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Swimming Pool Interior Surfaces
Pool shells are created with an incredibly strong concrete applied to a steel-reinforced cage. Because concrete is porous, the shell is coated with plaster to hold water, protect the concrete structure and for cosmetic purposes. Swimming pool plaster consists of a white cement binder and crushed limestone or marble dust aggregate. Quartz or pebbles can be utilized as an aggregate to increase durability and enhance the appearance. The white cement can be dyed to create a colored base as well.
Common Problems with Plaster
Due to pool operation with chemicals and acid cleaning, the plaster finish becomes coarse and thin, creating the need to resurface the pool. The plaster surface is the "sacrificial lamb" of the pool. With proper care including proper water chemistry, the lifespan of the surface can be extended.
Solutions
Resurface the pool and make sure that the contractor performs the maintenance necessary to properly cure the whitecoat. Install a winter safety cover and fully treat the pool water with winter chemicals. When draining and cleaning, use more pressure and less chemical.
A note about "curing" and maintenance: Pool plaster cures under water. Freshly plastered pools should be filled as quickly as possible, without interruption. The first 14 - 28 days are the most critical and plaster continues to cure for up to a year. The water chemistry, maintenance and start up procedures are extremely important and should be followed based upon the type of plaster applied. Improper start up procedures, water chemistry, and/or poor maintenance will result in surface staining and premature breakdown of the surface. Be sure that your contractor that you have hired to replaster has a plan for curing. This is commonly overlooked, or improperly administered.
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