There is one question we are asked more than any other.  Can you guess what it is? If you guessed, “When will I know it is time to re-plaster my pool?” you were right!

Unfortunately there isn’t one simple answer we can give you except that trust us, you will know when it’s time.  There is a great deal of difference between when a commercial pools plaster needs to be re-done verse a residential pool.  Most often commercial pools can expect to be re-plastered once every ten years.  However, when evaluating if a residential pool needs to be re-plastered a number of factors, not just time go into determining if a pool needs to be re-plastered.

When determining when a residential pool is ready to have its plaster replaced comes down to the aesthetics and structural integrity.

Aesthetics

Most often phone calls from residential pool owners start out with a long explanation on how the pool doesn’t look or feel right.  If a homeowner’s plaster has light staining it is possible that instead of fresh plastering that the stains can be removed through acid washing. Since pool plaster is a natural product it is impossible to prevent staining from occurring.  If the pool is white and the noticeable stains bother homeowners, we will most often recommend a colored plaster be used when the plaster needs to be refinished.

Some stains are from the minerals that are found in your water.  If this is the case homeowners will want to take care of the mineral problem in the water before re-plastering the pool.  Remember that minerals not only affect the homes water but can also leave build up in pipes and plumbing.  The issue must be addressed throughout the source of the water to prevent staining issues in the future.

Some stains on a pools plaster aren’t stains at all and are in fact from the combination of plaster and application of white coating.  There are variations that occur from a combination of things: variation in the mixture, the temperature at which it is applied, and the method of application.  Slight variations in the plaster should be considered normal.

The Touch of Plaster

The feel of the plaster is just as important as the look.  The pools plaster is supposed to be soft and smooth.  Pits and pockets can occur from improper water chemistry or from acid washing too frequently.  If etching occurs on your pools plaster the surface can feel rough, snag swimsuits and can give algae and dirt a place to hold onto. Another common reason for etching is a poor plastering technique or plaster that is too hot or includes too much calcium in cold water. If rough plaster occurs in a small, localized area, it can be sanded smooth, however if it is wide spread it is recommended to re-plaster the pool.

Structural Issues

Structural issues are another reason that residential pool owners need to consider re-plastering their pools.  “Structural” may be an improper term because as you know the structure of a pool is created from steel webbing and sprayed in concrete and the plaster is the outer, waterproof coating on top.  If a pool was left without the addition of a plaster shell the water would slowly seep through to the ground.  If homeowners start to see bare spots coming through the concrete it is time to have the plaster evaluated.  Large cracks in pools plaster can also be an issue structurally and should be addressed as soon as they are spotted.  Waiting gives the crack time to expand and larger issues to occur.

Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings.  More information can be found at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Gunite is the concrete substance that is used to take the reinforced steel rebar structure that sort of looks like a pool and turns it into a swimming pool.  Gunite needs to be applied before pool plaster can offer a finish to the pools structure.  This material is great to use in creating a swimming pool structure as it offers reduces shrinkage and low permeability.

Pool plaster is a porous material.  The application of the plaster coating on top of the concrete base keeps the structure protected from the long-term effects of water.  Although plaster offers solid protection to the swimming pool there are times when a pools plaster must be reapplied most often for aesthetic and structural reasons.

The pools plaster surface is susceptible to staining from copper and iron, both of which can be unsightly. Once staining occurs there is only so much you can do with traditional methods including acid washing.  There are several different and unique swimming pool plaster finishes that improve a pools permeability including tile, pebble, and quartz.

Tile

The most notable characteristic of tile is its versatility and its ability to give your swimming pool and surrounding area a custom, one-of-a-kind look. Tile is also a long-lasting material that holds up well to natural elements and years of use. Glazed tiles, as well as glass mosaic tiles, offer a beautiful underwater shimmer, and reflective characteristics will make even the smallest pool seem larger and deeper than it is. Tile also comes in a wide range of rich colors and unique designs that will give any pool a unique facelift.

Pebble

A swimming pool plaster finish using pebbles can upgrade your pools aesthetic significantly. Pebbles are a popular aggregate Gunite pool plastering finish because they last longer than standard plaster and provides a beautiful, decorative, and compact, easy to maintain, finish that improves the appearance of any concrete swimming pool.

Quartz

Quartz aggregate is also one of the most popular finishes for pools for a good reason. Not only is Quartz a durable material that will stand up well to many years of use, but it comes in a variety of different hues such as light blue to a deep midnight blue that enhances a pools aesthetics and durability. Comfort is a major factor of consideration for pool owners and not only is a Quartz finish swimmer friendly, but It also has smooth edges without being slippery.

Learn more about Pound Pool Plastering and their numerous pool plastering options including: pool resurfacing, plaster surfacing, commercial pool plaster, residential pool plaster, plastering swimming pools, tiling swimming pools, coping swimming pools, and more at www.pound-pool-plastering.com.  To contact our pool plastering specialists call 248.476.4544 today.

Spring is in the air!  Now is the time that Michigan pool owners start to consider the shape of their Gunite swimming pools.  Depending on the age of your pool it is possible that after a long winter the concrete surface of your families in-ground swimming pool may need to be re-plastered.   It might be time to call in the professional pool plaster contractors at Pound Pool Plastering if you find any of these common problems for older concrete swimming pools:

1. Extreme Surface Roughness

Concrete pool surfaces can become rough after time.  It’s time to re-plaster your Gunite pool when you feel like you need to start wearing pool shoes when you swim.  Rough plaster can come about because of age, increased pH, delamination, small cracks, or even climate conditions.  Any of these can begin to create pits and calcium nodules.  If a homeowner is experiencing any of these symptoms it is important not to put off re-surfacing the pools surface.

2. Cracks from The Structure

There are two types of cracks that can occur on Gunite; one signals normal wear and tear while the other can mean it is time to have a pool plaster repair consultation.  A basic surface crack is not anything to worry about however a structural crack, a crack in the concrete shell itself, need to be repaired immediately.  Sometimes a structural crack requires the pool to be engineered properly before repair.  The swimming pool needs to be modified to withstand unstable or expansive soil conditions.  Once the structural issues are contained then the pools plaster can be re-surfaced, and cracks repaired.

3. Discoloration

Pool plaster is very porous and is stained without much difficulty.  This occurs due to a variety of reasons including: a water-tile line not being installed, pauses in the water as the pool is being filled, improperly troweled plaster, or imbalanced water chemistry.  To avoid some of these issues remember to test the chemical consistency weekly and adjust as needed, make sure a water-tile line is installed and that when the water is filling the pool that there is never a pause in filling.  There are some stains and discoloration that can be removed through acid washing but sooner or later it will return, and the pool will need to be re-plastered.

The most common type of pool material found in the backyards of Michigan homeowners is Gunite that is plastered over to create a smooth, highly durable surface.  Plaster pools easily can go fifteen to twenty years before needing to be re-plastered, especially when cared for carefully.  For more information on new Gunite pool installation, pool plaster repair, or re-plastering contact the professionals at Pound Pool Plastering today at 248.476.4544.

Upgrades and renovations are a part of the interior and exterior of every home.  This is true even when it comes to your in-ground plaster swimming pool.  This is true even when it comes to your in-ground plaster swimming pool.  Every space within your home eventually needs some sprucing up.  With all the advances in swimming pool materials now maybe the perfect time to think about updating yours.  The question now is where to start.

Lighting is an important part of any backyard pool.  LED and fiber optic swimming pool lights are adding that wow factor to ordinary in ground swimming pools.  Installing lights underwater takes your swimming experience to an entirely new level.  The glow that is emitted throughout the water helps to solidify the mood and swimming experience.  You will never turn away from hosing another late night pool party.  Your outdoor living space will now be an outdoor oasis with lighting that accentuates your home and backyard.

Another common upgrade that is taking the swimming pool world by surprise is the upgrade of a salt water chlorinator.   This upgrade removes the need for liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets or granular chlorine and upgrades your system to salt water chlorination.  This type of system offers you convenience and clean water without the hassle.  To clean the pool, the salt in the chlorinator is taken and converted to chlorine using a simple chemical process.

Another upgrade that is common amongst plaster pool owners is the use of aggregate-finish pool plaster. The use of aggregate-finish pool plaster can help protect the gunite swimming pool from damage.  An aggregate pool finish offers variety in both color and design.  Enhance your pools visual appeal with a crystal, quartz or pebble plaster finish.  Not only will the upgrade to enhanced pool plaster look amazing it will help to extend the pools finish and life expectancy by a good twenty years.

Another swimming pool upgrade that updates your pool is natural stone coping and decking.  There is a wide variety of types of stone coping that will help to enhance your decking and pool area breathing new life into the entire area. If you are looking for a completely updated look that is dramatically different that anything you have seen before update your outdoor living space with natural stone coping.  The deck and pool area will completely transform with updated coping and decking.

With any upgrades to your home, backyard or landscape it is important to not only renovate but to keep up on the renovations with regular maintenance.  Your swimming pool will require maintenance but with upgrading to natural stone coping, aggregate pool plaster, a salt water chlorinator, and updated lighting; your backyard is sure to be turned into an outdoor paradise that can go on celebrating far into the night.

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/.

Swimming pool coping is the part of your in ground swimming pool that finished off the pool and gives it a quality appearance. Without coping a swimming pool looks unfinished; without it a pool appears classless and without style. Not only is pool coping decorative while finishing off the look of the pool it also offers a safety feature; coping offers a non-slip, smooth edge to your in ground swimming pool.

More often than not an attractive paving is laid around the pool area. Your pool coping will really stand out is this paving is in a contrasting color to the in ground swimming pool coping.

When choosing pool coping you have a lot of options to choose from. Coping tiles come in a variety of styles, colors and materials. From expensive travertine to inexpensive poured concrete there is material that will enhance your pools natural beauty. Styles include bullnose coping which allows the concrete to be poured butting up to the lip of the pool whereas cantilever style coping extends over the lip of the pool wall.

Natural stone is an option many pool owners choose when it comes to coping. Natural stone pool coping is available using a variety of materials including sandstone, marble, granite, limestone, travertine and bluestone. Natural stone usually comes in tile form however can be cut to fit bends and corners. You can choose to treat the stone with sealer or not. If you choose not the treat the stone it will weather naturally enhancing the stones beauty.

Concrete coping can be installed in pre-made forms or poured into formers surrounding the pool. Concrete is versatile and can be patterned using stamps, colored and distressed making it look like more expensive coping materials but without the cost or expensive maintenance. Poured concrete is a material that is easy to work with and is laid without the work required in installing natural stone coping.

Brick, porcelain tiles and natural clay bricks are all alternatives when it comes to in ground swimming pool coping. When choosing a material for your pool coping look at your overall budget and decide what you are willing to allocate on coping. This will help narrow down the options as you will be limited by a smaller budget on your material choices. This however does not mean that you can’t have a more expensive look using poured concrete. Contact a professional pool plasterer that specializes in all aspects of pool services including coping, tile, plaster resurfacing, caulking, decking and more.

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/.

How many in ground pool owners know the importance of their swimming pool coping?  A pools coping is nothing more edging for your pool however it serves a greater purpose than being a decoration.  Swimming pools coping helps prevent the water from seeping out on to the deck as well as hiding the rough edges around the pool.  These rough edges if not covered by pool coping would cause many cuts and bruises.  There are a variety of coping materials to choose from when it comes to coping for your pool.  Depending on your budget you can find a variety of quality coping materials for your pool.

One option in coping for your in ground swimming pool is poured concrete.  Known for its durability, long life span and affordability concrete is a popular option in pool coping and can be dyed to a variety of colors to match your pool area.  With pool coping the concrete must be poured in.  This helps to limit stress on the pools edge and keep the surface even and uniform in strength.  Regular maintenance and repairs on your pools coping will prevent cracks from expanding with the temperature changes.

Another option in pool coping that is not as popular as poured concrete is brick.  Using brick in pool coping adds a unique look to the pools edging.  The biggest disadvantage when it comes to brick is the rough surface as well as the fact that it tends to retain heat.

Stone is another charming alternative to swimming pool coping.  It is a material sought out for pools coping as it is tough, attractive and stays cool even in the hottest of temperatures.  The main disadvantage with natural stone pool coping is the cost associated with purchasing and installing it.

When it comes to commercial pool coping, safety grip is a popular option.  Safety grip coping is created using a concrete base that minimizes slipping with increased grip.  Many public swimming areas will use safety grip coping to help create a slip resistant surface for their swimmers.

Pool coping materials should be chosen based up your climate, the pools use as well as maintenance time and costs.  The style of the coping is something that needs to be considered as well.  There are four main types of coping styles including bull-nose, cantilevered, rolled edge and rough cut.  Bull-nose coping offers a flat surface with a rolled edge, cantilevered coping offers a straight angle drop to the water, rolled edge offers an upward curve, and rough cut which is often flat.

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/.

When summer approaches homeowners look towards ways to keep their children safe, active and at home.  Often times this can include installing an in ground cement and plaster finished pool.  Having a gunite pool installed at your home is a lot simpler and more affordable than ever before.

When it comes to in ground or above ground pools they are incredibly similar in normal operations.  Both pools require filtration to be keep the pool free of debris, chemicals to maintain the ph balance, maintenance to keep it clean as well as basic surface cleaning.  One basic difference is that in –ground gunite swimming pools require maintenance on the pools plaster coating where as above ground pools will need thorough inspections of the vinyl lining.   The rest of the pools regular maintenance stays about the same.

1)      Debris will float on the surface of the water no matter what type of pool you have.  The first task is to remove the debris with a pool skimmer.  Pool owners should keep up on skimming their pools.  It should be done once or twice a day.  This also keeps the job from becoming overwhelming.

2)      Both vinyl and plaster pools alike need to their walls to be cleaned.  By scrubbing the pool sides with a plastic-bristle pool brush you prevent algae and debris from sticking to the sides and staining the pool.  Move the brush in a circular motion around the entire lining of the pool. This will clean the sides without causing damage to the lining or plaster of a pools surface.

3)      After you scrub the sides of the pool with the plastic pool brush wait ten to fifteen minutes for the dirt and particles to settle on the pools bottom.  Vacuum the pools bottom slowly taking in all of the debris that has been rustled up.  By moving the vacuum slowly you will avoid stirring the dirt up and it is more efficient at getting all of the debris. Brush and vacuum the pool every week to keep the pool clean and as fresh as possible.

4)      Add the correct chemicals to balance the chlorine and remove the algae.  Follow all of the instructions while using pool chemicals.  Make sure to spread the pools chlorine around.  Dilute the chlorine as you add it to the pool avoiding staying in one place.

5)      Test the pools water ph and alkalinity levels once every two weeks.  Chlorine levels should be maintained around three parts per million and ph levels should read between seven point two and seven point six.

6)      The filtration systems should be cleaned thoroughly each week.  The main filter on the pool should be checked and emptied daily.  This is where large debris will end up.  Many people find critters that have drown in the pool in the filtration system.  So be aware that this may happen to you

7)      Keep the pools filtration systems running at least eight hours a day to keep the pool circulation and filtering regular and the water as fresh as possible for your swimming adventures.

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/.

Owning an in ground gunite swimming pool requires a certain degree of upkeep.  Below is a brief overview on what you can except in season and off season for pool care.

In Season Care Of Your In Ground Gunite Swimming Pool

1)      Check the pools chemical levels.   Your pools pH and chlorine should be checked at least twice a week.  The pool should maintain a chlorine level of one to three parts per million and chlorine ph of at least seven point four to seven point six. Always check the water towards dusk after swimmers are done swimming for the night and the water has had time to settle.  Follow all directions on pool testing kits and chemical additions.

2)      The pool should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week if not more. This will depend on use as well as the local weather. Cleaning the pool consists of skimming the debris from the top, brush the pools plaster in a circular motion loosening dirt and debris and running a vacuum to suck the dirt up after it has settled on the pools floor.  Cleaner can be used and applied if necessary.  Be sure to also check all filtrations systems and clean them out as well.

3)      Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine every few weeks. Allow the pump and filter to run all night.  Swimming should be avoided for twenty four hours to allow the chemicals to run through the pools systems.

4)      The more the pools filter is run, while the pool is being actively used, the cleaner your pool will remain.  This is true throughout the summer swimming season.  It the water is in constant motion the dirt, debris, body oils and algae will have a hard time settling on the pool sides and floor.

Off Season Care Of Your In Ground Gunite Swimming Pool

1)      The pool should be inspected completely before you close the pool for the season. Check the pools plaster for cracks and imperfections that will need to be addressed before re-opening the opening the pool during the next swimming season.

2)      Adjust the chemicals in the water to perfection before completely closing the pool.

3)      All objects should be taken out of the pool.  Do not leave in ladders, diving boards, slides, pool toys, skimming baskets or any other pool accessory.  All items should be removed, dried and stored in a safe, dry environment throughout the winter season.

4)      Drain all of the water from the pool pumps, pipes and filtration systems.  Water that remains in the pools systems will likely freeze over the winter and could potentially cause expensive damage.  If you need help draining water from tubing a shop vacuum used on the lowest setting is gentle enough to assist in this.

5)      The pools water level should be lowered to just below the lowest pool return.  If you have any decorative tile on the pool walls it is important that the water is left below the tiles during the off season.

6)      Cover the pool with a safety cover throughout the winter season.  Secure it tightly and fix any obvious tears, rips or gaps.  A pool cover protects the pool from debris that is shed throughout the winter.

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/.