Stonescape vs. Pebble-Tec

[android259]

I am faced with having to redo the surface of my pool.

I currently have a Black Lagoon Pool made by Pebble-Tec. I am considering switching to the Stonescape Midnight Blue.

Does anyone know if Stonescape is as a good (long lasting) of a product as Pebble-Tec? More importantly, does anyone have experience with Stonescape's Midnight Blue finish?

 

[Patrick_B]

No experience sorry, but welcome to TFP!

Stonescapes has a very good reputation, and some high end pool builders use it here in Texas. Wet Edge and CLI also make some fine products. Most here are tired of hearing me say this, but it seems all these brands are about the same in quality if installed correctly. One elite TX builder told me he doesn't really have a preference in the "big three" because he's never had to replace any of them over the last 20 or so years they've been doing them. Darker Blue finishes tend to be much more expensive than others in the same line of products for all brands just FYI. Are you replacing it because of problems or just want a new color in the pool? No matter, just curious.

 

[Angnjam]

Yes, I'm curious why you are replacing too? If its because it needs it, I'm wondering how long you've had the current Pebble Tec? I didn't think it had been around that long to need replacing quite yet.

 

[Melt In The Sun]

I'm curious as well...I can't remember any other instance of someone replacing a pebble finish, for any reason.

 

[Patrick_B]

I'm taking a wild guess, but thinking the OP wanted some color and more visibility into the water.

 

[android259]

I updated both the inside and outside of my house to give it a more modern look. I replaced the deck and coping that surround my pool and I removed the rock waterfall that gave the area a "lagoon" look and I built a more "modern" waterfall.

I am considering replacing the PB because after @20 years there are signs of "wear" on the steps and in other parts of the pool. I have several options in dealing with this issue:

1. Leave the surface "as is"
2. "Patch" the areas in the pool that are worn
3. Resurface the pool in a color that is more in keeping with the "updated" look of my home

I have already concluded that if I resurface the pool having "aggregate" in the mix is a must if I don't want to resurface the pool again for another 20 years.

If I resurface the pool I have narrowed down my resurfacing options to:

Stonescape Midnight Blue-

or

Stonescape Tahoe Blue -

However, I have NOT decided if I want to use the small stones, or the bigger stones.

I am going to get a quote for resurfacing the pool using PB in another color.

 

[SKC]

I have the Stonescape Tahoe Blue in our pool. Went with the mini pebble. We have only been in the spa thus far, but absolutely love the looks.

 

[J.T.]

stonescape Tropics Blue regular pebble! Love it I did have them take out some of the black pebble, didn't want the pool to be to hot in the summer.

 

[Patrick_B]

If it were me, I'd go with the mini pebble. Its personal, but I think it would be a little smoother too.

 

[davelinde]

We did our new build with Stonescape and used the small pebble - I don't think I'd like anything bigger/more coarse.

FWIW our plaster guy said that anyone can get Stonescape, while you must be certified to get Pebbletec but beyond that difference he thought they were very equivalent and either one, if properly applied, would give a good service life. The key was -- properly applied... Our stonescapes came with a warranty but honestly with all the hoops and loopholes it had I do wonder if they would honor it or point to water quality and skate. I hope not to ever find out.

 

[android259]

Well, now I have samples from PT and SC. It's time to place them in glass dishes and put them in the pool.

davelinde, you make an excellent point about PT using "certified" installers. PT and SC look so much alike that In the end it all boils down to who I trust to apply the product.

 

[FENERBAHCE]

Any updates you can provide? I wonder if you went with StoneScapes and how it looks. Also I am very curious about the cost, if it is OK to answer.

 

[valrico]

Yes, I'm also curious as well. We're looking to refinish the pool and would want to leverage your experience if you don't mind. Thank you.

 

[azwaldo]

Im doing mine with lagoon blue, but mixing in glass and abalone. A custom finish. Talk toy our pebble guys. They should eble to help you out and or make you a custom finish mix.

 

[azjoshers79]

Pebbletec does have their certified application training and licensing. However, the materials are twice the cost. When I talked to my sub, her told me the pebbles are the same in both products, the stonescapes are $14.00 a bag and Pebbletec is $28.00 a bag. My friend who managed my project has built dozens of pools with stonescapes and has not had a signals problem. He has used the same application sub for 8 years so he knows their work is quality.


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[Jaimslaw]

I agree with others on this thread and similar prior threads that going with Pebble-tec does not necessarily insure a problem free install. The certification is not obtained by alll crew members who are installing the finish, which in many instances determines the outcome of the finish.

The recommended way to chose is to get bids from at least 4 companies and make your decision only after you have seen at least two recent installs from the companies responding to your RFQ.

My Stonescape contractor referred me to several recent installs, which not only helped me determine the quality of his work, but the mini pebble color I ended up having installed. There simply is no substitute for this means of deciding both who you should go with and the finish.