Molting or dust?

[Messyxp1k]

Hi all,
We just finished construction on our new swimming pool/spa. The process was let’s just say something else but all in all we’re very pleased. We just filled the pool with water 2 days ago, started three days ago and the acid start up was started at noon yesterday(29 hours ago). We have brushed the pool 5-6 times thus far and I’m not exactly sure of what think about the finish. Overall we love the color however I’m concerned with the blotchy spots or cream or molting if you will. I’m going to attach 4 photos and maybe some of you can chime in...hopefully I’m just being overly cautious at this time. The chemical people will be back out on Monday to test the water and possibly start to balance out the chemicals after the acid. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!!!

not sure if it matters but we chose Barbados Blue Quartzscapes as our finish.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

That is mottling that we often seem to see, especially in dark colored plaster.

Diagnosing Pool Plaster Problems

Plaster Discolorations – New white pool plaster can discolor (darken or turn gray) from adding excessive calcium chloride set accelerator, from late hard troweling, from thin and thick areas due to an uneven shell, etc. Gray (or grey) mottled discoloration (also known as “water entrapment” or...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Messyxp1k]

Ajw22,
Is this something that should go away in near future while the quartz continues to cure and the acid start does its job? We’re brushing non stop at this point(my wife and I keep taking turns) hoping to make this all blend

 

[ajw22]

Brushing is not going to make a difference to the color.

If you expected a smooth even color like paint you will be disappointed. These color variations are the way it will be.

 

[Messyxp1k]

Definitely not the results we were hoping for. We were told that very little variations would appear and that brushing would make the surface smooth, expose the aggregate, and remove the left over “cream” from the plaster.

 

[Messyxp1k]

Is this a product end result or more of an applicator error?

 

[ajw22]

Is this a product end result or more of an applicator error?

Application workmanship. Read...

The Art of Good Pool Plaster Color

An attractive plaster color (other than white) is often preferred by pool owners. However, it is very difficult for plasterers to produce a uniform and consistent color. The reality is that there will always be some minor shading (mottling) and variation in the color and can never be uniform...

www.troublefreepool.com

by @onBalance

 

[Messyxp1k]

This was as we were filling...I noticed the color variations and thought it was normal and would go away with the acid start and brushing

 

[ajw22]

Gray Mottling Plaster Discoloration

Gray (also spelled “grey”) or darkened blotchy or streaky discoloration of pool plaster (cement flatwork) is known to be caused by several improper plastering practices, including the addition of calcium chloride to the mix (even less than 2%), late hard or dry troweling, and sometimes a cement...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Messyxp1k]

So we’ve had water for 10 days. The acid start was neutralized and we began to balance the water chemistry 4 days ago. From what I can see, some of the color is starting to even out. We’ve still got plenty of color variations.

could some of this be due to the curing process? The reason I ask is because about a third of the pool running the entire length is shaded all day long from the roof line of the house. In the shaded areas, the pool finish is actually darker than the 2/3 that sees sunshine. The same goes for our spa, the bench and section of the bottom of the spa that has been shaded the entire time is darker than the rest of the spa? Does this sound like something that just needs curing? I will post pictures tomorrow when we have sun shine to show the differences.

 

[Messyxp1k]

Here is one. You can see where the shade line is and how the color evened out. Will these dark areas lighten up to match or is this something that will stay?

 

[ajw22]

I doubt your plaster coloring will even out.

 

[Messyxp1k]

Thank you for your responses on my issue. What are my options at this point? I have reached out to PB but seeing how it’s a weekend I won’t hear anything until Monday at the earliest.
Is this in your opinion excessive and unacceptable or is this a normal quartzscapes result? I am not happy, a little here and there I could live with it but this is horrible. How should I approach this with the PB? Any insight would be great as this is the first pool I’ve ever built.