Tag: Tiling Swimming Pools - page 7

Backyard Gunite Pool Construction

When you are designing any space in your home the process starts with research.  Ideas are found in a variety of spaces including magazines, the internet and sketches.  Ask friends, family and neighbors about their experiences with their in-ground swimming pools and the entire installation process. The more research that is done, as well as the more you understand what you want the easier the entire swimming pool project will be.  Being informed before you take the first step into pool construction will save you time and money throughout the entire process.

The process of installing and constructing a swimming pool is quite intimidating.  A swimming pool is a large financial investment and is not something that cannot be taken lightly.  The more information you know about the entire process from start to finish the more efficient your plan of action will be.

When starting your research it can be overwhelming.  Start by exploring local pool companies and the previous jobs that they have completed.  Not only do you want to see the work that they have previously done but you also want to see that they stay within a budget, time frame and that they are ultimately easy to work with.  Not only will you want to look at referrals but it is important to explore the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau as well as the reviews online from customers.  Looking at a company’s website also can be helpful when looking to find out more information about them and the services they provide.

Once the list of swimming pool contractors has been narrowed down create a list of questions to ask each of them.  Here are a few things to go over before you choose a swimming pool contractor to install your new swimming pool.

How long have you been in business installing and designing in-ground swimming pools?

How many swimming pools have you constructed?

Do you have any plaster swimming pool sites that we can visit in which work was recently wrapped up?

Purchasing a swimming pool is not only creates a large hole in your pocket book but also in the backyard of your home.  Be sure before the excavating begins that this is a commitment that you have not only researched but that you are also ready to care for.  No matter what type of pool is installed, plaster or vinyl, there is maintenance that comes along with it.  From the minute the ground is broke, the pool starts to take shape and the visualization of your dream starts to take place you are a pool owner.  Let the summer fun begin.

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/.

All About Gunite Swimming Pools

Swimming pools that are built into the ground are often made from a mixture that includes cement. A gunite swimming pool is created by mixing cement, sand and water together then spraying the combination onto the surface using pneumatic pressure. It is held onto the surface by a frame created out of rebar. Together the rebar frame along with the gunite mixture is what creates the base of the pools structure. A plaster surface, often referred to as marcite is added to finish the pool.

Plaster creates a waterproof barrier that gunite alone does not have. The pools plaster should be applied by a team of professionals to guarantee that plaster surface is thick enough that it does not allow water to seep out. If the plaster is not thick enough the entire pool will need to be drained to repair the plaster hence stopping the water loss the pool is experiencing. This is a hassle that homeowners can avoid by hiring a reputable pool plastering company.

One piece of advice I like to give new pool owners, especially those with gunite pools is to never drain your pool without first having professional instruction or hiring a company to help. A pool is not drained properly can end up with extensive damage to the pools surface, plumbing and surrounding area.

Cracking is a common problem in gunite swimming pools. Cracks occur when water seeps into the ground behind the gunite mixture from the ground above and is allowed to seep in over time. With changes in the temperature the structure expands and contracts thus overtime causing cracks. Ground shifting from changes in the water table, earth quakes and erosion from floods, freeze/thaws.

In order to prevent water seepage from the cracks in the pools marcite it is important that the gunite pool be repaired. This can be done using several repairing methods depending on the exact issue. If the plaster is in poor condition the pool plaster will need to be replaced. If the leak is small however it can often be repaired using a waterproof sealant. It is important that the proper technique is used when applying the sealant.

Cracks in the plaster can also be filled using pressurize polymer that adheres to the structure becoming a flexible hinge. This is then touched up by applying a coating of plaster in the desired thickness. A large crack in the plaster is a bit tougher. The gunite structure will need to be stabilized, and then the above technique can be applied.

With proper care of your gunite pool the pools plaster surface can stay in good shape and be maintenance free for years. Proper care includes the correct ph balance for the water, proper cleaning and upkeep on the pools internal systems. To keep the pools water in balnce it is best to check the water every few days or when water is added to the pool. Additional water from heavy rains can often cause an imperfect balance to occur in the pools water that will need to be quickly corrected to avoid damage to the pools surface.


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

Refinishing Gunite Swimming Pools

When a concrete swimming pool is put into the ground the cement needs to be covered to protect the pool surface. Gunite pools, commonly referred to as cement or concrete pools are covered with marcite, a plaster composed of white cement and crushed marble. The plaster is an important piece of the gunite pool puzzle as it provides the surfacing to the pool. That being said the plaster requires a certain amount of care when it is applied. Below you will find a guide on caring for your newly plastered pool.

After your pools plaster has been applied by a professional pool plastering company, the company will start to fill your pool. The plaster is cement based and as with cement will require a curing stage of about fourteen days. Filling the pool with water up to the tile helps the curing process and reduces shrinkage and cracking. The proper way to fill the pool is by using a hose that has a towel fixed to the end of it placed in the deepest part of the pool. The more hoses you have filling the pool the better.

Once the pool is completely full up to the tile you will begin the process of brushing the pool plaster. Purchase a nylon bristled pool brush to thoroughly brush the entire pool including the pool walls, floor, steps and seats. It is impossible to brush the pools plaster too much. It is best to complete this process at least three times a day. While you are brushing the pool it is normal for the water to become cloudy and filled with dusty materials. Continue brushing and maintaining the chemical balance as this will keep the dust from turning hard on the plaster. The pool should not be swept until all of the sediment is clear.

The pools filtration system needs to be turned on right away after the pool has been filled. You should continue to run the filtration system non-stop until the water is completely clear. Run the pools bottom suction as well. Continue to check the pools filter and clean it often to ensure that debris does not clog it creating a problem with the system. Once you clean the filter be sure to restart it so as not to interrupt the filtration of the plaster debris from the pool.

One of the most critical parts in maintaining your pools new plaster is encompassed by the pool water chemical balance. It is wise to have the pool water checked daily while the new plaster is curing. Along with making sure your pool chemicals are properly balanced add a chemical into the pool water that helps prevent stains as well as acting as a metal magnet.

When it comes to your pools new plaster it is critical that you follow the above advice of brushing the pool, running the filtration system and chemical balance to the pools water. Following the advice above will help keep the pools plaster free of discoloration.

 

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