Swimming Pool Plastering is a mix of cement, marble dust and various additives for strength, ease of application and color. A plasterer can add pigment to produce any shade of pool plaster and may also choose from quartz, glass or ceramic aggregate to fleck the surface with specific hues as well. A popular choice is pebble surfaces, which incorporates a coarse layer of pea gravel sized, or slightly larger, pebbles that are pressed into the plaster surface. These finishes offer the benefits of low maintenance and durability as well as a textured appearance that is pleasing to the eye.
The Swimming Pool Plastering surface can be subject to a number of problems that require maintenance and upkeep. Staining is common, especially organic stains which can be caused by leaves and twigs that become soaked in the water. These can leave a green or brown hue, depending on the chemical makeup of the plant matter.
Inorganic stains, such as calcium or magnesium scale and film, can be a problem as well. These are the result of calcium hardness levels that are too high, causing water to take the calcium it needs from the plaster surface and leaving behind a rough and scaly area that can be difficult to keep clean. In order to prevent this, you must keep the water hardness level around 200 ppm or lower.
Another issue that can be caused by hard water is the formation of small crystals on the plaster surface. This results in a scaly, pitted appearance that is difficult to clean and can be very scratchy on bathing suits and skin. In order to remove these deposits, you can acid wash the pool with a proper hazmat mask and gloves.
The best way to prevent these issues is through a good plaster prep and a thorough brushing of the surface once a week. We recommend a telescoping pole with a nylon bristled pool brush to get to all the areas of your pool, including steps, Baja shelf, beach entry and any other plaster surfaces that are hard to reach. Brushing is important because it can dislodge any dirt, debris or microorganisms that have made their way into the plaster.
Once a pool has been plastered, it should be filled with fresh water as soon as possible. This helps reduce the risk of staining and scaling, and should be done under the guidance of a professional. It is recommended to use a sequestering agent to hold any calcium or metals in suspension during the initial fill, as this will help prevent these materials from attacking your new plaster during the curing process.
In addition to this, it is recommended that you start up your pool with a large bucket of pH decreaser, as the pH will rise quickly with new plaster. It is also a good idea to invest in a quality brush, as this will help reduce plaster dust and keep your pool looking great!