Abalone shells "dissolve" over time, true?

[FloridaRes]

Hello all,

we are about to have our plaster installed this coming weekend, still haven't decided to go with a Quartz finish (exposed aggregate, Marquis) or mini pebbles (Freestone). However, we would love the glitter effect of the abalone shells, but we have now been told by the application team, that these might "dissolve" over time, because they are not made for the pool chemistry environment, i.e. they will disappear over time and create small holes where they previously were. Is that something any of you have experienced?

The shells will not be added to the mix, but spread by hand just before the last trowel during the application, since the shells at the bottom of the plaster is not visible anyway.

Thanks

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Yes that is correct, with a exposed aggregate finish the voids left behind have the same feel and look as the surrounding surface and the decomposition may never happen at all.

 

[tommelton]

The issue I have read about with abalone is staining of the plaster around the abalone. I have not seen it personally, just read about it.

 

[HermanTX]

Also the abalone shells will turn black. I have had 3 removed from my plaster because of the staining. I would suggest NOT to add them.

 

[surfaceofthesun]

Yes they wear aware. I wanted them but realized it wasn't worth the extra $ especially with the significant upcharge