Approximate cost to replace plaster in pool

[JT2006]

Just bought the house and this is the first time I've owned a pool. Pool had been negelected because the house was a foreclosure. Plaster is stained from algae and leaves in the pool. Plus it is about 10 years old. My wife would like to have it redone with pebble tech but the quote we got was almost $8000 to do it so thats out. What would be a FAIR price for just having it redone in regular white plaster? And should I even try to see if an Acid wash will work? Pool cleaner quoted me $450 for that but I'm not sure if it will work?

Thanks

 

[jblizzle]

I would guess $5k +/- $1k ... greatly varies by location.

If it is just organic stains, those can be lightened/removed by maintaining elevated FC levels and brushing.

 

[pool mum]

What he said. I would maintain FC levels and brush and eventually the stains should go away. esp if the pool gets a lot of sun. If it's empty, try scrubbing with a strong bleach solution. If the stains don't go away, then consider other measures.

 

[BoDarville]

^^What they both said. I think the elevated FC approach is worth trying first - very little downside (mainly the cost of the bleach and the elbow-grease of brushing) but potentially, a whole lot of upside. The stains should lighten (and may eventually go away altogether). Once the stains lighten, if the plaster appears in otherwise good shape you may be able to defer the re-do for a year or two which would give you some time to budget for a replaster. Sometimes these foreclosure pools have mainly cosmetic issues that can make them look much worse than they really are. By getting things cleaned up, you will be in a better position to assess the condition of the finish.

BTW, Please add the state and nearest city in which you live to your profile. Don’t need specific town, nearest major city is fine. Your climate is important to the advice you receive. By doing this, it will appear in all your posts without you having to enter it each time. Here's how to do it: Adding location to your profile and pool info to your signature.

 

[JT2006]

Thanks for the advice guys, I've got my location on my profile now.

Our house faces South so the pool gets sun all day.

If I elevate the FC level in the pool will I just brush it with the normal brush or do I need a more abrasive brush?
And would it still be safe for the kids to swim in it?

 

[BoDarville]

If I elevate the FC level in the pool will I just brush it with the normal brush or do I need a more abrasive brush?
And would it still be safe for the kids to swim in it?

I would use the normal brush first and give the chlorine time to fade the staining. A good general rule is to try the least invasive approach first.

You can swim in the elevated chlorine levels we are referring to (e.g., higher than normal maintenance levels for your CYA but below shock levels). See Chlorine CYA Chart. But I would run a full set of tests first to make sure there is no organic contamination before giving the kids the "All-Clear" to swim.