Are my pool mosaic and tile markers installed too low?

[poolguy968]

Hi folks, I'm getting ready to plaster my pool and I'm thinking of going with Stonescape Micro Moraine color.

My PB mentioned that when they install the plaster, it should be about 1 inch thick on the pool floor and about 0.5 to 0.75 inch thick on the walls.

But there is one problem, which is that I have a large mosaic installed in the middle of my pool floor. I just checked and it looks like the height of the mosaic is only about 3/8 inch or so above the gunite floor. So the plaster can only be less than half an inch thick in that part of the pool, in order for the plaster to be flush with the mosaic.

I measured the waterline tile as well and it is about 1/2 inch higher than the gunite wall.

I also have a bunch of tile markers on my benches and my steps of the pool as well. It looks like these tiles are only about 1/2 inch (maybe some are 5/8 inch) above the gunite.

So essentially on my walls, steps, benches and around the middle of my pool floor, the plaster is pretty much going to be limited to about 1/2 inch thick.

I'm a bit concerned now because I've read that for pebble type plaster like Stonescape, it should be at least 0.75 inch thick on the pool if you want to have the appropriate strength and longevity.

I'm wondering if folks here have any thoughts on the situation? Do you think this 0.5 inch thickness would still work with Stonescape/pebble? Should I just remove the mosaic or some of the tile markers?

I've also read that the plain white plaster would work much better with the 0.5 inch thickness. Ideally I would prefer not to remove any of the mosaics or tile so should I just use the white plaster then?

 

[ajw22]

You should ask your Pool Builder or Plaster Installer who are going to warranty the plaster installation.

The thicker the plaster the longer it should last.

Step tiles have a safety function.

Mosaics on the floor are cosmetic. You need to decide what is important to you.

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

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Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[poolguy968]

Thanks, the PB is saying its going to be fine and don't worry about it. But at the same time they are only going to provide 3 years of warranty on the plaster.

Would you know what are the recommended thicknesses when installing regular plaster and stonescape plaster? It sounds like if I care about maximizing the longevity of my plaster then I should just remove the mosaic?

 

[ajw22]

It is more important that you discuss the plaster thickness with the installer who will be doing it. What is recommended is meaningless to what the installer will actually do.

 

[tommelton]

The mosaic and step tiles - who installed them? If part of the build, by the pool builder (subs) - then the height should be placed in accordance with how deep the plaster would normally be installed. If they did not do that - then they need to correct it, prior to plaster.

If you had them installed on your own, then it would be on you to rectify the situation - or live with thinner plaster, or a mosaic that is in a divot/crevice that is lower than the surrounding plaster.

-Tom

 

[poolguy968]

Yeah it was the builder's subs who installed all of these. Right now he's just saying don't worry about it, it's totally fine, I've been doing this a long time, if there's an issue in the future you have the warranty etc etc. Not sure if I can fully believe him.

 

[Newdude]