Category: Pound Pool Plastering - page 14

When it comes to inground backyard pools no one wants to swim in a pool where the plaster is littered with stains and discoloration.  Even when the pool water is clean the pool will look dirty with abundant stains on the plaster. There are several different methods to clean off the stains that are hindering your pools appearance.  From scrubbing to the use of chemicals one of them is sure to help you clean your pool and leave is sparkling for your summer swimmers.

If you find that your pools plaster is severally stained throughout the pool this is most commonly from a chemical reaction.  The advice in this article is for smaller stains, concentrated to smaller areas of plaster. Large plaster stains may require a professional pool plastering company to evaluate the proper technique to use on the plaster to regain its original finish.

For small, concentrated stains the methods below will help to remove and eliminate the stain on the plaster.

For a common stain that occurs often on the plaster of a pool such as metal the following cleaning methods can help.  A metal stain can come from a ponytail holder, a pop top, soda can or coin that falls into the pool.  When left without being noticed for a period of time a metal stain will occur.  A rust stain occurs when the metal comes into contact with the pool plaster.  The chemical reaction can cause a stain as quickly as overnight.  It is super important to remove any metal from the pool before it has time to create a reaction stain.

To remove a metal stain you can use one of the following three methods.  One of them should work for you.  The first method is using an emery stone to gently rubbing the stain.  Attaching the emery stone to a large pole will allow you to reach spots on the bottom of the pool. The disadvantage is that you need to be gentle as too much force will cause a visible mark where the stain was which defeats the purpose.

The second method involves using a concentrated amount of granular chlorine on the affected spot.  To effectively do this you must turn off the pools filter and pump.  The water should be still.  Place the granular chlorine in nylon or some material that will allow it to flow through and dissolve on the stain.  It should work as a bleaching agent and within a few hours of the pack sitting on the stain the chlorine will be gone and the stain should be removed.

Another method to removing stains that are on your pools plaster involves getting into the pool and using a wet/dry sand paper or sponge such as Scotch Brite.   With this method you sand the pools plaster surface slowly and gently removing the buildup causing the stain.  This method leaves a smooth surface without a visible difference to your pool’s plaster surface.  This method, if done correctly will leave the plaster smooth and stain free.

A home with an in ground pool is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy your backyard.  Building a custom pool has never been easier than it is now days.  Whether you are looking for muscle relaxation and massage jets or LED lights that dance to the rhythm of music a custom design, a pool can be customized to your specifications and budget requirements.  Backyard pools and landscape can turn an ordinary home into a paradise of fun however the commitment to keep up on cleaning and maintaining the pool is a huge responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Here are some steps to ensure that your backyard pool is maintained after it has been installed or resurfaced with fresh pool plaster.

One part of pool maintenance is to drain the pool.  In order to drain your pool you will want to check with local municipalities to see where the water can be properly drained.  Most often you cannot drain your pool into the road way as this can cause bigger issues.  There are two places that people ordain their pools into; a clean out or into the lawn.  A clean out is the most preferable place as most landscape cannot tolerate the chlorine or salt water from pool being drained.

Plaster pools need to be resurfaced every seven to ten years.  Some newer plastering products such as Hydrazzo can allow the pools plaster surface to last upwards of twenty years.  You won’t see this type of plaster on many pool surfaces however; as the expense is double that of regular gunite pool plaster.

Resurfacing requires that the old plaster be chipped off and separated from the gunite.  The gunite is the concrete base of the inground pools structure. A mixture solution of muriatic acid and triple parts water should be used to clean the pool.  After the pool is thoroughly cleaned a new base of plaster will be installed by a professional pool plastering company.

After the pool plaster is dry the pools water can be refilled.  A pool can be refilled using a garden hose, faucet or a bulk water delivery.  If using a hose make sure to wrap a sock or piece of clothing to the end.  This will help to trap the larger pieces of sediment so that they will not enter the pool and ruin the surface.  When the pool is filled it important that all the right steps are taken in keeping the chlorine levels correct and the pool filter system working.  A clean, balanced pool is one that will endure the test of time.

Now that the pools structure, plaster base and water are in order the next step is to maintain this level of clean. The best way to ensure that you are keeping the pool in new condition is to know exactly what you are doing when you are cleaning the pool.  Hire a pool cleaning professional to come in and give you step by step instructions on how to keep up with what you have started with.  The clean slate that comes from draining, resurfacing and filling a custom pool is something that can last a lifetime with careful upkeep.

Another swimming pool season has ended here in the North.  Most of us have closed are pool and will not think about them again until the Spring when we start to think about opening them again.  One thing that tends to wreak more havoc on swimming pools than little kids and their floaters is the drastic temperature changes that occur throughout the Winter months. Here you will find some things to consider during the Winter to help you stay ahead of the game to create a trouble-free opening and swimming season when we see the sun again.

Your pool motor is the first place we will begin.  During the winter the pool motor does not have to run all day at full power.  The motor cycle can be turned down to anywhere between three to five hours a day throughout the Winter.  The best time to do run the motor is during the early morning hours when temperatures are at their coldest to keep water moving through the pipes. This will help to prevent any standing water left in the pipe from freezing and will also keep pump seals from going bad.  A good time to run the motor is between two and eight in the morning.

If your pool has a salt chlorination generator it is best to remove the cell and replace it will a blank cell.  The cold water will not allow it to produce chlorine.  Once this is done take the cell that was in the generator and thoroughly clean it making sure it is in prime condition to re-install during the next swimming season.  To keep the pool at the correct chlorination throughout the Winter season you can add chlorine via a pool floater.  This will help expand the longevity of the generator as well as it is not trying to produce chlorine throughout the long, cold season.

When you are closing your pool for the Winter season it is the perfect time to change and replace the water in the pool.  The water may still appear clean and clear but still has all of the ingredients to mix together a good batch of residue, algae and bacteria.  It is easier to drain and refill the pool than dumping in lots of expensive chemicals trying to improve the pool water quality.

Cleaning the calcium off pool plaster and pool tile is best done as you are closing the pool for the season as well.  When the pool is drained or partially drained it is easy to access the interior of the pool.  The pool plastering should be cleaned for sure if you are completely draining the pool anyway.  You will be killing two birds with one stone.

Hiring a professional to maintain your pool and the pools plaster is just as important in the winter as in the summer especially if you know you will not make time to do it yourself.  The little bit extra you will pay for professional services will save you a ton of money and headaches come Spring when you start to think about opening the pool again.

Owning a pool is a wonderful luxury but also requires a good amount of effort to maintain the pools finish, plumbing and everyday care.  One important aspect of pool maintenance is the finish of the pool be it white plaster or something more specialized like Hydrazzo, Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Traditional White Plaster, Quartz Aggregate and Pebble Surface plasters.  When researching plaster finishes for your pool you will come to realize that white is the most affordable therefore the most common finish for commercial and residential inground pools.

Plaster is the most common material and the least expensive finish for inground pools. It is likely that if your home has an inground pool or if you are installing one that the shell of the pool is made out of concrete, or as known in the pool industry a material called gunite.  The pool plaster is laid over the gunite shell and smoothed to perfection.

Pricing on different types of plaster finishes can vary a great deal depending on the color, style of the plaster chosen and the region in which you are from. When looking at companies to finish or refinish your pool make sure to check references and ensure that you are looking at what each company offers and their references.  Some companies will take shortcuts that can make the plaster job cheaper however will reduce the length of time the finish will hold up costing you more in the long run.

Below is a brief overview on the different options in plaster finishes you can choose from for your pool finish.

White Pool Plastering:  As mentioned above, this is the most affordable and most common plaster finish.  It is created using a combination of marble aggregate, water and cement.  White plaster is often used in commercial pools as it is standard code.  The one disadvantage of white plaster over other options is that is tends to be softer and therefore lasts only about five to seven years before the first signs of erosion are seen.  Keeping the chemistry of your pools water will increase the longevity of your white plaster finish.

Colored Pool Plaster: The difference between white plaster and colored plaster is, you guessed it, the color.  A dye is mixed in with the aggregate, water and cement to create a tint.  This is one way to add interest to the finish while keeping the costs reasonable.  The one disadvantage is that overtime the coloring will start to fade.

Crushed Quartz Additives In Plaster: Diamond Brite and Hydrazzo are brands that add luster and shine to the pools plaster finish along with increasing the life time of the finish.  Using quartz additives can increase the life of the finish for up to twenty years.  Just be careful as the quartz adds a slip resistant surface which is durable but can be rough on feet.

As with every purchase around your home you need to weight the benefits, cost and time you will be living in the house. If you intend to stay in your home, therefore utilizing the pool for a long period of time it is a safe bet to go with a quartz finish as it will save you the hassle of finishing the pool every five to seven years!

Closing your pool for the winter is a important part in the longevity of the pools life. Inground pools are protected from freezing water and clean before stored away for the winter making opening the pool next season that much easier. One of the most important aspects of closing a pool is making sure that the main structure of the pool is prepared for the impending cold season. This means ensuring the plaster is free of cracks and damage. Pool plaster repairs can be done in the winter before storing the pool for the season so that when opening it in the spring it is all set and ready to go. Pool plastering is a job specific for professionals to ensure the material is applied correctly and is thoroughly set before closing the pool for the season.

The first step after making sure the inground gunite pool plaster is set for the season is to begin winterizing the pools water chemistry. It is important to balance the pH, overall Alkalinity and calcium hardness. This will keep the surface of the pool, the plaster or shell, from staining.

Pool suppliers also sell a chemical that is intended to keep the water blue and clear throughout the winter season to ensure that opening the pool in the spring is simpler. As with all pool chemicals either call in pool professionals to assist you or read and re-read the instructions to make sure you are properly handling the chemicals and applying them as direct.

I recommend not using the chlorine or bromine tablets. In my experience they tend to sink to the bottom of the pool and damage the surface as they sit all winter dissolving in one spot. I feel the same way about pool floaters containing chemicals. Without the activity in the pool the floater will stick to the site of the pool causing a stain.

Take precautions against freezing water as it will destroy your pool plumbing. It is recommended to completely blow the water out and make sure the water is not left in the system to freeze. You can do this using a shop vacuum or once again calling in a pool expert. You will plug the ends of the lines after the water is blown to prevent the water from filling the line up again.

As for the water within the pool it is recommended that you lower the pool level below the mouth of the skimmer. If water is left above this level and water gets in the throat of the pool it can easily cause a great deal of damage to the pool system.

The next step is to cover the pool. This should be done to prevent the pool from collecting winter debris. The type of cover you use will depend on the climate where you live, the type of pool you have and personal preference. Certain pool covers are pricier than others but do tend to prevent accidents from pets and children stepping out onto the covered pool and falling through.

The filter equipment should also be stored and winterized. Drain and plug the equipment and be sure that you open any air relief valves if there are any. Remove pressure gauges and put multiport valves in the winterize position. Drain the pool pump; look carefully as some pools have two. After draining the pump open it to release built up water or air in the vein. All chemicals should be drained from the feeder as well as draining the cleaner pump, heater and other pool equipment with water potentially sitting in it.

Proper care and winterization of your pool increases the pools lifetime as well as that of the pool surface. If a gunite pool is cared for it can easily last fifteen to twenty years. This is longer than most people reside within a home. Proper care of the pool will also help increase the price of your home on the note of how long homeowners reside in a home!

Have you been dreaming of an inground swimming pool? Before you dive in head first here is some advice to help you in making the dream a reality.
1) Consider all the things you want in your new pool. In creating a dream list nothing is too big or too small. Find out about the newest, latest and greatest in the swimming pool industry. Contact local swimming pool builders. Let the builder look at your landscape layout and offer suggestions on material, styles and designs that will fit in items from your dream list.
2) Collect pictures of inground pool shapes, materials and features that you like. Add in different materials and styles you like in your everyday life. Professional builders will be able to incorporate all of your ideas into one better when then have a visual on elements that appeal to you.
3) Research the similarities and differences between the three types of inground pools; concrete (Gunite with Marcite overlay), fiberglass and vinyl. You will also want to look into the options available in tile, coping, cleaning systems, filters and different artistic elements that can be incorporated. Do research and be able to communicate with the pool builder in their language. You will feel so much more confident in the experience than going in blind.
4) Determine what shape you want the pool to be. You want function, aesthetics and something classic. From rectangles to kidney beans with free-form thrown in for fun, a shape is out there for your landscape. Consider where to place the hot tub and waterfalls too! If you are planning parties surrounding the pool consider a swim up bar/seating area. How much fun would that be for your guests!
5) The weather in your area can dictate some of the features you will want for your pool. If you live in a colder climate are you going to enclose the pool for year round use or close the pool at the end of the season? Consider adding a heater to the pool in areas with short swimming seasons to extend the swimming season. If you live in an area with high winds therefore an increase in tree debris a screened in enclosure would be helpful in keeping the area clean and bug free.
6) What is the pool going to be used for? Children and fun consider adding a slide and diving board, adults and entertaining consider lighting and built in water features with a negative pool edge. You will be a pool builders best client if you are prepared with your wants and desires for the area.
7) A budget will clearly be needed. In order to establish a budget that is reasonable and allows for the extra goodies you want to incorporate talk with a professional pool installation company. The information you gather will be useful in establishing the amount of funds you are willing to put aside for the extras. Is a pool worth the extra depth needed in the pool as well as the cost of the slide?
There are so many different concerns in pool ownership that need to be remembered before the ground is dug. Things such as long term cost and maintenance does it increase your home’s value, local building codes, extra homeowners insurance and the costs associate with it, being energy efficient as well as eco-friendly and green and safety elements such as aluminum pool fencing. When you send out invitations don’t forget mine!

When you become a pool owner whether you have had on installed or you have purchased a home with a pool there is so much to learn in regards to the upkeep. There will be many new terms to learn about, one in particular is pool coping.  The swimming pools coping in basic terms is the buffer between the deck of the in ground pool and the pools beams.

It is particularly important in new gunite swimming pool construction that the coping is kept up on.  You will find major settling in the pool over the first year or two.  This is when changes in the ground as it shifts and settles can cause cracks in the pools tile, coping and joints.  If the cracks are left and are not repaired water is allowed to seep in between the pools plaster walls and the soil supporting the pool as a whole.

When fixing the damaged swimming pool coping you find the hardest part is finding coping stones to match the areas that are broken.  Below you will find steps to help do your coping repair on your own.  Most homeowners find that since the coping is such an aesthetic part of the pool that a swimming pool contractor is much better suited to handle the detailed repair.

Step by Step Swimming Pool Coping Repair

1)      To begin your coping repair you will need to remove the old mortar that is holding the stones/tile in place.  Most of the time for small swimming pool coping repairs you can use a hammer and a chisel to get into the area that is damaged.  When the repair is larger the mortar can be removed using a saw.  Be so careful not to damage areas around the original area of damage.

2)      Remove the coping stones that are damaged and in need of replacement until you see the exposed beam below.  You need to thoroughly clean out the old mortar that is left within the hole. Use the chisel and hammer to get off all of the mortar and a shop vacuum to help get even the smallest bits of mortar cleaned up.

3)      The next step involves mixing the coping repair product in a work bucket.  This will be used as your mortar and grout for the coping repair job. Every material that is being used will have directions specific to prepare it.  The basic consistency will be mashed potatoes.

4)      With a trowel you will add the mixture to the beam and create a space to set the replacement coping stones in.  The bed will be just deep enough for the new stones to be level to the surrounding stone.  If the area is uneven it leaves room for stubbed toes and the look of the pool being off.

5)      Using the trowel you need to add a layer of the mortar to the sides and back of the coping and set the stone in place.  The stone should fit firmly into the mortar bed laid in step 4.

6)      This process will be continued until the entire area that had been damaged is replaced with new coping and mortar.  It is crucial to make sure the spacing is even throughout the process. Any gaps can be filled in with any additional mixture.

7)      Before the mixture dries on the surface of the coping use a clean damp sponge to clean the area.  The grooves between the copings can be created using the handle of the trowel once the mortar has begun to set up.

Coping repair can be complex and should be done with great care.  If there is color in your existing mortar make sure you add the color to the mix before you add water.  These little things are what make this job an easy one to hand off to professional pool contractors.  The match must be spot on otherwise the repair will be evident and this is what is to be avoided anytime a repair is needed.

Spring is a great time to get pool repairs taken care of. Gunite swimming pools need maintenance and taken care of those larger projects is better before the pool is open, filled and inconveniencing the fun a pool brings to your backyard in the summer. The summer season brings a whole new level of care and maintenance to having a swimming pool, including daily cleanings. Many families hire a professional pool cleaning service to come in and clean the tile, caulking and cement. In this article we will show you that it is possible to clean your own pool in under an hour with reasonably priced tools that are readily available.

Step 1: Clean the surface of the pool water with a pool skimmer.

Clear off the water’s surface. Skim off fallen leaves, beetles, flies, floating frogs and ordinary debris that have collected. You will want to empty the skimmer in a plastic trash bag and throw the debris in a closed trash can. Small critters and leaves decaying is not pleasant to smell. Continue this process until you have removed all of the debris.

Step 2: Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool to loosen and remove build up.

Pool wall cleaning brushes are specially designed long bristle brushes that are made to curve up and down the walls of the pool as well as the bottom. The pool broom will loosen up the dirt, debris, grime and oils that have settled and collected on the walls and floor of the swimming pool marcite. The next step is to use the pool skimmer/net to collect all the debris that is now floating around on the top of the swimming pool water and again place it in a trash bag and dispose of it.

Step 3: Clear out the pump basket and thoroughly clean all of the garbage that has accumulated.

The first step in cleaning out the pump is to turn off the pool pump. Remove the pump basket and pull it out and empty out any built up debris. This will help make sure that the filtration system is running smoothly. While the basket is out it is a good time to check it over and make sure there are no cracks in the oil ring. Put everything back in place and turn the pump back on. Look around the ground around the pump and make sure that nothing is leaking.

Step 4: Vacuuming the swimming pool.

More time than not the cleaning brush will be enough to clean out the pool. If the pool looks dirty after the cleaning brush and skimmer have been used it is time to pull out the vacuum. Make sure the pool vacuum is attached and a strong suction is created. Run the vacuum along the sides and bottom of the pool just as you would household carpet. Use slow and steady strokes throughout the process to ensure that you have reached every spot. There is no need to go through the hassle of cleaning the pool and getting the vacuum out if you aren’t going to do a thorough job.

Step 5: Balance the chemicals of the water.

The chemicals in the pool are so important to the overall health of the pool water and pools plaster. Purchase a tester to test the levels of the chemicals in the pool water. Add alkaline and chlorine to ensure the water is at a hundred percent. If the balance is off it can harm the marcite surface of the pool. The plaster is the hard shell of the pool so it is important to keep it in shape and you can do this with the correct ph of the pool.
Give yourself a solid hour, follow each of the above steps to the tee and you will have yourself a sparkling clean pool ready for the family to jump in and enjoy!

Opening a swimming pool at the beginning of summer can be a challenge, especially if you are a new pool owner. There are several steps to be taken to ensure your pool is ready for the fast approaching season. Below is a check list to consider when opening your home’s pool. If it is your first time owning a pool it is best to consider hiring a pool service company to come out and walk you through your first opening season.

If the pool has been properly covered throughout the winter season the first task at hand will be to remove the cover. You will want to manage this without allowing the debris that has collected on the top to find its way into the pool. Your pool leaf net and broom can help with this chore.

If the cover has standing water that has accumulated over the winter you will want to pump this off before attempting to remove the cover.

This is the time you will want to inspect the pools marcite surface, the pool tile and pool coping. Taking care of these issues before opening the pool will save you a lot of time and headache. Plus your pool will be 100% for the entire season.

If all is well with your pools surface and no major/minor repairs are needed you can continue the process of opening your pool by removing any freeze plugs that might have been put in place to protect against freezing. Now is the time to bring the pools water level up to where it should be as well.

Ensure your pools filter was properly cleaned before the pool was closed in the winter. If this has not been done you will want to do it now. Once the filter is clean prime the pump and starts the motor of the filter system up. It is important that you release the air build up in the lines before beginning this process. Once things are up and running check for leaks.

The next step is to clean any debris that might have accumulated. This includes dirt, algae and other debris. Once the pool is clean and the water level up to par it is time to check the chemistry of the water. Test the water after it has been in the pool and circulating for a day or so. Add only the necessary chemicals, in the proper order to ensure the proper water balance.

Next install all the extra goodies that enhance your pool such as the handrails, ladders, slides and diving boards. Double check to ensure all the equipment is in working order and is not cracked or wore down.

The final step is to jump in and enjoy! The pool season is quick in most areas. Make the most out of it by making sure that the pool is in tip top shape at the beginning of the season and closed properly at the end.

With the amount of foreclosures and short sales the economy is seeing many homeowners are getting homes affordably however they come with “issues”. Of course the issue we see most is a neglected pool. Homeowners having trouble making a mortgage payment are not worried about the state of their pool. So it is only reasonable that when the home is sold at a discount that the condition of the pool is a mute point.

Many new pool owners don’t even know the basics of pool construction let alone how to balance the ph of the water. In this article we will address questions and concerns that arise focusing on the materials that make up the pool.

Many terms are thrown around in pool lingo such as plaster, gunite and marcite; what are they?

Gunite is the pools shell. Often referred to as the sprayed in concrete base, gunite is made up of rebar and concrete. Marcite was originally a brand name of plaster but has become known as plaster to many pool contractors. The phrase is universally used; marcite equals plaster for most professional pool installers. Plaster or marcite is the coating over the gunite pool shell. It is made up of white crushed marble dust. The white plaster finish is usually applied in two coats and is between 3/8″ and 1/2″ thick. To be clear the pool shell or base is made up of rebar, concrete (gunite) and plaster (marcite).

What is the purpose of the plaster?

Concrete is rough. Pools would not be enjoyable or as easy to maintain. Plaster is needed to allow for the pools surface to be smooth to the touch. Brand new plaster is the smoothest pool surface. At this point the marcite (plaster) has no imperfections. Imperfections come from age and can range from calcium building up and general erosion on the pool surface, wear and tear for a pool.

After having our pool plastered how long will the plaster last? How long until we have to do this process again?

Before a homeowner notices any imperfections and erosion is the answer I like to give in this situation. The white marble plaster should maintain the original smooth texture and bright white color for five to seven years before any wear is noticeable. This takes into consideration properly maintained water chemistry.

Are there different types of plaster and pool coatings available for in ground pools?

Yes! White marble plaster is the least expensive coating over gunite and the most commonly used. This is why when speaking to homeowners the quoted price will be for this marcite plaster unless otherwise specified.

Diamond Brite: Exposed Aggregate Pool Finishes is just one of many plaster finishes that brings color and slight texture to the pool. This is the most common aggregate coating and should be expected to last two to three times longer than white marble plaster because it is more durable. However, note the durability is something you will pay for as it is about fifty percent more expensive. This expense should be considered when homeowners see themselves in this house years down the road.

There are drawbacks to Diamond Brite over plain white plaster finishes. In order for the Diamond Brite to be applied correctly it must be adhere directly to the gunite. You can can expect over time that the bond fail as the bond between Diamond Brite and plaster is not as strong as Diamond Brite and gunite if it is not properly installed. Also, if you are lax about proper pool chemical balance the adhesives found in Diamond Brite will fail faster than that of normal white marble plaster.

The key to pool ownership is proper chemical balance and maintenance. Don’t allow algae to grow and ruin the pools surface. Scrubbing off algae is not great for your pools plaster. When you start to see staining on your pools surface note that it is time to start looking into having your pool plastered sooner than later to avoid more damage to the plaster than is already present.