Choosing the right pool finish is one of the most important decisions when remodeling or installing a new pool. The finish greatly impacts the overall aesthetics, functionality, and maintenance requirements.
Two of the most popular premium finishes are Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec. But what’s the difference between them and which is better?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare every aspect of these two exposed aggregate finishes to help you decide which is best for your pool project.
We’ll examine the costs, appearance, durability, textures, warranties, and all the other factors that set Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec apart. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Hydrazzo | Pebble Tec |
| Cost | $80-120 per sq. ft. (Expensive) | $60-100 per sq. ft. (Moderate) |
| Durability | 15-20 years | 20-25 years |
| Appearance | Unique varied natural pebbles | Uniform ceramic pebbles |
| Texture | Natural stones provide traction | Smooth for comfort |
| Colors | Many natural tones and blends | 40+ base colors |
| Maintenance | Periodic acid washing | Resealing every few years |
| Repairs | Difficult to match original | Easier to blend |
| Warranty | 10-15 years | 10 years |
What Are Hydrazzo And Pebble Tec?
Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec fall under the category of exposed aggregate pool finishes. This means they contain small stones or pebbles exposed on the surface rather than having a uniform smooth finish like standard plaster. The pebbles provide visual interest, texture, and enhance the overall durability.
Here’s a quick primer on each finish:
- Hydrazzo – This finish contains a blend of natural pebbles like quartz, granite, and marble hand-seeded into the plaster surface. The different pebbles create randomized designs and colors. No two Hydrazzo pools look exactly alike.
- Pebble Tec – Uses only rounded ceramic pebbles evenly broadcast into the plaster. The consistent smooth pebbles result in a more uniform appearance than Hydrazzo. Pebble Tec comes in over 40 standard colors.
Both finishes are considered premium products and cost more than regular plaster. But they are popular options for homeowners wanting extra durability and visual appeal.
Key Differences Between Hydrazzo And Pebble Tec
Now let’s take a deeper look at how Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec compare.
- Appearance
One of the biggest differences between these finishes comes down to the appearance.
Hydrazzo features a varied blend of natural pebbles for one-of-a-kind designs and colors. The random combination of quartz, marble and granite creates unique patterns and depth. These natural stones also change and weather slightly over time, adding character. No two Hydrazzo pools look exactly the same.
Pebble Tec on the other hand has a more uniform appearance. The consistent smooth ceramic pebbles result in a flatter, softer look. The colors are also consistent across the entire surface. Pebble Tec comes in over 40 different base colors from vibrant hues to earthy tones.
Many buyers prefer Hydrazzo’s natural stone aesthetic for a more interesting and upscale look. But Pebble Tec offers color consistency and is available in more color options. It comes down personal preferences.
Both finishes offer visual appeal, durability and texture that standard plaster cannot match. But Hydrazzo’s randomized blend of shaped, sized and colors results in a more dynamic, one-of-a-kind appearance.
- Durability
You want your pool finish to last, so durability is critical in choosing between Hydrazzo vs Pebble Tec.
Both finishes are extremely durable and resistant to common issues like etching, cracking and staining. The exposed pebbles make them significantly tougher than plaster. However, Hydrazzo is generally regarded as having the longest-lasting finish.
With proper maintenance like periodic acid washing, Hydrazzo can last a remarkable 15-20 years or longer before needing resurfacing.
Pebble Tec also lasts approximately 20-25 years with care and maintenance before needing to be redone.
For comparison, standard plaster typically lasts just 8-15 years before requiring replacement.
The bottom line is that while both finishes are very durable, Hydrazzo seems to have a slight edge in overall longevity.
Its harder natural stones tend to better withstand the test of time. This longer lifespan allows Hydrazzo owners to go longer between costly resurfacing projects.
- Costs
One of the biggest downsides to Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec is the cost. Both come at a premium price compared to regular plaster.
On average, expect to pay the following installed costs per square foot:
- Hydrazzo – $80-120 per square foot
- Pebble Tec – $60-100 per square foot
- Plaster – $15-30 per square foot
As you can see, Hydrazzo costs 25-50% more than Pebble Tec and over 3 times more than plaster. Using a 300 square foot pool as an example, total installed costs break down like:
- Hydrazzo – $24,000 to $36,000
- Pebble Tec – $18,000 to $30,000
- Plaster – $4,500 to $9,000
The prices can vary based on your location and the pool contractor doing the installation. But the ratios tend to hold true that Hydrazzo is more expensive than Pebble Tec, which is far pricier than plaster.
The investment into these premium finishes may pay off in the long run through added longevity and lower lifetime maintenance costs. But the higher upfront price makes Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec prohibitively expensive options for some buyers.
- Texture
You want your pool finish to feel good on your feet. Texture plays a big role in the comfort level of walking across Hydrazzo vs Pebble Tec barefoot.
Due to its natural stones, Hydrazzo has more variable textures and exposed edges. Most stones are rounded and smooth, but some can have sharper facets that scrape feet.
However, the pebbles do provide added traction that makes Hydrazzo less slippery than plaster around pool entryways.
Pebble Tec offers a softer texture since all the pebbles are spherical and smooth. The consistent shape and surface makes for a more comfortable walking experience. The smoothness does mean Pebble Tec can be somewhat more slippery when wet.
During installation, most contractors will hand tool Hydrazzo surfaces to knock down potentially sharp pebble edges. When installed correctly, both finishes offer adequate texture and traction for safe footing, especially compared to slippery plaster.
But Pebble Tec generally wins when it comes to the most comfortable texture underfoot.
- Maintenance and Care
To maximize the longevity of Hydrazzo or Pebble Tec, proper maintenance is crucial. Let’s look at the typical care requirements.
Hydrazzo – Periodic acid washing treatments help remove staining and etching that can develop over time. This preserves the original multicolored appearance. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
Pebble Tec – Requires resealing using a clear Pebble Tec sealer every 3 years or so to preserve the vivid color. Acid washing is also recommended to remove any stains or calcium deposits. Harsh cleaners can dull the surface over time.
In general, both finishes are highly stain resistant and require less frequent acid washing than plaster. But some periodic maintenance is essential to keep them looking like new for decades. Following the manufacturer’s care guidelines is advised.
For buyers wanting the lowest maintenance finish, standard plaster may be preferable despite the shorter lifespan. Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec’s durability comes at the cost of some minor upkeep.
- Ease of Repairs
Even with durable finishes like Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec, accidents happen and repairs may be needed over their lifespan. In general, Pebble Tec is regarded as the easier finish to patch and repair.
Its uniform ceramic pebbles allow for better blending of repaired areas compared to Hydrazzo’s random mix of colored stones. With Hydrazzo, the variation means repaired sections almost always stand out from the original finish.
However, repairs should rarely be needed with proper installation and care. These finishes are incredibly resilient. Any damage is usually isolated and only requires patching small areas rather than redoing the entire pool.
- Warranties
Reputable dealers offer warranties on both Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec installations against defects:
- Hydrazzo – Typically offers a 10-15 year limited warranty when installed by a licensed contractor. Covers manufacture defects and premature wear.
- Pebble Tec – Comes with a 10 year limited warranty on the product and labor. Warranty is transferable if the home is sold.
Make sure certified contractors do the installation to ensure warranty coverage. The warranties provide peace of mind but don’t cover damage from improper maintenance or accidents.
Plaster often only comes with a 2-5 year warranty for comparison. The longer warranties highlight the proven durability and performance of Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec.
Choosing Between Hydrazzo And Pebble Tec
By now it’s clear that both Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec are excellent options for durable, attractive pool finishes. So which is better for your pool project?
Here are a few key factors to help guide your decision:
- Budget – Pebble Tec costs 25-50% less than Hydrazzo. But Hydrazzo’s longer lifespan may justify the investment for some buyers.
- Appearance – Hydrazzo’s varied natural pebbles result in more unique designs. Pebble Tec offers uniform smooth texture and a wider range of base colors.
- Longevity – Hydrazzo edges out Pebble Tec with an average 15-20 year lifespan before resurfacing is needed.
- Comfort – Pebble Tec’s smooth rounded pebbles may feel best underfoot for pools designed for lots of play and lounging.
There’s no universally “best” option. Choose the finish that aligns closest with your budget, design preferences, usage, and maintenance considerations.
You really can’t go wrong with either Hydrazzo or Pebble Tec compared to traditional plaster. Both finishes transform the look of any pool and provide lasting durability. Careful selection of qualified installers is key to ensure optimal results.
Get Quotes from Qualified Pool Contractors
The biggest investment with any pool finish is the installation itself. Be sure to get quotes from qualified contractors in your area who have extensive experience with Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec installations.
An expert installation is crucial to achieving maximum durability and the best aesthetic results from either finish. Doing your research to find reputable pool companies will pay dividends for years to come.
Your contractor should also handle any periodic maintenance needed like acid washing to keep your Hydrazzo or Pebble Tec finish looking its best. Investing in one of these premium finishes makes sense only with proper installation and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s go over answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec:
With proper maintenance, Hydrazzo can last approximately 15-20 years or longer before needing to be resurfaced. This is about twice as long as regular plaster.
Pebble Tec is highly regarded but not necessarily the single “best” finish. It offers great durability and appearance, but Hydrazzo lasts longer and provides a more natural-looking surface. For some buyers, that justifies Hydrazzo’s higher cost.
Hydrazzo contains a blend of natural pebbles like quartz, granite and marble hand-seeded into the plaster. This creates random designs, colors and textures.
Hydrazzo is less slippery than plaster. Its exposed pebbles provide more traction. However, the contractor should smooth any very sharp edges during installation for comfort.
Pebble Tec typically costs $60-100 per square foot installed. The total cost for a 300 square foot pool would be around $18,000-30,000. It runs 25-50% less than premium Hydrazzo.
Final Thoughts
Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec are two of the finest finishes available for residential pools. While they come at a premium, they can be worth the investment for buyers prioritizing aesthetics, durability and longevity.
Carefully weigh the differences in appearance, cost, durability, maintenance and other factors discussed here when choosing between Hydrazzo and Pebble Tec. Consider your own priorities and preferences to select the right finish for your pool and lifestyle.
With either option, you’ll end up with a gorgeous pool surface that maintains its beauty for decades. Your family and friends will be envious of the unique, eye-catching look using one of these fantastic finishes.