Tag: pool plaster repair - page 3

Residential pool owners don’t have any hard pressed rules to follow when it comes to how often they should look into having their pools plaster redone.  In commercial pool settings the general consensus is that the plaster needs to be redone every ten years.  Residential gunite pool owners need to be more conscience of the signs that their pool is in need of new plaster as the plaster is what helps to ensure the structural soundness of the pool itself.  Below are some signs residential pool owners need to keep an eye out for when it comes to redoing the pools plaster.

Staining

One of the most common complaints that homeowners have when it comes to their pools is that the plaster has visible stains.  No matter how meticulous a homeowner is when it comes to keeping the chemicals in the pools water balanced over time the plaster will show some staining.  Stains ruin the overall aesthetics of the pool.  If it has been a while since the pool has been plastered staining could mean it is time to consider looking into new plaster.  However, if stains are appearing only a few years after fresh plaster was installed then it is time to address the issue of where the staining is coming from.

Gunite Peeking Through

The structural shape of many pools is created from gunite which is a strong concrete type substance that provides the basin of the pool.  Plaster is then installed over the gunite to provide a waterproof protective barrier and visual appeal.  If the pools owners start to visually see bits of the gunite peeking through the plaster that is a sure sign that the pool is ready to have its plaster redone.

Swimming Becomes Awkward

Sometimes the change in the pools plaster may not be visible.  If you notice that your feet are getting scratched or the surface feels rough to the touch it may be time to think about new plaster.  Another visual sign is when the pool surface starts to snag on bathing suits.  Rough plaster surfaces may be noticeable because of dirt deposits, cracking or patchy spotting.  If this is noticeable the pool should be freshly plastered.

Depending on the pool plastering company plastering a pool can cost anywhere between three and five dollars per foot.    With an average backyard pool being around one thousand eighty eight square feet it is safe to assume new plaster  will cost somewhere around four thousand five hundred dollars.

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/.

Winter pool care doesn’t end by just putting the cover on it.  Care must continue throughout the off-season to assure that when the pool is open in the late spring that everything comes together as it should.  In this installment on in-ground gunite pool care we will share the top tips in off-season pool care.

• Add an algae preventative to the pool water that will function throughout the winter. It is best to add the algaecide to the pool on the last day that the pool is being used for the season.  After the preventative is added to the water you should run the pools pump and filter for twenty four hours to allow for the chemical to fully circulate.  The goal in the end is to keep algae at bay during the off season.
• As pool owners close their pools it is crucial to drain all of the water from the pump, heater and filter. The pipes and motorized mechanical systems of the gunite swimming pool are crucial to the operation of the pool.  If water freezes within the pipes they are apt to break.  This can be super costly and time consuming for the pool owner.
• In order to keep your pool clean during the off season it is best that homeowners keep their pools covered. Not only will a pool cover keep out the dirt and debris that comes from leaves, snow and other off-season debris; it will also keep children and toddlers from entering the pool.
• To make sure that your pool is ready for opening day in the spring it is important to add chlorine to the pools water. Chlorine should be added in the fall and when the water thaws in the spring.  Don’t add to much chlorine though as it can and will eat at the pools plaster if not kept balanced.
• The responsibility of owning a pool doesn’t end when you stop swimming in it for the season. Life will be easier for you when you re-open the pool in late spring if when the pool is closed that you keep the cover protecting the pool clean.  Sticks, leaves, stones and such can easily accumulate on the pool cover if allowed.  It is important that pool owners take some time throughout the off season to remove the accumulated build up of debris in order to protect the pool surface.

It is important to keep up on preventative maintenance, as a pool owner, even when the pool is shut down for the season.  Keeping the pool in top shape is a lot less time consuming and costly if preventative maintenance is kept up on year round.

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/.

It is believed that commercial pools should be plastered about every ten years however with residential pools the answer isn’t as clear.  In this installment on pool plastering we will look at several signs that are dead giveaways that the pool needs to be plastered.  The pools plaster protects both the look and structural elements.  Watch for the signs below to know when it is time to call in pool plaster professionals.

Over a period of time, no matter how balanced the chemicals in your pool are the minerals in the water will stain the plaster and change the look of the original plaster.  As this occurs it becomes more and more evident that the plaster needs to be replaced.

Most in-ground pools are constructed out of Gunite, a concrete substance that is used to create the base of the pool.  The plaster is used on top of the Gunite and acts as a waterproof protective barrier that offers an aesthetic appeal as well.  When the Gunite begins to show through the plaster this is another sure sign it is time to call in the pool plastering professionals.

If you notice that your feet are being torn up by the bottom of the pool and that swimming in the pool is becoming rougher and rougher to the touch it is a good sign the plaster needs updating.  Bathing suits will start to snag on jagged plaster edges when the plaster starts to wear down.  This may not be visible to the naked eye.  If you start to feel or see rough patches on the pools plaster it is time to plaster your pool.  Cracks, pits or patchy spots are all common when plaster has aged and is in need of replacement.

Plastering your residential Gunite swimming pools costs between three and five dollars depending on a number of factors including: the contractors, the size of the pool, the climate, and the area in which you reside.  An average pool runs between four and five thousand dollars to plaster.

If you decide that this is going to be the year you plaster your pool it is best to get a call into the pool plastering company early in the season.  Depending on where you live the season in which you can enjoy your pool can be short.  If this is your situation you will want to have the pool plastered before opening it for the season to avoid any usage downtime.  Contact a reputable pool plastering company to come out and quote your project.  After you have several quotes and have done substantial research on each of the local pool plastering companies it will be time to schedule an appointment to have your pool plastered.

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/.

The initial period after pool plaster has been applied is the most critical time for the pools surface.  In the first twenty eight days the pools plaster surface cures approximately sixty percent.  The surface will take the next eight to ten months to finish the curing process.  During the curing process the pools water is known to increase the alkalinity, pH and calcium levels.  If this is left untreated the chemical imbalance could cause issues with the pools plaster including rough texturing, pitting and streaking.  In order to prevent this from occurring it is crucial to maintain the pools chemical balance.

Pool plaster that is in the process of curing will increase the pH balance of the water quickly.  Keeping the pool water in balance should be of the utmost important to prevent scaling and hydration problems.  If the waters chemical balance is properly handled the pH and alkalinity should stabilize in about thirty days.  Test and adjust the chemical balance of the water a few times per week for the first few weeks the new pool plaster is in place.  After that the pools water can be tested every week to be sure it is staying within the limits.

Pool Water Tips

• All pool chemicals should be pre-dissolved before being added to the pool water. The chemicals should always be added to water.  Don’t ever mix the chemicals and then add the water into it.
• Chlorine and other pool sanitizers should not be added to the pool water, after plastering, until the water has been tested and seventy two hours has past. The personnel at the pool store will give you instructions on any additional testing that should be done.
• Make sure that you get the pools alkalinity is in check and then adjust the pH. The alkalinity should be between eighty and one hundred and twenty PPM and the pH should be lowered to around seven point two.
• Replenish the sequestering agent that was added to the pool on start up that took metallic contaminates that are un-filterable and made them able to be filtered. This will help to prevent staining and scaling.
• Remember not to swim in the pool until the chlorine level drops below three ppm.

The pool should be gently brushed twice a day for the first two weeks after the plaster has been applied.  It is important that the pools pores are kept open to allow for proper curing and helps loosen any plaster dust from settling in on the plaster surface.  The water may become dusty after the brushing is done but will eventually go away.

With some simple maintenance and care you can extend the lifetime of your pools plaster.

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/.

The options in pool plaster have long moved past the days of white plaster.  Company’s offer pool plastering services today still offer good old fashion white plaster, color additives and colored aggregates that add visual appeal, increased strength and increased client satisfaction. The combination of plaster options is endless; each offering a unique perspective and appeal that is as distinct as the landscape surrounding the pool.

A pools plaster can last for many years meaning that most homeowners will not have to concern themselves with plaster options too frequently.  Eventually the corrosive chemicals and water begin to deteriorate the pools plaster surface.  Thus making the surface rough and staining more difficult to remove.  This is when homeowners know it is time to upgrade the plaster on the pools surface.

The pools plaster is the waterproof coating that is added on top of the gunite shell.  The plaster is intended to slowly wear.  In most cases the plaster is not replaced to retain the pools structural integrity or retain waterproofing but instead to enhance the pools appearance.   Stained, rough, pitted plaster surfacing is the reason most residential and commercial pool owners choose to resurface a pools plaster.

There are many additives that can be used to enhance your pool.  Basic white pool plaster is a combination of cement and marble dust.  This combination is often referred to as marcite.  When mixed together with water and binding additives it is sprayed on a prepped surface and smoothed to perfection.

Color additives can be added to the plaster to produce different results.  Popular color choices are hues of grey and blue.  Colored quartzite chips can be added to plaster to create visual attraction and more durability.  These colored quartzite chips are used to hide imperfections and be more resistant to the deterioration from chemicals.  Pozzolans are added to plaster but go undetected visually.  This additive locks up calcium hydroxide and prevents its reaction to other chemicals.   This allows for the plaster to remain smoother and last longer.  One last additive we will talk about is silicone shielding.  This is used to reduce staining by basically waterproofing the plaster.

Exposed aggregates such as pebbletec and beadcrete are used to create a bumpy texture and slip resistance nature to the surface.  Both products add a visual appeal that cannot be reproduced with regular plaster.  Pool owners looking to enhance the landscape of the pool can do so using either of these products.

There are so many choices beyond white pool plaster.  Be sure to check with your local pool plastering company to find an option that works to enhance your pool environment.

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/.

In-ground pool owners hit the jackpot this summer.  Temperatures have been some of the hottest we have had in years along with record high humidity levels and low amounts of rain.  This summer backyard pools have been put to good use.  Have you started to notice that condition of the pools surface starting to look a bit dull and lifeless?  Are you considering a facelift to the interior surface of your pool before the start of the next summer swimming season?

There are a number of options to consider in pool plastering options.  Some consider painting the pool in order to give the surface a fresh appearance.  Back in the day, painting the pools surface was an annual rite of passage in opening the pool.  Then pool plaster was introduced and pool owners came to appreciate the longevity and durability that comes along with this option.  What now?  Do you go old school and paint the interior surface of the pool or do you follow the modern trend of plastering when faced with preparations for the next swimming season?

Paint verse Plaster – Who Wins?

Endurance Factor

Painting a pools interior surface will only keep it looking updated and fresh looking for one season.  Plaster is definitely the better option when looking at the endurance factor.  Pool plaster, when professionally installed can last anywhere between fifteen to twenty years.  Where as a painted finish at best can make it through two full seasons before it needs to be done again.  Professional pool plastering when done properly is a far superior in endurance over painting.

Durability Factor

Paints that are specifically designed for use in spas, pools and outdoor fountains are durable given the beating taken from chemicals and climate changes.  The problem exists in durability when it comes to the thickness of the surface.  Painted surfaces are not nearly as thick as plaster surfaces, making them less durable overall.  A plaster pool is about a half an inch thick and therefore can handle more of the everyday beatings that an in-ground recreational pool takes.  If you are surfacing a fountain that will not be abused daily by cleaning equipment and tiny humans then painting it may be just fine.

Preparation

Both applications require some degree of preparation to be done before they can be applied.  The pool must be completely dried and prepped for the new surface to be applied.  Painting a pool requires far less prep than plaster however plaster is usually done professionally therefore requiring know amount of prep work to be completed by the homeowner.

Apply and Finish

Once a pool has been prepped for painting the process is fairly simple.  The pool paint is mixed and applied to the surface.  Two coats are required and can be done within four to six hours of one another.  The pool should not be refilled with water until the surface is completely dry which can take anywhere between two to five days depending on the weather.  Pool plaster on the other hand is quite difficult to apply and is best left to the professionals.  A professional plastering company will apply the plaster mixture using a thick hose.  It will then be smoothed out evenly.  This process usually can be done in one day and the water can start to be added to the pool.

It’s fairly easy to see why individuals choose plaster over painting when it comes to resurfacing their pools.  In the end it may cost a bit more but saves a whole lot of time given that plaster has a longer life span and will most likely not need to be done more than once over the time that you own the pool.

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/.

In pools there are three recommended surface options that are commonly used to update the interior surface: plaster, quartz and pebble. Quartz and pebble finishes were created to counterbalance the deficiencies found in plaster. No material is perfect when it comes to the interior surface of a pool. In looking for a material to use as your pools finish compare how the three of them stack up against each other.

Plaster: Both residential and commercial pools are most commonly surfaced with white pool plaster. The finish is smooth and the white plaster often turns the water a radiant blue color. There are a number of other color choices when it comes to pool plaster but white is the most common choice to install.

Plaster is the most inexpensive material to use in resurfacing a pool however it is not always the hardiest of options. Plaster is a combination of white cement and marble dust. The surface is naturally porous which makes it more vulnerable to stains and growth of bacteria. Plaster surfaces require more chemicals to keep the water chemistry balanced. A brand new plaster pool surface lasts about five to ten years with proper care.

Quartz: Another common material used to surface the interior of the pool is quartz. The quartz aggregate material is mixed in with plaster and offers multiple benefits including that it is hard and non-porous which makes it stain resistant. Quartz is a longer lasting, durable surface over that of conventional white pool plaster.

Another benefit of using quartz in surfacing pools is the variety of colors it comes in. It is a bit more expensive than traditional pool plaster however you can expect the lifespan of the surface to increase five to ten years over conventional plaster.

Pebble: A pebble interior pool surface is a mixture of plaster with pebble aggregate. The pebbles will actually cover most of the pools surface. The greatest benefit of pebble aggregate is that it is the most stain resistant and durable within the pool industry. A pebble surface is more expensive then plaster alone. A pebble surface lasts upwards of twenty years if it is well maintained.

Most pool plastering companies have a variety of pool surfaces available for consumers to choose from. Unique finishes and a variety of colors can create an interior pool surface that will make any residential or commercial pool more visually appealing. Traditional plaster is a good inexpensive option with a traditional look, quartz is a strong, non-porous option with a finish sprinkled with glitz and bits of color and a pebble finish looks like a stony riverbed with increased stain resistance that is long lasting. All three finishes on a pools interior surface are good choices.

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/.

Certain projects around the home need to be left up to the experts.  Pool owners need to understand a pool that is plastered incorrectly will end up costing more to operate.  In-ground pool maintenance needs to be performed by professionals.  Plastering is just one of the several pool maintenance jobs that need to be left to the professionals.  Many homeowners attempting plaster their own pools end up realizing the job is over their heads costing them almost double what it would have leaving it up to those skilled in the art of pool plaster.

When a pools plaster or colored aggregate plaster has been applied incorrectly homeowners naively waste money every day.  Pools without completely smooth plaster require the pump to run longer and require more chemicals to keep the pool water clean.

When a pool is plastered correctly the maintenance required on the swimming pool is less.  A quality plaster finish on your pools surface will not allow algae growth no matter how poorly a homeowner maintains their pool.  A superior plaster finish on your pools surface means fewer chemicals, less circulation and lower maintenance to keep the swimming pool looking great.

The craftsmanship that professional pool plasters can give to the finish of the pools surface makes all the difference.   A homeowner could use the same exact aggregate plaster that a professional uses however it will never be the same finish.  The workmanship a professional pool plaster company offers over that of the do it yourself homeowner is bar none.  A professional leaves a highly smooth surface that doesn’t give algae and debris a proper environment to flourish.

Rough aggregate plaster is the perfect setting for algae growth.  When algae is given the proper ecosystem, such as that found with incorrect plastering it costs homeowners extra money to run the pools pump and treat the pools water with chemicals.  Rough pool surfaces need extra attention to maintain cleanliness; where as a smooth plaster surface takes less attention and maintenance to stay spotless, free of dirt and algae.

If your homes in-ground pools plaster needs to be redone make sure to hire an expert to ensure that the craftsmanship is up to the high standards only a professionals experience provides.  Commercial and residential pool plastering companies decrease the maintenance needed to keep your pool looking as good as the first day the fresh plaster was installed.  Certain updates around the home are all the same no matter if it is done by DIY homeowners or professionals; a pools plaster is not one of those!

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/.

The first twenty eight days after your in-ground swimming pool has been freshly plastered are the most critical.  The pool plaster finish cures at sixty percent within the first twenty eight days of installation and continues to mature over the next ten months.  In order for the pools plaster to completely mature the pH, calcium levels and alkalinity must rise.  This must be checked regularly by the pool owner.  If these levels are kept properly the plaster will cure improperly.  The pools plaster will be rough, pitted and streaky.  In order to ensure the finish of your pools plaster is ideal homeowners need to be thorough when it comes to the maintenance and follow up while the pools plaster seals completely.

Pool plaster naturally drives the pH balance of the pool up.  In order to avoid problems it with scaling and hydration it is crucial that the chemicals in the pool water are kept in balance.  Most often the pools water will become stable about thirty days after the pool has been freshly plastered.  Homeowners must regularly test and adjust the chemistry of the pools water daily for the first few weeks after fresh pool plaster is installed.  After the water chemistry has become stable it is okay for pool owners to test the water weekly.

Proper Chemical Maintenance

• Before adding chemicals to the pool water make sure they are completely dissolved.
• It is important that you have a professional test the water before adding chlorine of sanitizers. Test the water within seventy two hours of the water being added to the fresh pool plaster.
• Alkalinity then pH: the waters alkalinity should be between eighty and one hundred twenty ppm while the pH is lowered to around seven point two.
• After the Alkalinity and pH are in check homeowners can add mineral cartridges and chlorine packs. It is crucial that homeowners shock the pool at the same time the mineral pack is added.  The pool should not be swum in until the pools chlorine level is below three point zero ppm after the water has been shocked.

While the plaster cures the pH levels in the water will rise. Be sure to test and maintain the proper water chemistry in the pools water throughout this period of time.   Clean the pool frequently by gently brushing the surface twice a day for the first two weeks after the plaster is applied.  Brushing the sides allows the plaster to mature properly while removing any loose plaster dust from the newly installed surface. With proper brushing and water chemistry the water will go from dusty to clear.

This process may seem like a lot of work however over the lifetime of the pool plaster it truly is a drop in the bucket.  Minutes a day for the first few weeks after the plaster is installed is nothing when it comes to the lifespan of your pools plaster.

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/.

There are many different materials for in-ground swimming pool surfaces.  Fiberglass, vinyl and plaster are all popular with pool owners.  Plaster remains the most common interior finish used when installing an in-ground pool.  You can choose from a variety of colors and additives to create a unique, durable surface.  When including additives into the plaster finish the pool surface is able to hide minor imperfections that can be found.  To ensure properly applied, cured and cared for plaster pool surfaces follow the suggestions below.

• Apply Pool Plaster During The Cooler Months

It is in the best interest of your new pool plaster not to be installed during the hot months of summer.  If you know that your pool is due for new plaster be sure to schedule the job to be completed before you open your pool in the cool spring months or before closing the pool in the cooler months of fall.

If plaster is applied to a pool during hot months it can prematurely dry out causing tiny cracks throughout the plaster surface.  Plastering a pool in cooler months allows the air to suck out the moisture slowly.  The perfect temperature to install plaster is between fifty and seventy degrees with above average humidity.

• Add Water To Your Freshly Plastered Pool Without Stopping

When a pool is freshly plastered it is best to call in a company that can bring in enough water to fill the pool all at one time.  The pool plaster will cure better then it is underwater.  Filling the pool slowly or is able to standstill for any amount of time you risk a line of dirt forming around the new pool plaster at the level the water has stopped.

• Keep The Pool Water Clean

While filling the freshly plastered pool and throughout the swimming season do your best to keep the water clean.  Leaves and dirt that is left to build up on the fresh plaster it will stain.  When cleaning the new plaster choose to brush the pool by hand daily.  For a few weeks after automatic pool cleaners can leave marks on the plaster.

• Maintain The Chemicals In The Pool Water

New plaster creates a water environment with higher than normal pH conditions.  During the first year with new plaster it is essential that you check the pH balance daily and add a pH reducer regularly as needed to keep the total alkalinity.  The calcium hardness should range between two hundred and four hundred ppm to prevent the calcium from being pulled out of the plaster.

• Acid Start The Pool After New Plaster Is Installed:

An acid start procedure is a method that lowers the total alkalinity level in the pool to as near as 0 as possible.  This helps the water to absorb all of the dust leftover by the plaster and cures the plaster quicker.

Now is a perfect time to set up a meeting to meet with pool plaster companies and choose one to schedule your pool plaster revival for the spring.

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/.