How to repair damaged pebblecrete pool coping?

Question

Hi everyone,

I noticed a section of my pool coping has cracked and broken away where the pebblecrete edge meets the surrounding paving (see attached photo). It looks like the top corner has chipped off, and there are also cracks running along the coping.

I’m trying to work out:

* Can this be repaired as a DIY job, or does the whole coping section need replacing?
* What products would you recommend to rebuild the missing corner? (Epoxy mortar, concrete repair compound, or something else?)
* How can I match the existing exposed aggregate/pebblecrete finish as closely as possible?

I’d appreciate any advice, recommended products from Bunnings, or if anyone has tackled a similar repair.

Thanks!

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @Oshah

I have to agree with @Nailbag's words. I also fear that once started that lifting from the surface is only going to continue, especially around the copping of the pool. Id head towards a pool reap specialist as a first point of call.

If you do attempt to remove and reglue I would try to remove what you have like a jigsaw and reglue the parts back. I have done that with an old patios edge and it was solid enough not to fall off over the years. I have seen plenty of advertisers selling pebblecrete type products in Facebook land.

Dave

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @Oshah

This is issue unfortunately is not in my wheelhouse to advise other than agree with @JacobZ in his suggestion to contact a specialist repairer. Though the job maybe a simple one, it's knowing the right preparation in ensuring the patch takes permanently and structurally strong. Last thing you want is for it to break away if someone was walking across that section. Plus there is the issue of matching as close as possible a similar pebble mix product.

Nailbag

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @Oshah,

Structurally, the pebblecrete is just a coating over the concrete shell of the pool, so a DIY repair should be fine as long as the concrete shell is still intact.

The first step would be to remove the cracked and loose pebblecrete to inspect the pool shell for damage. If there is damage to the shell, then I would suggest you get in touch with a pool repair specialist as this could be an indication of a larger problem. If the shell is fine, then you should be ok to proceed with a repair.

Unfortunately, we do not have prepared pebblecrete products, however you could mix your own using 2 parts sand, 2 parts cement and 3 parts decorative aggregate to replicate your existing pebblecrete. Matching the look is all down to the stones and would likely be a case of trial and error, but these

https://www.bunnings.com.au/tuscan-path-4-6mm-5kg-natural-mixed-decorative-pebbles_p0349788

look relatively close.

You might like to check out the following posts for some further discussion on this topic.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/221419/how-to-repair-pebblecrete-around-swimming-pool

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/55152/how-to-use-pebble-resurfacer-on-concrete

Allow me to tag our helpful members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @TedBear to see if they have any advice they can offer.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob