. Any advice on what works best with this forum?

 

[letterk]

OK, trying a different method. Here are the pool photos again.

 

[shrid]

I can't say if that is normal or not. However, I do think it looks cool.

 

[LeighHop]

Gosh, what color is it supposed to be? That third picture of the pool (tanning ledge?) seems especially unusual.

 

[letterk]

Gosh, what color is it supposed to be? That third picture of the pool (tanning ledge?) seems especially unusual.

It's Pebble Fina Grigio.

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I think the finish looks like a friends pool that's 10 years old and showing it's age. Except it's brand new.

 

[spoonman]

I have white plaster but have had streaking similar to that as well.

These plaster issues never seem to get resolved because people don't want to go through the trouble of having the pool company rip out and replaster (especially when the results could be the same), nor does the pool company want to pay for that. However, if you want the pool company to fix anything you have to do it immediately. After a few weeks they will say it is your fault due to poor maintenance/chemistry. Not saying you should ask the PB to fix, but just a warning if you are considering.

Acid washing is one of the common ways to address plaster issues, but I've heard that these blotches tend to reappear down the road.

 

[LeighHop]

I hate to say it, but I would have them rip it out. And I'm thinking I would try to change my finish since the PB doesn't seem to know how to apply this one. (I'm sorry, I know this must be incredibly frustrating and exhausting.)

 

[spoonman]

LeighHop brings up a good point about the pool builders possibly not knowing how to apply your finish correctly. My pool is white plaster and I'm told that very few people choose traditional plaster anymore (as evidenced by this website as well). My understanding is that plaster application requires a great deal of training and mastery of the material. Plaster may look perfectly smooth when filling a pool, but imperfections can surface easily once the pool is filled with water. It is my belief that many pool builders have been pushing things like Pebble Tech because they can charge more for them and there may be far fewer complaints with the finish that would require a complete overhaul and reapplication. My 2 cents from observation.

 

[Green Goblin]

Sorry you are dealing with this.

I don't know if it's normal or not, but if it were my pool, I'd be disappointed with it too.

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but I think that many people expect a new pool finish to have quite a uniform appearance. There will be imperfections of course, but when large areas do not have a uniform appearance I think it's natural to question the product or its application.

IMO pebblefina does not make it clear that this product should normally have such an appearance, so I think it's worth working through this with them and your builder. Ripping out a finish sucks, but so does looking at a new pool that isn't what you wanted.

 

[blondechica]

Hi there, just curious what you ended up doing about your Pebble Fina finish? I am contemplating Pebble Fina and specifically Grigio. Thanks!