Swimming Pool Plastering is the process of putting on a new coat of plaster to an existing swimming pool. It is a common practice in the industry as it helps to improve water quality, increase pool durability and add aesthetic value to the pool.
Pool plaster is made up of a combination of Portland cement and silica or sand dust. It has a classic smooth appearance that is typically a medium grey shade, but can be mixed with color additives for a variety of hues. It can also be topped with a variety of aggregates such as quartz, glass or ceramic for flecks of color. A popular and classy alternative is the pebble surface which combines a mix of pea gravel sized or slightly larger pebbles inside the plaster concoction for an attractive riverbed like finish.
Plaster can degrade over time due to the corrosive effects of the water on the plaster’s surfaces and structure. The life of the plaster is significantly affected by how well it’s mixed, applied and cured. In ideal conditions, plaster can last twenty years. Keeping the water chemistry balanced and avoiding acid washing will elongate the life of the plaster surface.
There are several methods used to prepare the surface of the pool for a new plaster coating, including etching, bond coats and chipping. These methods vary in effectiveness and the results they provide. It is best to use a company with experience in the area for the most effective preparation.
Once the surface is prepared, the plaster Swimming Pool Plastering crew begins putting on the whitecoat, or new pool plaster. The first layer is typically a 3/8″ thick coat and is troweled with a hand trowel or power hand sprayer. It is important that the plaster be evenly and smoothly placed in order to ensure that it adheres to the old pool shell and stays put.
It is also important that the surface be completely dry, typically 24 hours before a new plaster coat is applied. If a layer of plaster is put on before the surface is completely dry, it will not stick and the new plaster could begin to flake off. Once the surface is completely dry, the new plaster can be troweled with a hand trowel again to get the desired level of smoothness.
A final step in the pool resurfacing process is to fill the newly replastered pool. When the water is added, it is important to keep the volume down and to have a hose with a clean soft cloth tied on the end in order to diffuse the water stream, prevent splashes and protect the surface of the fresh plaster.
If you walk, wash or cause anything to touch the surface of a freshly replastered pool, it can leave permanent water stain rings on the plaster. This may appear as a green, pink or red line on the plaster that can be difficult to remove. It is also best to not walk in the pool until a week after the plaster has been cured.