Emptying Pool Question over Winter to do reno work...

[Tommygarry1]

Can you leave a plaster pool uncovered without water in it throughout the winter without it damaging the plaster? My plan is to replace the coping, tile and pool decking, along with reengineering plumbing, over the winter and I can't do that without leaving the pool empty. I did have a thought about covering the pool with the mesh cover, and then putting a house tarp over it , in order to protect the plaster from sunlight, if that is going to damage the finish over the winter. We will also be acid washing the pool and then polishing the plaster when finished. Will that bring back the original color of the plaster and remove the calcium buildup that has developed over the last 2-3 years?

 

[ajw22]

Depends how old the plaster is and its condition.

Sunlight will not damage the plaster, the plaster drying and losing hydration can damage the plaster.

You take risks leaving the plaster dry for the winter. But if the plaster is damaged it means it needed to be replaced anyway.

 

[MAPR-Austin]

Try to keep any water from accumulating on the floor, I have seen plenty of spalling damage result from a thin layer of water freezing.

Leaving it drained over the winter won't be the end of the world, but the plaster could have some issues. Acid washing and polishing it will make it look better, but I have seen some polishing result in a more porous surface and associated algae problems.