How to repair a PebbleCrete pool?

[JCav]

Hi, I have a repair job for my Pebble Crete in ground concrete pool. Does Bunnings sell any Pebble Crete product for this type of job. I'm planning to cut out the Pebble Crete and concrete substrate in an area of 15cm by 9cm then reinstate the concrete to below the current surface and finish the cut out with a Pebble Crete topping. I've done this before many years ago very successfully but I cant for the life of me remember where I got the Pebble Crete finish.

It will need to be somewhat waterproof ( although I can waterproof the Pebble Crete with glue/sealer additive if needed) and it needs to fill to depth of about 2 or 3cms.

Any ideas or advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers John

[EricL]

Hello @JCav 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about repairing the pebblecrete near your pool. 

I'm sorry but the Pebblecrete Re-surfacer is no longer available. 

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the damaged area you're trying to repair? This will give our members a chance to assess the condition of the pebblecrete. We can then make recommendations on how to possibly repair the damage.

One of the drawbacks of pebblecrete is that they tend to deteriorate individually or in large chunks. Is the damage limited to that area or has it started showing up randomly around the pool area? How old is the pebblecrete cover around the pool? 

I propose thinking about the possibility of changing your pebblecrete cover into Brighton Masonry 200 x 200 x 50mm Charcoal Mypave Paver. It's a much more stable product and because of its standard size can be replaced easily.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[JCav]

Thank you EricL for your reply.

It seems ridiculous that pool builders are still advocating a Pebble Crete surface as a possible option for pool surfaces when it can never be repaired in the future and will need a complete removal for any type of repair no matter how minor the repair.

A warning to other future pool owners. If the pool builder suggests a Pebble Crete finish sack him and get another pool builder.

I guess I'll have to look for another option. If any one has any ideas?

Thanks anyway EricL, all the best.

John 

[EricL]

Hello John (@JCav)

There is always the option of doing a traditional pebblecrete patch with mortar. The general steps are to mix a batch of mortar along with some Tuscan Path 5kg 4-6mm Natural Mixed Decorative Pebbles. You then lay the mix over the repair area and use a large tile sponge to wipe off the surface of the mortar to reveal the pebbles. It won't have the same look as your current pebblecrete, but it's an alternative that you can try.

Let me call on our experienced members @Adam_W and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

@JCav @EricL 

I was reading this yesterday and thinking about your issue and how you could get around it.

I have a repaired a patio previously with a bunnings repair kit also (read 15ish years ago) and was surprised there isnt easy kits available as there are still a LOT of pebblecrete surfaces out there. As far as I know the patio fix is still going strong.

I just had a look on google and This company popped up. And they mention pebblecrete surfaced pools! Ive never used them so cannot say how good they are but there are a bunch of FAQ's that sound interesting. Pebblekits 

Always feel odd posting outside links but think options are always good to have. 

Dave

[JCav]

Thanks Eric,

The mortar patch with 6mm pebbles won't work. The pebble size for PebbleCrete is generally less than3mm, a 6mm pebble blend would look totally out of character. but thanks anyway.

John

[JCav]

Great minds think alike Dave.

I did an internet search yesterday and after a lot false web-sites (companies advertising they are in Australia when they're in Asia somewhere) I came across the Pebblekits site (www.pebblekits.com.au). Ive been in contact with them and they have been very helpful. I have order a kit (they have given advise which kit would suit my pool surface) and I should receive it early next week (free shipping) They are listed somewhere on the Gold Coast (ABN lookup). I'll give details on this post about the process etc once I've completed my project.

Like you I was very surprised Bunnings no longer provides those kits, especially with so many PebbleCrete surfaces (pool's, patio's, walkways etc) but I guess it all boils down to profits.

Thanks for your reply Dave.

John

[Jason]

I will ask Eric to pass on your feedback to the Bunnings merchandise team @JCav.

There could be lots of different reasons why the team no longer stock a particular type of product, including suppliers not being able to supply the volume required, insufficient customer demand, or customers consistently providing feedback that a product didn't meet their expectations. 

All the best with your repair.

Jason

[JCav]

Thanks Jason,

The official line given initially by Bunnings spokesman about why they no longer hold this PebbleCrete repair product was almost verbatim to your explanation.

Cheers

John

[JCav]

Thanks for your reply Eric,

The area I'm trying to repair is due to a rust blow out from the Rio bar. that was installed into the underlying concrete base.

Its a very small area no bigger than a 50cent size. but it entails cutting out the pebblecrete and concrete base possibly 15cm x 9cm rectangle, then cutting out the Rio bar rusted section and re cementing the base and patching the pebblecrete. The rest of the pool is OK, so I don't want to spend thousands on removing it all and recovering it.

Cheers John