Talk to any pool builders and they will tell you both of them are premium finishes. But still, there are some differentiating factors between Diamond Brite vs. Pebble Tec.
You can tell the difference just by looking at them! Lack of experience and ignorance can give you a bad headache.
Yes, the finishes are almost the same but there is more to cover here and you can clearly distinguish the two at the end of the article.
Stay with me!
Differences Between Pebble Tec And Diamond Brite
Both are competitors and both of them are doing just great to make your pool more attractive and welcoming. Pool owners love them both.
Yet, there are some differences between the two. Let’s check them.
- Raw Materials Used
It’s important to know what materials are used to justify why the price tag is so different.
Diamond Brite (DB) pool finish is a blend of quartz aggregates and white Portland cement (crushed). This mix is crucial for the bonding and hardness of your pool’s structure.
They make Pebble Tec by mixing small & larger natural pebbles. They collect those pebbles from the black sand beaches and earth.
- Durability
Because of the materials used, the Diamond Brite pool finish will last for 8 to 12 years. But the Pebble Tec finish will last for 15 to 20 years. Sometimes even more!
- Intended Uses
Pool builders recommend Pebble Tec to make a new swimming pool. They usually recommend Diamond Brite for resurfacing your old swimming pool because that’s where it works best.
But you can have DB pool finish for your new pool as well. Lots of people are doing it!
- Durability
As per the pool owners’ experiences and the pool builders’ thoughts, Pebble Tec pool finishes are more durable than Diamond Brite.
So, Pebble Tec will continuously serve you years after years without getting damaged.
- Slippery Issue
The surface of the Diamond Brite pool finish is slippery than Pebble Tec finishes!
If you are an avid pool enthusiast and keep an eye on various pool forums, you will notice that several pool owners have raised this issue.
Yes, your DB finish may not feel slippery due to all the grooves and rough patterns but that’s not the case for everyone!
- Cost Differences
Pebble Tec is more expensive than plaster. It’s even more expensive than Diamond Brite. Lots of factors like materials used, durability, etc. have made these price differences.
So, you need a good budget to have the Pebble Tec pool finish. But for a tight budget situation, Diamond Brite is still a good choice.
- Warranty Issue
To me, warranty conditions of both the brand seem same. However, when you talk to any pool builder, he will tell you that the warranty condition of Pebble Tec is better than Diamon Brite.
I have seen such pool builders recommend Pebble Tec over Diamond Brite just because of the warranty conditions!
Why People Like Pebble Tec?
Those who want a long-term textured appearance for their pools, prefer this brand a lot. Pool enthusiasts from all over the world who love a dark surface love Pebble Tec.
Let’s check some other factors that have made the brand the number one choice for their dream swimming pool:
- For a natural and creative design, it’s second to none. The aesthetics of Pebble Tec is simply unparallel. Period!
- If maintained properly, the surfaces can last as long as 20+ years.
- Pebble comes with lots of finishes like PebbleTec, PebbleBrilliance, PebbleSheen, and PebbleFina.
Why People Like Diamond Brite?
Apart from top qualities and durable performance, many pool owners prefer this brand because of its quartz blend which makes it stronger. With improved bonding, it makes the pool less water penetrating.
Below mentioned reasons also made it popular for resurfacing an old facility:
- The insoluble materials used for this pool finish have made it pool chemical resistant. It also resists stains from the pool chemical too.
- You can drain your pool, clean it, and refill it with water without damaging your pool.
- Wide color range to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s an attractive alternative to traditional pool finishes. To explain simply, DB finishes are the perfect blends of fortified white cement and selected quartz aggregates. Modern days pool owners love this a lot for their new or re-finished swimming pool.
No, they are not. In fact, they are exactly the opposite. However, the wrong installation will result in rough finishes. It’s a polish blend where algae and other microorganisms will find it hard sticking to the surface.
Yes, to resist degradation and staining from the water chemistry, Diamond Brite uses quartz that has waterproof properties.
Yes, you can acid wash your DB pool after draining the water from it.
With regular maintenance and acid washing after 4 to 5 years, the finish should last as long as 8 to 12 years!
Closing Remarks
Apart from the price tag and warranty issue, there are not many differences between the Diamond Brite vs. Pebble Tec pool finishes. At least that’s how I see it.
It all depends on an individual’s personal choice and preference since the quality and other issues are almost the same.
But if you plan to resurface your pool, I would recommend the Diamond Brite and for a new pool, I would recommend Pebble Tec.
Let me know in the comment box which one is your favorite and try to explain why briefly in the comment box.
About Author
Can Pebble Tec be repair? I have sections in our pool in which the pebbles are coming off. Specially on the edges of the steps. It is very sharp and rough.