Newbie Requesting suggestions on how to fix & maintain the deck around Pool & Spa

[BullishBear]

TFP fam,

I have the following issues on the deck surrounding my pool and the spa wall. PFA the pics for visual references on the current state of deck around the Pool/Spa and the Spa wall. Per this thread, I did variety of tests and trial/errors to find there is no structural issues with my Pool & no plumbing leaks and that the leak is most likely due to air leaks (fixed by priming the pump and replacing lubing the O-ring on pump basket) and due to seepage on the Spa wall.
Regarding the discoloration/deterioration of the deck, I learnt that SWG pool's water splash can cause this! The previous seller had left some portion of Stonetech Salt Water Resistant Sealer in Attic which I figured out recently (photo attached for this as well).

With these said, I request suggestions on how to go about fixing these?
* Protect deck from water splash (I have kids and nephews who goes haywire).
* Seal and keep the spa wall dry and avoid leaks.

What tools/chemicals should I purchase from HomeDepot/Lowes? Are there any articles/videos for reference? is it too much for DIY?

Thank y"all

 

[needsajet]

Depends on your DIY commitment.

These issues are not unique to saltwater pools, just swimming pools in general. The higher your total dissolved solids (500 to 2000 ppm non-saltwater pool), the greater the ability minerals can be left after evaporation. Ocean pools get the most at around 35000 ppm and saltwater pools at 3000 to 5000 ppm.

Next source is nodules and deposits forming, usually calcium, related primarily to the construction of the pool and the historic water quality maintenance. The weeping might be a mix.

First step is TFPC to minimise damage being caused by water quality.
.
Most expensive and least DIY is to hire a beading company if one is available. Then get it sealed afterwards.

More DIY is a blend of abrasive methods, including picking, scraping, weak acid wash, and so on. Some use vinegar. If it was mine, I'd choose some inconspicuous small (2" by 2") spots to learn on. I'd mix up muriatic (hydrochloric) 32% acid (usually handy to a TFPC'r) at 5:1 with pool water. By 'learn' I mean wait til after test areas are fully dry to assess your results. I mix it in a plastic sauce bottle with a small outlet (ketchup/mustard bottle). I remove what I can manually (razor is good around tile edges, grout rake, and metal paint scraper, all used judiciously/gently). Then spritz it with acid. If it fizzes keep doing drops or wee bits to keep it fizzing. Then rinse liberally. Work on small areas like you would waxing/polishing a car. I use a handtowel for rinsing, minimum three times over. The downside is microscopic degradation of anything cementitious (e.g. grout) and/or stone that is high calcium or flaky. It can also weaken things that are already degrading, so be extra careful around any loose / cracked bits of grout, don't force the acid spritz under stonework or into cracks, etc.

Good luck making your pool young again! Cheers and nice to meet you via TFP.

Edit: SAFETY: protect your eyes fully when working with muriatic/hydrochloric acid. Even a drop can do damage. I prefer to do this while swimming so I can duck under instantly, but also wear glasses. Goggles would be better, and I do wear them in winter when cleaning. !00% always while mixing and filling.

 

[BullishBear]

@needsajet Thank you so much for the detailed write up! Nice meeting you via TFP! To be honest, I’m still learning the jargons so I need to do some research to fully understand the info especially regarding materials/pool structure names. I will do that and revert back if I have specific questions.

For now, one quick follow up question: You haven’t mentioned about the out-of-box sealants like StoneTech. Does it mean I don’t need to use them and can do this only with general/pool chemicals/solutions like vinegar and MA 31.45%? The StoneTech left behind by prev owners costs around $130 / gallon.

 

[needsajet]

I have limited experience with sealer, just here on my own limestone pool surrounds. The sealer seems to help stone and grout stay cleaner longer and keeps it a bit easier to clean with the pressure washer in between sealings. I put it on after fully cleaning the surface first but have only done that twice in 8 years. Could have definitely repeated it once in between. I'm not familiar with that specific product, but yeh, the Crommelin brand that I used down here is also expensive, around $50 per gallon.

 

[needsajet]

I should have mentioned pressure washing as one of the abrasive methods for cleanup around the pool. That also needs careful use if going the DIY route.