Tag: Plastering Swimming Pools

Spring has finally sprung, and it will be pool season before you know it. Now is the perfect time to inspect your pool’s surface and schedule a professional pool plaster company to assess the damage. No one wants to be waiting around for the repair to be completed when the warm weather arrives.

Step 1: Knowing When Your Pool Needs Repair

The first question often asked is, “When does the pool need to be re-plastered?” The answer to this question is not always straightforward. A pool with a plaster surface has a life expectancy of 7 to 20 years, and many factors may adjust this time frame depending on the care and maintenance it receives. Often, many homeowners or commercial property owners do not repair or re-plaster their pools as regularly as they should. Signs that your plaster may need repair are an increase in staining, rough textures, and leaks. These are all indicators that the professional pool plasterwork needs to be done. 

Step 2: Choosing a Professional or DIY

Cost is always a factor when deciding to do any home repair, including the re-plaster of your pool. Pricing will vary depending on the area you live and the condition of the pool, but on average, you can expect to pay at least $200 in supplies along with 5 to 6 hours of labor. If you are considering a DIY project, keep in mind the following tools that will be required to do the job properly:

• Acid Wash
• Bond Coat
• Chisel
• Pool plaster/finishing plaster mix
• Sump pump
• Sander
• Brushes/hose
• Air compressor
• Misc. – (gloves, face mask, buckets, etc.)

Step 3: Prep and Plaster

The first step in replastering a pool is turning off all of the equipment running to it (the pump, filter, heater, etc.), followed by draining the water. Use a sump pump to remove any remaining water at the bottom of the pool. Afterward, ensure to thoroughly remove any debris, such as dirt, leaves, and other sediment clinging to the surface. Next, prep the surface by sanding or chiseling any uneven areas before applying the new finish. The final steps include applying the acid wash and bond coat applications. Once these applications are complete, the new plaster can be applied. 

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Owning a pool is a big investment not only for your money but your time and energy in order to properly maintain its beauty for many years to come. Over time, even with excellent care you will notice the bottom of the pool will become rough, bumpy and even sharp in certain areas. It will become time to replace the pool plaster finish not only for the appearance but to keep it safe to use for yourself and your pool guests.

What and When to Plaster

Simply, plastering a pool means adding a new layer of plaster on the walls and bottom of the pool. The reason for doing this is to make the pool waterproof since when it is first originally installed by your professional pool contractors, the pool is created from either concrete or gunite to form the outside “shell”. These two materials’ biggest problem is they are porous and will not hold water over time and the pool would continuously need to be filled up over time. A solution to this is for an installer to add a half-inch thick layer of plaster. It will not only become a barrier for the water but also give the water appearance and beautiful blue hue with a smooth surface, so the look and feel are preferable. No plaster is designed to last forever, depending on the correct maintenance and use the pool plaster will remain intact anywhere between seven and twenty years.

Risks That Increase with Neglect

So, what happens if the pool is not cleaned/ taken care of on a regular basis? If a pool is not properly maintained during its life, there are many factors that the plaster will affect that can be very costly down the road. First, you may notice new stains appearing to the surface due to certain minerals that may be contained in the pool water such as iron or copper that can often give a green/ brown tint. Although this issue is only aesthetic, it can be quite frustrating to deal with after spending so much time and money to keep it looking clean and fresh. The next issue that will occur will be the surface will form lumps, bumps, and scratching spots on the surface which will cause concern for swimmers to not get scraped when jumping and swimming around. The bumps may not be too uncomfortable but in the long term, they will make the pool harder to clean and a place that algae will find and grow on. Lastly, the largest danger is it can affect the integrity of the pool structure. As discussed earlier, the plaster is a protective layer that keeps the pool waterproof, if the plaster wears away, water will seep into the concrete or gunite causing even larger problems.

Alternatives for Re-plaster

If re-plastering your pool is not something that you have the time or budget currently for there are serval of options to help resolves some of your plaster issues but keep in mind, most are only temporary fixes and can be even more expensive than doing the actual re-plastering. One option is to do a patching job. If areas of the plaster are beginning to feel rough this option would eliminate that but not only is this a temporary solution, but the patch materials will never completely match the plaster which will make it unsightly as well. Another solution for removing pool stains is to perform an acid wash. It’s a quick fix for the stain but it does not help in any way with preserving the plaster. In fact, the acid wash will damage the plaster further so its best to only use this method if the aesthetics are a necessity to you. If money is no object when repairing the pool, installing tile can be a great decision since the material is incredibly strong and beautiful to look at. The pricing may surprise you, however, ranging anywhere between $75-$100 per square foot.

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

A pool’s plaster interior finish is created for two reasons; to create an appealing water feature that accents your home’s beauty and to protect the integrity and structure of the pool. Pool plaster prevents water from leaking through into the concrete, which could damage the building materials inside the pool’s shell structure. Keeping your pool plaster in good condition is key to the pool’s overall strength and longevity. However, even the most well-maintained pools will eventually show aging and signs of degradation in the plaster, which is a perfectly normal occurrence. With proper care and routine treatments, the life span of 7 to 10 years can be expected for traditional marcite plaster. The timeline can be extended an additional five years if the finish includes a quartz aggregate blend. Even a high-quality plaster finish that is professionally applied to a pool can still have complications occur, sometimes as soon as a few months or a few years after being built. Next, we will discuss common issues found with pool plaster such as streaks, stains, erosion and why they occur.

Pool Water Chemistry

One of the leading causes of plaster corrosion is improper pool water chemistry. Corrosion can occur when a new pool is filled up for the first time or if a large amount of water is added to a pool due to evaporation. Perhaps, water is added outside of your control, such as a big downfall of rain, which, for sure, will change the levels of pH, chlorine, and alkalinity. If and when these events occur, your pool levels will need to be monitored and adjusted to the correct amounts so as not to damage the plaster.

Objects Entering the Pool

Another item that can inadvertently get added to your pool that will change its chemistry is any organic matter such as grass, leaves, plants, or even flower pollen. Not only can it change the water chemistry but it also can cause staining to the plaster in only a few short hours. Other man-made objects can cause damage as well; fertilizer, for example, that can be blown into the pool has iron-rich minerals that can create dime-sized rust spots along the interior sides of the pool. In general, items that contain metal can also leave rust stains throughout the plaster, such as lost coins or hairpins from past swimmers.

Address the Problem Before Significant Damage Occurs

If you believe there is a problem starting to occur with your pool plaster, don’t ignore it! Once an issue begins and if left unattended, the damage will be more challenging to handle. Before trying to do any DIY fixes, it is advised to consult with a professional plaster company that specializes in the repair. You may need to take a few pictures of the damage and send them to a pool contractor where they can then guide you with advice or they may need to make an appointment to assess the damage in person. Simple fixes can be applied if the damage is caught early on, such as brushing out stains or rebalancing the water’s chemistry. If the problem can not be resolved with a quick fix, the pool may need to be drained or partially drained for hand sanding or for an acid wash to be completed. If all else fails and the damage is too extensive for repair, it will ultimately need a complete and costly replaster of the pool.

Pound Pool Plastering serves both commercial and residential settings and provides a variety of selections to service your pool, including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, and plumbing. More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

When installing a pool there are many options that need to be considered to give homeowners that picturesque view they dream about when coming home every day for relaxation and leisure. One of the many choices that need to be made is the type and style of finish the pool will have; whether it’s made of plaster, tile, or aggregate. Each finish has a variety of materials, colors, and textures to choose from. The options seem endless; which is the best to use and in what combination? If you’re renovating or installing a new inground pool it’s important to select the best finish that compliments your design and vision. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of finishes so you can find an option that fits your budget and your pool needs perfectly.

Plaster

Plaster is the most common material used for pool surface finishing. It is made from a mixture of water, Portland cement, and either silica sand or marble dust. Many choose a traditional white plaster, also known as marcite, which gives the pool a clean, smooth appearance.  An available option with plaster is to mix color pigments or dyes to give the pool finish more depth and create a unique appearance. The color that is most popularly added is medium grey because it gives the pool water an amazing blue tint that many are looking for. Darker colors like dark grey and black are used to create more depth or to appear like a natural lake or pond. Plaster finished pools remain the least expensive pool finish and generally lasts 5 to 7 years before signs of repair are needed.

Aggregates

The newest form of pool plaster surfaces is called aggregates. They are a combination of white or colored plasters mixed with little pieces of stones such as quartz, granite, or glass beads. Aggregate finishes are growing in popularity due to its resistance to chemicals and staining compared to standard plaster and it also extends the life of the finish by 12 to 20 years. Since there is a beautiful variety of colors and textures to mix together, every finished pool has a one-of-a-kind look that many people are after making this another great choice.

When choosing aggregates, you’ll need to decide if you want the stones polished or exposed. A polished aggregate finish has crushed colored stones that are applied by hand to the pool shell by a professional plaster company. It is then polished to show the stone’s luster more clearly and makes the surface smooth. Exposed aggregates contain small river pebbles or glass beads that are also hand-applied. After application and while still wet, the exposed aggregates are power washed using a mixture of muriatic acid which removes the top layer of concrete exposing the colored pebbles or glass beads. This style has a rough texture to create traction to the pool surface.

Tile Finishes

If your looking for one of the most durable finishes with endless design options, look no further than tile. Tiles are typically applied at the waterline of a pool or onto steps to accent the pool, but they can be used to finish the entire interior of the pool as well. The biggest disadvantage in using tile, however, is most definitely the cost and the amount of time required for installation. It may be well worth it in the end though since the life of the tile should never need to be redone, unlike other finishes. Tile can be made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, and even stone which gives a large variety of shapes and colors for a unique appearance.

No matter which finishes you choose, they all offer stunning beauty to your pool in which you’ll enjoy for many years to come. Consult with a professional plaster company to help you decide between the many options available for your pool. Pound Pool Plastering serves both commercial and residential settings and provides all pool-related services to meet your needs including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, and plumbing. More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

When thinking about pool remodeling, winter is typically the farthest time of year that most people think about repairs/ upgrades. It’s cold outside, there is snow covering the pool so why would now be a good time to explore a remodel? Surprisingly, winter is the very best time for your pool to get a little TLC and there are several advantages you can enjoy by remodeling your pool during the winter. Below we will discuss exactly why.

Better Pricing

Your budget is typically your largest factor when planning your pool remodeling and with winter being a less busy season for pool contractors, the pricing is much more affordable. With pool companies having more availability you will be able to choose a time in your schedule that works best instead of having to work around what they can offer during the spring or summer. Another great advantage is that many pool companies will offer better deals and pricing for swimming pool care during their less busy months as well.

Not Wasting Precious Pool Time

The frequency of using a swimming pool is safe to assume to be used much more in the summer than the winter months. Choosing to have renovations in the spring or early summer could be a risky decision since renovation can take longer and instead of being in the pool each day, you now may be waiting for the service to be completed. Summer is already such a short season that the main reason to have a pool is to enjoy it each day that is available. Getting the pool remodeling completed in the winter when you aren’t planning on using it anyway just seems like a much better option for you and for the contractors, win-win!

Better Working Weather

It may seem strange to have anything pool maintenance-related done in the winter but for contractors, it can be more ideal due to the temperatures outside while working will be comfortable for working as opposed to hot summer days. In the summer, contractors will struggle to work quickly because the risk of heatstroke are high and need to stop for breaks and stay hydrated which understandably will slow down their production. If choosing to have renovations for your pool in winter, the contractors tend to be more efficient and get the repairs done quicker as well.

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

It’s October and the summer has officially left us. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, and the idea of spending outside in a pool has become an idea most would not advise. For pool owners, maintenance and overall care is not new, nor is it exactly fun to go through, but it is absolutely necessary if you plan on opening that pool again next summer. The process for closing a pool for the winter is rather straightforward but done improperly can cause noticeable damage. Outlined here are some elements to the process to make sure that the pool is looking clean and sparkly to jump into next summer.

Winterizing

One of the first things to be done is making sure the chemicals are balanced properly. This involves making sure the proper assets are tested, such as pH, hardness, and alkalinity. Making sure this is done first can avoid issues when opening the pool next summer. Doing so also protects the pool from any surface damage that may occur during the winter. According to The Home Depot, the proper window for each asset is between 80 – 150ppm alkalinity, 7.2 – 7.6 pH, and 175 – 275ppm hardness.

Chlorine

Shocking is a process of literally shocking the pool full of an excessive amount of chlorine. Doing so can give the pool enough chlorine to keep the algae away during the off-season. This is important for looking ahead to the next summer so you don’t open your pool and have to spend more time making sure the pool is properly balanced all over again. It’s best to shock your pool a few days before planning on closing the pool for the winter to get the best results.

Equipment

A natural step in the closing down of a pool is to make sure all equipment is properly taken care of, including tools within the pool and outside of it. It is not advised to leave anything in the pool itself (aside from the water), so make sure any toys or cleaning tools have been removed. Lowering the water level helps with this process and is advised below the skimmer. Pool pumps, heaters, and other equipment should all be drained completely to avoid being frozen over during the winter months. Lastly, drain the chemical feeder completely and add the winter cover to the pool. You’re then ready to reverse all of these steps next spring!

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Owning a pool can be very luxurious during the hot summer months and is a great way to relax and cool off. It is not however enjoyable to get in and out of the pool and get scraped by the rough sides of the pool or when the water begins to turn an unpleasant or strange in the least color because of the reflection from the damaged pool floor. If these situations sound familiar, it may be time to begin looking at options for resurfacing the pool. To begin, we will discuss just how much to budget for when its time to resurface your swimming pool.

What Causes Pool Surface to Get Damaged?

When pools are first constructed, they are beautiful structures that bring beauty to your back yard however over time, chemicals and sun exposure will take a toll on it. Proper chemical balancing is key to extending the life of your pool plaster. Having low calcium levels and hard water stabilizers will damage the pool’s finish and create worn spots. It is also important to be conscious of the pools water levels since the water helps hold the pool together and creates a layer of protection.

Pool Resurfacing Pricing

There are many of factors that with influence the cost range for resurfacing a pool with items such as location, size of pool, and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired. Location is a large aspect in pricing considerations since areas that are warmer climate often have a larger quantity of people who have them. This allows for many more pool contractors to be in the area with supplies nearby so shipping costs will be less. With more contractors also in the area, the competition will also drive pricing down. The size and condition of course will fluctuate and the larger or more repair that needs to be done, the more hours a professional pool plaster company will have to spend more hours in labor to seal the cracks and remove damaged plaster from. If deciding to do a DIY plaster resurface this could potentially also change the amount of money that will need to be spent on the project. On a average, plaster resurfacing will range $5 to %7 per square foot for materials and labor cost typically is between $400 to $565 for about 6 hours’ worth of work.

Hire A Professional or DIY?

A question to ask yourself is if the savings of a DIY project outweigh the advantages of hiring a professional pool plaster company to do the resurfacing of your swimming pool. The resurfacing process entails an extensive amount of time, specializes tools, and qualified product materials that many suppliers will only sell to other professionals. Many DIY pool owners will not be able to find these materials from a local hardware store which is why many choose to hire pool plaster companies to complete the pool repairs. Regardless if choosing to take on the pool plaster yourself or leave to a professional, it is wise to know the basic steps in the resurfacing procedure.

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

The start up procedure for a pool that has new plaster or had the plaster resurfaced is very important to guarantee that the plaster cures properly. Having a professional plaster company or builder to handle this process is the best option but understanding the process and being involved with the maintenance of your pool with benefit your pool’s over all life. Before making any start up tasks on your own, be sure to ask your plaster company for recommendations and be sure that anything done on your part will not void the warranty provided by them.

Steps to Follow During Set Up

1. Fill up the pool as fast as possible without stopping at any time. The use of additional hoses to speed the process can be beneficial. If the pool is only partially filled and process is stopped, a line will be left from the water level and be very difficult to be removed without doing an acid bath. The water from the hose should not spray directly onto the fresh plaster as well.
2. Once pool is full, add a dose of sequestrant for startup. The use of sequestrant is to act as an aid when locating Iron and other metals that are hard to detect otherwise. These metals can cause staining on new plaster that are difficult to remove so by using this product it acts as a precaution for this.
3. Do not operate the heater for a 2-week period after filling the pool. It is typical for new plastered pool to create a lot of plaster dust that can cause clogs in tubing of the heater. By passing the heater will avoid the risk of damage to it during the 2 weeks start up.
4. Refrain from swimming in the pool until the water is properly balanced. After the pool is fully filled with water, run tests using test kits to verify the water is clean and non-acidic.
5. It is best to not use any automatic cleaning system during the first 2 weeks. Proper cleaning by brushing the entire pool twice a day during the first week. After the first week switching to a once a day routine for the remainder of one month should be done on the whole plaster surface. Starting at the top of the walls and working towards the bottom starting from shallow end to the deeper. This process will help with removing any loose plaster dusts left behind from the install.

The above directions for new plaster or resurfaced plaster start up are basic and generic instructions given for any type of pool however there are 3 specific start up methods a builder may use that has separate rules to follow. These methods include; acid, traditional, or biocarbonite. Be sure to ask your builder or pool plaster company for guidance since variations of steps can be done and the professionals are always the best advice to follow for your own specific pool and conditions.

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Is your pool in need of some extra love and extreme maintenance? Do you know the signs that your swimming pool is giving you that it may be time for resurfacing?  Some our obvious, some not so much.  All in all, your Gunite swimming pool is very helpful in telling you it needs some attention.  Below are five signs that your pool could stand some help from a resurfacing service like the professionals at Pound Pool Plastering. 

Flaking, Peeling Layers of Plaster

Have you started noticing the plaster of your pool or spas starting to peel on the steps or floor?  This is known as spalling in the pool industry.  Pool water with a low PH or low calcium causes spalling.   When this occurs, there is no way to properly repair the issue.  When spalling is noticed the pool or spa needs to be resurfaced or re-plastered.

Surface Stains

There are a number of culprits for surface stains including copper, calcium and salt.  These issues cause a grayish blue discoloration.  The pool industry calls this phenomenon topical stains.  These topical stains stick to the surface of the plaster.  Stains can be cleaned with an acid wash however this needs to be performed with extreme caution.  If stains are severe re-surfacing may be the only way to get rid of the stains. 

Roughness

When your pools plaster is no longer smooth it is a sure sign that it is time to call us.  Chemicals eat away at the pool surface causing roughness as well as extra calcium deposits.  When the surface starts to feel more like sandpaper than silk it is time to have the plaster resurfaced.  No one wants bloody feet after swimming. 

Check Cracks

It is hard to see check cracks but if you look closely you will notice cracks that appear to look like a spider web.  Some people say check cracks look like what an egg looks like when it cracks.  These cracks are a natural part of hydrating cement but are more noticeable when the pool is drained, and the sun is shining on it.  With the pools plaster expands and contracts with chanced in temperature changes small cracks in the plaster grow.  The only way to get rid of these cracks is to re-plaster the pools surface.

Discoloration

When you first had your pool installed it was a beautiful white, blue, or gray finish but today when you looked out you noticed it was no longer the lovely shade you originally loved.  Instead it is streaked with white streaks and spots, the plaster is being bleached out.  It usually starts on the steps of the pool and slowly moves to other areas of the pool plaster.  If this is an issue for your pools plaster when having the plaster redone it is important to choose a more durable plaster finish such as pebble as it doesn’t discolor as easily as plaster alone.

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 https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.