My pool is a is on its 2nd summer since it was completed. It has an aqua colored Diamond Brite finish that looks to be getting cloudy or blotchy, especially noticeable on my Baja ledge when it is overcast outside. It is a saltwater pool and I don’t think is was ever perfect, but wondering if I should be concerned since it is still relatively new. I typically haven’t had a problem with chemicals other than trying to keep the pH down. Any recommendations? Should I contact my pool builder or SGM? This was supposed to be an upgrade from the base plaster, but my neighbors white plaster lasted 20 years.
Diamond Brite concerns
- Thread starter MDShaneW
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,887
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Welcome to TFP.
That looks like mottling which is all too normal in colored plaster pools.
Your pool builder will offer an acid wash that will remove the surface plaster and expose the color under it. That will thin your plaster and likely reduce its life. Thus we do not recommend acid washes for cosmetic problems.
The pool can also be drained and power sanded using diamond pads to expose the underlying color.
That looks like mottling which is all too normal in colored plaster pools.
Your pool builder will offer an acid wash that will remove the surface plaster and expose the color under it. That will thin your plaster and likely reduce its life. Thus we do not recommend acid washes for cosmetic problems.
The pool can also be drained and power sanded using diamond pads to expose the underlying color.
Thanks for the information. It seems like the worst area is on the Baja ledge as shown in the picture. The rest of pool doesn’t seem as bad or noticeable so that’s probably a good thing. Maybe it could be sanded when the pool is drained down before putting the cover on for the winter or when I open the pool back up in the spring. BTW, is the mottling just cosmetic or is it something that will reduce the life of the diamond brite finish?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,887
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Mottling is cosmetic.
Since you can reach the areas on the Baja ledge, sand an area with 80/100 grit wet-dry sandpaper or a diamond polishing block and see how the color changes.
Read Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading
Since you can reach the areas on the Baja ledge, sand an area with 80/100 grit wet-dry sandpaper or a diamond polishing block and see how the color changes.
Read Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading