Swimming Pool Plastering is a quick-drying material that creates beautiful pools. It is the most common surface choice for pools, and can last up to twenty years if properly maintained. Its porous surface can collect stains, algae and other microorganisms that can be difficult to remove. This article discusses how to best care for a plaster pool in order to avoid these problems and maintain the integrity of the plaster finish.
Stains
Pool stains are caused by organic materials like leaves, bugs, twigs and microorganisms that get blown into the water from the surrounding environment and then cling to the rough plaster surface of the pool. Mineral stains like scale and calcium deposits also occur on the pool plaster surface. These stains require professional attention to remove and prevent them from returning.
The first step in pool plaster care is brushing. A telescopic pole with a nylon brush should be used to quickly sweep the entire pool surface. This not only looks good, but will help dislodge any spores and other microorganisms that might be lurking in the pores of the plaster. It is important to do this regularly, about once per week, to minimize the number of stains that will develop on the surface of your pool.
Plaster must be brushed before pool opening Swimming Pool Plastering to make sure that any spores or other organic materials are removed from the surface of the pool. This will also prevent the onset of a pool acid stain. The pool should be drained and acid washed several times after the initial plastering. This not only removes any hallows or cracks that occurred during the initial curing process, but helps to loosen and remove tenacious stains and pool chemicals. The pool must be rinsed thoroughly and allowed to dry before the pool can be refilled.
Once the pool is filled, it is necessary to frequently brush the walls and steps. This will keep the new plaster clean and will help with the chemical balance of the pool. The pH will usually rise the first season with a new plaster pool, so you should have a large bucket of ph decreaser to use frequently. Alkalinity will also need to be increased and should not fall below 120 ppm, as this can cause the pool to stain.
If your plaster begins to wear very thin, a re-plaster is needed. This will be obvious by the gray or tan colored gunite or shotcrete substrate showing through. You can either re-plaster the entire pool or simply patch the affected area. Small patches can be made underwater with EZ Patch 1-FS (available in our pool plaster mix kits). This is mixed up on the dry side, and rolled into a ball. It is then pushed into the area of the pool while wearing a mask.
Aside from plaster, other popular pool finishes are aggregate and tile. Aggregate finishes are very popular and are composed of colored/white plaster mixed with tiny pieces of stone, like granite, river stones or glass beads. This gives the pool a luxurious look that is quite durable and can also resist staining. Tile is even more durable, but costs more than plaster.