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FAQ - H20 Chemistry
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/CARE OF FINISHWhat is PEBBLE TEC® and PEBBLE SHEEN® brand pool finishes?
PEBBLE TEC® and PEBBLE SHEEN® brand pool finishes are a patented interior surface for swimming pools utilizing finely screened natural river rock worn smooth by years of nature's tumbling. The rock is geologically tested for hardness, angularity, content, and size.
What is the history of PEBBLE TEC® brand pool finishes?
PEBBLE TEC® brand pool finishes were developed in Australia more than a decade ago. Over 20,000 pools have been installed in Australia and the United States. This means you are considering a time proven, quality product that has gained strong customer acceptance worldwide.
Is the surface rough?
The pebbles used are finely screened and naturally tumbled, which means that even though the surface is bumpy, it is non-abrasive.
What happens when algae grows on the PEBBLE TEC®/PEBBLE SHEEN® finish?
Algae grows on anything. Proper maintenance will reduce the incidence of algae in any pool. Because the pebbles are non-porous, algae doesn't bond as readily to it as it does to plaster or marcite. That means it can be easily cleaned without damage to the surface.
Does the surface color vary?
PEBBLE TEC® and PEBBLE SHEEN® brand pool finishes are natural products and hand-finished, so variations in color and exposure are to be expected. These variations create a distinct, yet natural appearance.
How are the pebbles placed on the surface?
Predetermined ratios of stone and cement are combined with water and additives, then pneumatically applied with a standard pool plaster pump to a thickness of approximately 1/2". Once the PEBBLE TEC® or PEBBLE SHEEN® brand pool finishes are applied, it is hand troweled utilizing a special process by our trained applicators.
At a precise time the material is "exposed" by a method which uncovers the top layer of pebbles. When the finish is thoroughly hardened, the pool is then cleaned with a solution to enhance the brightness and luster of the natural stone
Will pebbles fall off?
A small loss of pebbles is normal right after pool startups, but it's insignificant considering the amount of pebbles in your pool.
Is there a warranty?
Pebble Technology's PEBBLE TEC® and PEBBLE SHEEN® brand pool finishes are installed only by authorized, licensed contractors who are required to provide a written warranty statement.
When can I start swimming in the pool?
You can swim once the pool is completely filled with water. However, once the procedure is started to chemically balance the pool water, we recommend that you wait until the water is chemically balanced before swimming.
Do you recommend tile with a PEBBLE TEC® pool finish?
PEBBLE TEC® pool finish offers unlimited design possibilities with natural looking results by integrating the finish into waterfalls, boulders, beach entries, and etc. All swimming pools and water features require maintenance; however, a smooth tile surface at the waterline may be easier to clean than the PEBBLE TEC® finish at the waterline (since it is a bumpy surface). Keep in mind also that out of the water, it will have a dry look.
Do you recommend tile with a PEBBLE SHEEN® pool finish?
Tiles should always be used in combination with PEBBLE SHEEN® pool finish. PEBBLE SHEEN® pool finish is not meant to come out of the water.
How do I take care of a PEBBLE TEC® superior pool finish?
Caring for a PEBBLE TEC® pool finished is no different than caring for a plaster/marcite pool. The water chemistry should be maintained according to the "Saturation Index." The saturation index measures the various factors in the pool water, such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, etc. and adjusts them according to a specific formula depending on the levels of each factor. There is not a standard level at which each factor is always kept. Based upon the results of the computerized testing, recommendations will be made as to what needs to be added to, or deleted from your pool water.
CLEANING THE "RING" AROUND THE POOL.
If you have a pool or spa without waterline tile and need advice on removing the "ring" around the waterline of the PEBBLE TEC® pool finish, the following instructions are basic guidelines.
This ring is commonly referred to as a "calcium ring" or "mineral buildup." Usually any type of cleaner designed to clean calcium off of waterline tile will also work on PEBBLE TEC® pool finishes. When using these cleaners/chemicals follow the directions on the container.
It is a good idea to spot test a small area first. Lower the water level to expose the waterline and apply the cleaner to an area of about 8-10". Next, scrub the area with a nylon brush and start rinsing with a hose while scrubbing. The cleaners can be rinsed into the pool, but remember to use caution while working with these chemicals as they may contain acids. Repeat as necessary. Always follow the instructions on the container.
Do not attempt to use Muriatic acid on the waterline ring as it will not work to remove this type of buildup.
WATER MAINTENANCE
The primary reason for treating pool and spa water with sanitizing chemicals is to prevent the growth of bacteria which would make swimmers and bathers sick.
These bacteria can cause infections in ears, nose and throat and possibly other more dangerous diseases like Meningitis. Bacterial control is easily accomplished by adding a sanitizer (most commonly Hypochlorous Acid or simply Chlorine) regularly, and then passing the water through a filter to remove the dead bacteria. You then need to be sure that any additional bacteria entering the pool, is met by a sanitizer residual in sufficient concentration to kill this new bacteria as soon as possible.
The primary source of bacteria is the swimmers and bathers themselves. Animals can also contribute significantly to bacteria levels. A large dog may contaminate up to twenty times the volume of water that a human can.
While this all sounds pretty gruesome, it is generally accepted that most harmful bacteria will be killed when exposed to a free chlorine residual as low as one milligram per liter or in other words one part per million (ppm). By regularly testing the water and adding the required amount of chlorine to the pool, a residual level of 1.0 or 2.0 ppm is easily maintained.
WATER BALANCE
Untreated, or improperly treated water can be a health threat. Chemically balanced and sanitized water, on the other hand, will provide a healthy and visually appealing environment for you, your family and friends.
Balanced water means that chemical demands have been met. If the chemical levels are too low the water will aggressively seek the products it needs by attacking the pool surface and equipment. This may lead to severe corrosion problems. On the other hand, high chemical levels may lead to the formation of scale on the pool surfaces and equipment. Out of balance water can, therefore, cause expensive damage to the pool and may also inhibit the sanitizing process. In simple terms, the pool owner should balance the following variables:
pH, Total alkalinity, and Calcium hardness
pH
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. values below 7.0 are acidic, and values above 7.0 are alkaline. With pool water we are seeking a pH balance suitable to the pool user, the pool, and sanitizer used. The recommended range is 7.2 to 7.6 Topping off your pool, heavy rain, heavy bathing loads and chemical additions can all change the pH level of your pool water. Incorrect pH levels can have the following effects : Cause swimmer discomfort (itchy skin, red eyes, etc.) Interfere with the action of your pool sanitizer. Effective sanitizing relies on pH values. Therefore, sanitizer and pH levels, should be the measures you check and adjust most often. Regardless of the chlorine type or the chlorination process used, any pH drift above the recommended range (7.0 to 7.8) will inhibit the sanitizing effect of your chlorine.
TOTAL ALKALINITY (T.A.)
This is a measure of bi-carbonates, carbonates and hydroxides in your water. The recommended range is 60 to 200 parts per million (ppm). Your pool store can advise you of the recommended level for your pool. Low T.A. will lead to erosion of the surface of concrete and painted pools. It will also cause the pH levels to be very unstable with small additions of chemicals resulting in major shifts in pH. This is sometimes known as "pH bounce". Total Alkalinity can be changed in the following ways : Adding buffer (bi-carbonate of soda). This raises the Total Alkalinity. Adding acid to your pool to lower pH will also lower Total Alkalinity. Topping-up your pool will change the Total Alkalinity depending on the T.A. of the top-up water. It can be seen that acids will lower the pH and Total Alkalinity. There is an interconnection between these two chemical components and, because of this, they need to be adjusted together. The levels you are seeking to maintain are : pH of 7.2 to 7.8) Total Alkalinity of approx. 100 to 120 ppm (60-200 is the recommended range). Check with your pool store for the level required in your pool. Lets assume that the pH is OK but the Total Alkalinity is low. To raise the level, add "buffer" (Sodium Bicarbonate) at the required rate. However, Buffer is an alkali and will also raise pH. Acid (Hydrochloric Acid or Sodium Bisulphate), which is used to lower pH, also lowers T.A. the trick is therefore to raise the T.A. artificially high so that when acid is added, to lower the pH to the correct level , the T.A. is also reduced to the correct range. Note : Hydrochloric Acid must always be diluted (one part acid to ten parts of water) prior to adding to the pool. Always add acid to water, never water to acid.
CALCIUM HARDNESS
In simple terms, this measures the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water. The recommended range is 80 to 500 ppm. Both Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness need to be brought into balance. If not, low levels will mean the water is corrosive to the pool and/or equipment; high levels will lead to scale formation on pool and equipment. Calcium Hardness tests cannot usually be performed with the standard test kit. We suggest a water sample be taken to your pool store for testing. A rough rule of thumb in areas where calcium levels are not naturally high is that testing annually will suffice after the initial adjustment. The only qualification to this is if you are using Clacium Hypochlorite to sanitize your pool. This chemical raises Calcium Hardness levels which may require more frequent testing and adjustment.
Tip....When adding chemicals it is best to add small quantities, leave for a few hours and re-test. Adding large quantities can result in big problems and big expense.
TYPES OF CHLORINE
Chlorine is available in a number of different forms. Granular, liquid or tablet, and can also be stabilized or unstabilized (Stabilizing refers to the combining of isocyanuric acid with chlorine to protect it from UV rays, which drastically reduce it's effectiveness). Chlorine can also be generated by a Salt Chlorinator. With any new Pebble finish you should wait 30 days before using your Salt Chlorinator. Each of these different forms has it's own features and benefits. For instance, granular chlorine is convenient, easy to store and relatively cheap, however it cannot be dosed automatically. On the other hand, liquid chlorine is bulky and can't be stored for long periods, but can be dosed automatically. All are satisfactory sanitizers for your pool, so choose the one that best suits your budget and lifestyle. No matter which form you decide to use, the requirement for a residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm remains the same.
Tip...Never mix different types of chlorine - fire and/or explosion can result.
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