Category: Pound Pool Plastering - page 14

Opening a swimming pool at the beginning of summer can be a challenge, especially if you are a new pool owner. There are several steps to be taken to ensure your pool is ready for the fast approaching season. Below is a check list to consider when opening your home’s pool. If it is your first time owning a pool it is best to consider hiring a pool service company to come out and walk you through your first opening season.

If the pool has been properly covered throughout the winter season the first task at hand will be to remove the cover. You will want to manage this without allowing the debris that has collected on the top to find its way into the pool. Your pool leaf net and broom can help with this chore.

If the cover has standing water that has accumulated over the winter you will want to pump this off before attempting to remove the cover.

This is the time you will want to inspect the pools marcite surface, the pool tile and pool coping. Taking care of these issues before opening the pool will save you a lot of time and headache. Plus your pool will be 100% for the entire season.

If all is well with your pools surface and no major/minor repairs are needed you can continue the process of opening your pool by removing any freeze plugs that might have been put in place to protect against freezing. Now is the time to bring the pools water level up to where it should be as well.

Ensure your pools filter was properly cleaned before the pool was closed in the winter. If this has not been done you will want to do it now. Once the filter is clean prime the pump and starts the motor of the filter system up. It is important that you release the air build up in the lines before beginning this process. Once things are up and running check for leaks.

The next step is to clean any debris that might have accumulated. This includes dirt, algae and other debris. Once the pool is clean and the water level up to par it is time to check the chemistry of the water. Test the water after it has been in the pool and circulating for a day or so. Add only the necessary chemicals, in the proper order to ensure the proper water balance.

Next install all the extra goodies that enhance your pool such as the handrails, ladders, slides and diving boards. Double check to ensure all the equipment is in working order and is not cracked or wore down.

The final step is to jump in and enjoy! The pool season is quick in most areas. Make the most out of it by making sure that the pool is in tip top shape at the beginning of the season and closed properly at the end.

With the amount of foreclosures and short sales the economy is seeing many homeowners are getting homes affordably however they come with “issues”. Of course the issue we see most is a neglected pool. Homeowners having trouble making a mortgage payment are not worried about the state of their pool. So it is only reasonable that when the home is sold at a discount that the condition of the pool is a mute point.

Many new pool owners don’t even know the basics of pool construction let alone how to balance the ph of the water. In this article we will address questions and concerns that arise focusing on the materials that make up the pool.

Many terms are thrown around in pool lingo such as plaster, gunite and marcite; what are they?

Gunite is the pools shell. Often referred to as the sprayed in concrete base, gunite is made up of rebar and concrete. Marcite was originally a brand name of plaster but has become known as plaster to many pool contractors. The phrase is universally used; marcite equals plaster for most professional pool installers. Plaster or marcite is the coating over the gunite pool shell. It is made up of white crushed marble dust. The white plaster finish is usually applied in two coats and is between 3/8″ and 1/2″ thick. To be clear the pool shell or base is made up of rebar, concrete (gunite) and plaster (marcite).

What is the purpose of the plaster?

Concrete is rough. Pools would not be enjoyable or as easy to maintain. Plaster is needed to allow for the pools surface to be smooth to the touch. Brand new plaster is the smoothest pool surface. At this point the marcite (plaster) has no imperfections. Imperfections come from age and can range from calcium building up and general erosion on the pool surface, wear and tear for a pool.

After having our pool plastered how long will the plaster last? How long until we have to do this process again?

Before a homeowner notices any imperfections and erosion is the answer I like to give in this situation. The white marble plaster should maintain the original smooth texture and bright white color for five to seven years before any wear is noticeable. This takes into consideration properly maintained water chemistry.

Are there different types of plaster and pool coatings available for in ground pools?

Yes! White marble plaster is the least expensive coating over gunite and the most commonly used. This is why when speaking to homeowners the quoted price will be for this marcite plaster unless otherwise specified.

Diamond Brite: Exposed Aggregate Pool Finishes is just one of many plaster finishes that brings color and slight texture to the pool. This is the most common aggregate coating and should be expected to last two to three times longer than white marble plaster because it is more durable. However, note the durability is something you will pay for as it is about fifty percent more expensive. This expense should be considered when homeowners see themselves in this house years down the road.

There are drawbacks to Diamond Brite over plain white plaster finishes. In order for the Diamond Brite to be applied correctly it must be adhere directly to the gunite. You can can expect over time that the bond fail as the bond between Diamond Brite and plaster is not as strong as Diamond Brite and gunite if it is not properly installed. Also, if you are lax about proper pool chemical balance the adhesives found in Diamond Brite will fail faster than that of normal white marble plaster.

The key to pool ownership is proper chemical balance and maintenance. Don’t allow algae to grow and ruin the pools surface. Scrubbing off algae is not great for your pools plaster. When you start to see staining on your pools surface note that it is time to start looking into having your pool plastered sooner than later to avoid more damage to the plaster than is already present.