Help with plastering new pool

[mvoltin]

I have new DYI pool that is finished in smooth stucco/plaster. Surface is fairly smooth but the colors are not even and looks ugly. Was initially planning on painting it with two part epoxy but getting unequivocal advice against it. It seems plastering it is the only option (not sure if stucco and plaster are different but I think it's used interchangeably - at least in stucco business). Hiring someone is definitely outside my budget and I have done stucco around the pool area with fairly good results and feel confident in my skills but not with trade secrets of plastering pools.

Can anybody advise or direct me to a good source? I did stucco with portland, mason mix and sand (my stucco guy taught me the secret of using mason mix since it already has lime and other ingredients). I would have to take sand out of equation to make the mix really smooth and creamy (https://forums.jlconline.com/forums...building-science/940-stucco-home-made-formula)

Is there specific formula for pool plaster I can reference? I was hoping to put 1/8" (3mm) layer of plaster as a final coat to give uniform color.

P.S. Please ignore mess in the pictures, I am finishing up waterway jets now.

 

[cowboycasey]

here is a DIY from the man... and has the ratio they used.... and all hand tools

There is this and it is completely DIY

And this will be a huge help

Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster

There are proper steps to follow for the making of durable pool plaster. There are also improper practices that can lead to early deterioration or discoloration. Following is a ten-point checklist that will help achieve a lasting and discoloration free plaster. 1. The best cement/aggregate...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mvoltin]

Thank you, Cowboycasey. These are very helpful.

Still looking at the options. There are many posts on TFP about sider-crete with one of them 3 pages long. Lots of comments of people buying and having relatively good results but not a single comment on long term results as one poster suggested. There is just suspiciously little info (as summarized by several users on this site) for a company that has been around 15+ years.

I may have to go with the first option but still thinking about paint (epoxy or gel coat). If the paint lasts 2 years then I am happy and don't mind repainting again when considering significantly higher cost and labor for the plaster. quick $500 job every 2-5 years paint seems way better than $10,000 every 10 years for plaster?

...need to continue exploring.