New build in the Garden State - NJ

[nj888]

Here are some pics of the Gunite. Everything went well till later in the afternoon it rained. Will post pics later on that mess.

 

[kimkats]

Now what in the world could go wrong with that red clay and some rain I ask I hope it will be easy to overcome.

 

[nj888]

Hi Everyone,

Our pool build is restarting after the winter hiatus.

I noticed with the Gunite shell that efflorescence is leaking out close to about a dozen spots. Some spots more prominent than others.

Does this need to be addressed by our PB before they put in the tiles and plaster?

Thank you everyone for your continued help with our build.

Bill

 

[ajw22]

I noticed with the Gunite shell that efflorescence is leaking out close to about a dozen spots. Some spots more prominent than others.

Does this need to be addressed by our PB before they put in the tiles and plaster?

No. Gunite is not waterproof.

The bonding coat and plaster is what waterproofs the pool interior. Talk to your PB about what the layers are that he now will put on the gunite.

 

[nj888]

Thank you ajw22. I was never aware of a bonding coat before the plaster.

It was my understanding from my PB that they will apply plaster and that was it.

I will talk to my PB to ask about a bonding coat. Can you advise what is typically used for the bonding process before I speak to my PB?

Thanks again,

 

[ajw22]

I will talk to my PB to ask about a bonding coat. Can you advise what is typically used for the bonding process before I speak to my PB?

Products like Basecrete

@bdavis466 can elaborate.

 

[nj888]

Hi,

I got the following response from my PB about adding a bonding agent before adding the plaster.

"We do not use a bonding agent on new pools. The shell will be cleaned with acid to remove the efflorescence prior to plastering."

Can those who know about this pool building advise if my PB is leaving out a process or it will suffice because this is a new pool.

Thank you in advance.

Bill

 

[ajw22]

I got the following response from my PB about adding a bonding agent before adding the plaster.

"We do not use a bonding agent on new pools. The shell will be cleaned with acid to remove the efflorescence prior to plastering."

Yeah, thats the way it should work. Until it doesn't. Keep that email in case it does not.

 

[jimmythegreek]

The acid wash etches the concrete and does a good job of giving the plaster something to bite to. Bonding agents are like cheap insurance, its like wearing a belt AND suspenders. I always wear both

 

[nj888]

I understand. Thank you ajw22 and jimmthegreek.

 

[nj888]

Soon after the contractor shot the Gunite in December I got busy and wasn't able to update the forum on my pool progress.

When they originally shot the Gunite (December) it was a cold cloudy day (Rain was in the forecast). When they finished they covered the entire shell with heavy duty plastic.

A few hours after they finished it started pouring rain and the next day I saw cracks in the cement. The rain dug channels from the shallow end to the deep end.

They came back a week later to fix the cracks.

Here are the pics from that. (Since they re-shot the Gunite it has held.)

 

[kimkats]

I bet your heart sank when you saw those channels I am glad they were able to fix them.

 

[nj888]

Yes KimKats! It was a surprise!

Yesterday they backfilled and all the trenches from plumbing and electrical.
They also rolled up the fence that was useless all winter. (It fell down on day 2.)

Next step is coping and tiling next week.

 

[kimkats]

That looks awesome! Glad to hear things are moving along!

Fell down on day 2??? sure was *safe* huh???

Kim

 

[jimmythegreek]

Be careful with that fence. I'm in NJ too my engineering dept gave me a warning when they drove by one day and my temp fence was blown down from storm in a section. Even without water it's a hole in ground needs a barrier

 

[nj888]

I have warned my PB many times about the temp fence on the ground but they never cared much.
Per my PB, because I have an existing fence around my back yard I don't have to worry a temp fence.
Anyway. I'm hoping my PB will be finish before Memorial Weekend. Crossing my fingers!!!

 

[nj888]

Earlier in the week they came out to install the coping and tiles. Next is the patio. We're going with stamp concrete.
So moving along,....

 

[kimkats]

Looking NICE! I love the water line tile!!! Nice pick!!!

Kim

 

[jimim]

This is looking good!

 

[jimmythegreek]

Looking good I like the tile too. What brand paver is the coping?