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/.

Much like nearly everything that’s used every day, swimming pool interiors age and wear out over time. They lose their grandeur and slowly, they begin to appear unattractive. And, while an ordinary individual will most probably resort to the standard pool plastering options, a smart, savvy fellow will not settle for less.

There are many varieties of pool and spa plaster options to choose from, thanks to the plastering companies’ pursuit to offer more attractive alternatives. From those with colored aggregates to those featuring polished aggregate surfaces; nearly all of them add visual interest while providing the durability it’s needed. So, if you are looking to plaster or re-plaster your swimming pool, carefully consider the following options.

Which swimming pool plaster?

A classic pool plaster regularly incorporates white cement, a marble aggregate or the same color and water. And, that’s why you will love the emanating brilliantly clean surface. This option is often revered as the most economical option for pool surfacing.

When various color pigments and dyes are added, the homeowner automatically gives the pool a brand-new, cool look. It could be from a classic light blue look to any other shade, including a midnight blue hue. Tahoe Blue is a term that describes the most economical choice for many and perhaps a preferred pool color, although it takes an effort to attain it.

Modern pool plaster additives

Silicone shield

Added to the mix, a Silicone shield not only gives the pool a million-dollar look, but also extends its service life. In fact, a great feature with this product is the ability to enhance the pool’s durability while ensuring that the crisp look is never lost.

Coloring

Pool plastering can take into consideration a host of dying options. The dye is added to the mix, of course, in varying quantities and then used in plastering. While there’s no problem using as many different colors as possible, attaining the uniformity needed isn’t a mere feat. And, it takes lots of skill and expertise to get dramatic results.

Colored Quartz

For a better flair and ultimate results, colored ceramic coated sand often comes into place. The colored quartz chips create visual interest while offering more color choices, and makes the pool last longer. The petite substances can withstand chemical deterioration too.

Pozzolans

As much as they dramatically improve the working of the plaster, Pozzolans don’t alter the way your pool’s plastering looks. However, it preserves the plaster, protecting it from etching and mottling. In the end, the pool’s surface will be smooth and durable.

Further options to check out

• Pebbled type surfaces – round polished colored aggregates, they are manufactured in diverse industries.
• Polished aggregate surfaces – crème of pool covers, this option blends longevity, color, uniformity, and variations to offer what every pool owner probably yearns for.

Painting and fiberglass aren’t the finest options and need lots of research and studying before they’re used. However, everything depends with how you loving the look of your pool.

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/.

There are a number of options when it comes to surfacing the interior of an inground swimming pool however plaster remain at the top of the popularity poll.  Pools range in color from classic white to a multitude of colors that suit that compliment the landscape.  Plaster remains an affordable option in pool finishing.  It is typically applied over a concrete base, known as gunite.

Pricing for plaster pools varies a great deal depending on where you are located.  When you look into hiring a company to plaster your new pool or to re-plaster an older pool there are a number of things to consider.  It is important, like in any home improvement project, to check contractor’s references before hiring them.  Ask to talk with individuals that have recently worked with the company to get their opinion on the work that was done, the customer service, work ethic, and professionalism.

Be wary of taking the lowest bid.  Be sure that the bids are all on an equal playing field.  Make sure all bids include the cost of materials, services and extras.  You need to be comparing bids based on an equal basis.  Lower bids may be the result of a contractor using lower quality materials that in the long run will affect the quality and longevity of your pool.

The most basic option in pool plaster, as stated above is, white plaster which is a combination of white cement, white marble aggregate and water.  This choice is the standard option that is included in most inground pool installations.  The classic swimming pool look including white pool plaster is the most affordable option for homeowners.  Before the numerous options available now-a-days white plaster was the only choice.  White plaster is seen in most commercial swimming pools.

The advantages of white pool plaster include that it is abundant, affordable and easy to install.  This is why it is such an attractive option.  The one drawback is that it tends to be a soft finish that is easily compromised by the effects of improper water chemistry in comparison to newer options such as aggregates and glass tiles.  Usually white plaster has a life span of five to seven years before homeowners will begin to notice pits and divots caused by erosion.   To expand the lifespan of your white plaster pool it is important to maintain the waters chemistry.

In our next installment on pool surface finishes we will look into options including colored plaster, quartz additives and glass tiles.

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/.