How Much Does it Cost to Pebble Tec a Pool?

Last Updated on February 27, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Pebble Tec is one of the most popular and luxurious pool finishes available today. Known for its stunning natural stone appearance, Pebble Tec offers unique beauty, texture, and durability.

But all these benefits come at a cost – installing a Pebble Tec pool is a significant investment. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that influence Pebble Tec pool costs and provide price estimates to help you budget for this backyard upgrade.

How Much Does it Cost to Pebble Tec a Pool?

The cost to install a new Pebble Tec pool or resurface an existing pool runs $45-$60 per square foot on average. This covers the Pebble Tec materials, labor, and other installation expenses.

With most residential pools ranging from 800 to 1,200 square feet, you can expect to pay $36,000 to $72,000 for a new Pebble Tec pool installation.

For resurfacing a plaster pool with Pebble Tec, prices fall between $15-$30 per square foot. So resurfacing a standard 800-square-foot pool with Pebble Tec would cost around $12,000 to $24,000.

GoFullDIY provides a detailed breakdown of Pebble Tec pool costs:

• Resurfacing cost: $8,000 to $20,000
• Preparation cost: $1,200 to $1,600
• Cost per square foot: $5 to $10
• Rough coating cost: $3,500 to $9,500
• Polished finish cost: $4,500 to $11,000

TroubleFreePool discusses a specific case where a Pebble Tec resurfacing project was quoted at $12,000 for prep and resurfacing with a Stone Scape mini pebble finish.

Emerald Pool and Spa compares Pebble Tec vs. plaster pool surfacing in terms of aesthetics, durability, cost, and maintenance. They mention that Pebble Tec pool finishing can last 15-20 years with proper care and costs around $10 or more per square foot.

Houzz features a discussion on the cost difference between Pebble Sheen and Pebble Tec for pool finishes. One user mentions a quote of $4,000 to upgrade from basic plaster to PebbleTec or PebbleSheen in a 36’x18′ pool.

These prices can fluctuate based on your pool’s size and complexity. Custom designs, water features, and larger pools will fall on the higher end of these price ranges.

Factors Influencing Cost

Several key factors affect the overall cost of a Pebble Tec pool installation or resurfacing project.

Pool Size and Depth

Larger and deeper pools require more Pebble Tec materials and labor. Pricing is usually based on the total square footage of your pool’s surface area. The depth also adds expenses for extra subsurface preparation.

Design Complexity

Basic rectangular pools are the most affordable Pebble Tec option. Complex curved shapes, infinity edges, and tile accents add to the installation time and materials for a more expensive project.

Location

Pebble Tec pool costs can vary by region. Labor rates tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. Material transportation costs also factor in based on distance from manufacturing hubs.

Access and Site Prep

Difficult access, like squeezing equipment into a small backyard, raises the installation costs. Significant grading, landscaping, or electrical work prior to the Pebble Tec application will also add expenses.

Additional Features

Upgrades like waterfall features, fountains, grottos, or elaborate tile designs mean paying for premium materials and extra installation time. Simple is usually cheaper.

Labor and Installation Costs

Skilled pool contractors charge between $50-$100 per hour for Pebble Tec installations and resurfacing projects. The total labor time required depends on your pool’s size and features. Here are some factors affecting labor costs:

• Surface preparation – Removing old plaster and repairing the concrete base takes time.
• Pebble Tec application – Contractors must carefully apply the multicolored and textured Pebble Tec finish.
• Curing process – The surface must cure for over a week before filling the pool.
• Access issues – Tight spaces or obstacles raise the number of labor hours needed.
• Additional features – Special lighting, waterfalls, or tile accents require extra installation time.
• Required repairs – Structural cracks, plumbing issues, or deck repairs will add labor costs if needed.

You might also like our articles about the cost of pool deck resurfacing, pool acid washing, or pool water delivery.

Hiring an experienced Pebble Tec contractor is worth the investment – improper application can lead to finish damage or longevity issues.

Material Costs

The Pebble Tec material itself costs $2-$3 per square foot on average. This natural aggregate mix comes pre-blended by Pebble Tec in standard colors and textures. Here are some considerations regarding Pebble Tec materials:

• Color – Opting for a specialty color blend can increase the price per square foot. Neutral tan and white blends are most affordable.
• Texture – Pebble Tec offers smooth, ordinary tile, and large pebble textures. Larger pebbles cost more.
• Aggregates – Quartz, granite, marble, and ceramic add unique accents for an upgraded look and cost.
• Advanced mixes – Options like Pebble Fina (fine aggregate) and colored quartz blends are premium.
• Quantity – Bulk orders for larger pools get a discount on materials.
• Delivery fees – Location from a supplier hub affects transportation fees.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Beyond installation and materials, a few other expenses factor into the total Pebble Tec investment:

• Permits and engineering – Many areas require permits and professional engineering approval for pool construction, adding $1,500-$2,500 in fees.
• Landscaping – Integrating the pool into your yard with patios, decks, fencing, and gardens can cost $3,000-$10,000 or more.
• Ongoing maintenance – Proper Pebble Tec cleaning, chemical balancing, and sealing runs $200-$500 yearly.
• Warranty – Most Pebble Tec warranties cover defects for 5-10 years when properly maintained. This provides peace of mind on durability.
• Utilities – You may need to upgrade electrical or plumbing to support pool equipment, with costs around $1,500-$3,000.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to a basic plaster pool costing around $35 per square foot, Pebble Tec offers an enhanced look, texture, and longevity worth the added investment.

Tile finishes can approach $50 per square foot installed, but require more extensive long-term re-grouting. The customized elegance and durability of Pebble Tec provide excellent value per dollar over the lifetime of your pool.

Choosing a Contractor

Finding an experienced pool builder you trust is key for any pool installation, especially with a premium finish like Pebble Tec. Here are a few tips for selecting your Pebble Tec installation contractor:

• Review online profiles, ratings, reviews, and past project photos.
• Ask for referrals from past clients.
• Look for Certified Pebble Tec contractors in your area.
• Request estimated prices in writing for budgeting.
• Inquire about their warranty and aftercare support services.
• Evaluate options by having multiple contractors bid.

Investing in a quality contractor protects your Pebble Tec investment and yields the best results.

Final Words

Installing a luxurious new Pebble Tec pool requires careful planning and budgeting. But for a long-lasting, low-maintenance backyard oasis with visual appeal, Pebble Tec is worth the cost.

While prices range widely based on size and customization, you can expect to invest $50,000 to $100,000 for a premium Pebble Tec installation.

Factor in all the additional expenses too, and make sure to hire a top-notch pool builder to deliver your dream Pebble Tec pool. With proper care, your Pebble Tec investment will provide enjoyment and beauty for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pebble Tec worth the cost?

Pebble Tec is one of the most durable and attractive pool finishes available, so it often provides good value despite the higher initial cost. The key benefits that make Pebble Tec worth considering include:

• Unique natural pebble appearance and texture
• Long-lasting durability – lasts up to 20 years with proper maintenance
• Resistance to algae growth and chemical staining
• Variety of color blends and aggregate options for customization
• Excellent non-slip surface for safety
• Improved longevity over plaster and tile finishes
• Maintains beauty and color vibrancy over time
• High-end aesthetic for upgrading your poolscape

For those seeking a luxurious and long-lasting pool finish, Pebble Tec’s quality, beauty, and durability make it a worthwhile investment. Proper maintenance and professional installation are very important to maximize the cost-benefit.

But the added upfront cost brings excellent long-term value in enhancing your backyard.

How much does Pebblesheen cost?

Pebblesheen is another premium aggregate pool finish from Pebble Tec, featuring a smaller pebble blend that creates a smooth, glassy appearance. On average, Pebblesheen costs:

• $50 to $70 per square foot for new pool installation
• $20 to $40 per square foot for resurfacing an existing pool

This puts Pebblesheen on the higher end of Pebble Tec’s price range, as the specialized aggregate blend adds cost over traditional Pebble Tec. The installation process for Pebblesheen is also more extensive, requiring meticulous blending and application for an ultra-smooth finish.

Overall, the total cost for a Pebblesheen pool will be 20% to 50% higher than a standard Pebble Tec installation of the same size. The glass-like sheen and durability of Pebblesheen make it desirable for high-end pool projects despite its premium price.

How long do Pebble Tec pools last?

With proper maintenance and care, a Pebble Tec pool finish can last 15 to 20 years on average. This longevity outpaces traditional plaster pool finishes, which require re-surfacing every 10 years or less. The durability of Pebble Tec stems from:

• High-quality blend of aggregate and binding material
• Resistance to chemical erosion
• Impervious to algae and staining
• Durable uniform texture that retains integrity
• Long-lasting color stability under UV exposure

Getting the full lifespan out of a Pebble Tec pool requires following the manufacturer’s care guidelines. Proper water chemistry, cleaning, sealing and optional re-finishing around the 10-year mark will maximize the longevity.

Choosing an experienced installer also prevents flaws that could cut short the life of the Pebble Tec finish. With the right initial installation and ongoing maintenance, a Pebble Tec pool can realistically last up to two decades before needing resurfacing.

The long-lasting durability makes the investment worthwhile for many homeowners.