How to Ensure a Quality Pool Plastering Job

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onBalance

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Jul 25, 2011
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Utah
For pool owners, pool builders, remodeling companies, and pool plasterers that want the best chance to obtain a quality and discoloration-free pool plaster job (including white, color, and quartz aggregate pools), the link below is to an article in WaterShapes (a pool industry publication) that explains the preparations, workmanship, and practices to follow.
Consider performing personal supervision on the entire process to ensure good results.

A Plastering 'Watch List' | Professional Watershaping | Watershapes
 
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YOU ROCK!! I have this bookmarked and will be sharing it on my builds!

Kim, do you have a good start up link? Right now I have been sharing the NPC start up cards as our (TFP) start up page is not a good one :( I don't know enough to re-write it though.

Kim:kim:
 
Thank you Kimkats,
I have written a TFP post on the Bicarb start-up program (see the link below), which is the best way to startup new plaster (including quartz and pebble) pools. It includes things that other programs don't even consider, such as waiting six hours before starting to fill the pool with water.
The other important issue is to check the tap water to see if the tap water is CSI balanced and isn't on the negative side (aggressive). If so, then simply keeping the newly filled pool at a slightly positive CSI (+0.3 to +0.5) and the pH between 7.6 and 8.0 for a month is a fairly good alternative program.

The main problem with the NPC start-up program is that they don't suggest waiting six hours and balancing the tap water (ensuring that it is slightly CSI positive) before it enters the pool. Not following those two aspect means that the plaster will lose some of the cement paste (causing some porosity of the plaster surface) immediately as the soft water fills the pool. And that is seen when "plaster dust" develops. That is NOT doing what is best for newly plastered pools and to obtain a long-lasting and durable pool finish.

A Bicarb Start-up guide for TFP members
 
Perhaps Lee can incorporate that link into the Pool School eBook. It’s another great resource for new pool owners building their pools.
 
Thank you for this post, it was very informative. I had already signed with a PB to renovate my pool and asked him this weekend if he waits before filling and his response was a hard NO, that the pool has to be filled immediately when the plaster is complete. It sounded like this was non-negotiable on his side, but I am now in a spot since I want the best result, but also fear voiding any warranty by going against his recommendations. Any thoughts on how to approach this?
 
Reebee said:
Thank you for this post, it was very informative. I had already signed with a PB to renovate my pool and asked him this weekend if he waits before filling and his response was a hard NO, that the pool has to be filled immediately when the plaster is complete. It sounded like this was non-negotiable on his side, but I am now in a spot since I want the best result, but also fear voiding any warranty by going against his recommendations. Any thoughts on how to approach this?
Click to expand...

If you want his warranty you have to follow his rules. He could plaster the pool for you and then throw you the keys and walk away with no liability (that’s something you’d obviously be required to sign off on) but is that what you want?

Sadly, the industry is just behind the times in terms of the science and many of these guys simply do what they want to do based on what works for them. There’s not much you can do as a single pool owner to change their attitudes unless you’re willing to rip up any warranty claims.
 
If the pool could be filled from the tile or top down, then all is well. :)
Seriously, perhaps suggesting that most of the pool plaster gets to harden without being submerged in water for many hours, why not allow the bottom bowl, which is finished last, get at least a few hours before submerging in water.
Or perhaps ask who is responsible if the bottom of the pool bowl becomes discolored while the rest of the pool does not.
In my opinion, there is no reasonable basis for voiding the warranty when waiting just a few hours, when the rest of the plaster surface is left dry for many hours before it gets submerged in water.
There is a cement study that shows that early submerging in water before properly hardening is detrimental to a cement finish.
 

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Indeed, very interesting! Majority of PB's especially in my region are booked solid all year round and pool owners are usually at their mercy. Interfere and you'll find yourself last on their list. Our pool was resurfaced recently with standard white plaster and was filled as soon as the last person step out of the pool. Took about 15 hrs using a single garden hose. Sub claimed they are professionals doing nothing but plaster for over 30 years. Bottom line, I am very satisfied with the outcome and I couldn't find any imperfection to whine about. But hey, what do I know?

Bookmarked...and thank you for sharing!
 
onBalance said:
If the pool could be filled from the tile or top down, then all is well. :)
Seriously, perhaps suggesting that most of the pool plaster gets to harden without being submerged in water for many hours, why not allow the bottom bowl, which is finished last, get at least a few hours before submerging in water.
Or perhaps ask who is responsible if the bottom of the pool bowl becomes discolored while the rest of the pool does not.
In my opinion, there is no reasonable basis for voiding the warranty when waiting just a few hours, when the rest of the plaster surface is left dry for many hours before it gets submerged in water.
There is a cement study that shows that early submerging in water before properly hardening is detrimental to a cement finish.
Click to expand...

Matt - do you have a link to the Cement Study that perhaps I can share with the contractor to sway him to leave it for a few hours? Or, if they turn on the water before they leave, should I just turn it off for 6 hours myself?
 
Reebee said:
Matt - do you have a link to the Cement Study that perhaps I can share with the contractor to sway him to leave it for a few hours? Or, if they turn on the water before they leave, should I just turn it off for 6 hours myself?
Click to expand...

Kim (onBalance) would have that study, he’s the plaster expert.

But No, NEVER stop filling a pool once it has started. That will cause the submerged plaster to cure differently than the dry plaster and you’ll wind up with a horrible ring stain at the water line. Just let it fill.
 
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