There are many materials that go into building an in-ground pool. Few materials get as much attention as the pools plaster surface. Plaster is the exterior shell of the pool. It is the part that everyone sees and feels. It is also the first place that people usually notice when it starts to deteriorate, cracks become noticeable and discoloration is visible. Over the years we have learned some important tips regarding the maintenance and care for the pool’s plaster to keep it in top condition.
Fresh Plaster Maintenance
Your swimming pool installer will add chemicals that are required to initially balance the pools water. They will then brush the plaster with a nylon-bristle brush which improves the quality of the plaster as well. This will also prevent the buildup of calcium and other minerals within the pools water.
If you notice that you have fine sand grains deposited on the bottom of the pool this is more likely “precipitation” which is common with a newly installed pool or fresh plaster. Our recommendation is to continue brushing the pool twice a day for the first seven days.
Your pool water and pH levels affect plaster. It is crucial to the longevity and health of your pools plaster. Pool water below 7.0 tends to erode & remove the smooth plaster surface. Water that is above 8.0 contributes to the formation of scale and stains.
Calcium is another one of the key elements found in both your pool water and in your plaster. A proper calcium balance is 250 ppm. Too much calcium will cause deposits on the plaster of your pool. Not enough calcium in the water may weaken the plaster.
Other Water Related Concerns
Dissolved Metal: Stains that cannot be removed with bleach are generally stains caused by metal. When the water becomes saturated with any metal, like copper or iron, it will generally “precipitate” or fall out of solution in the form of a metal stain. Copper stains usually reveal themselves as blue or blue-green splotches or streaks. Iron will usually appear brown to black. Check with your local pool specialist to purchase chemicals to help prevent these types of stains.
Mottling: Mottling can occur naturally in pools. It is more evident in pools with colored plaster but not more prevalent. There are strategies that can be put into place to lessen mottling including sequestering, chelating, or pH and calcium reduction.
Organic Stains: Plants that are near the pool area can often cause your plaster to become stained with tannic acid, which are brown, and chlorophyll stains, which are green. Organic stains will not remain long due to the Chlorine bleaching them out.
Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential Gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.