After 5 years of arguing with my pool builder, the full renovation of my pool has begun. The renovation has required that the plaster in the pool be chipped out completely. Previously the plaster had abalone shell in it and the plaster turned brown after about a year. I loved the sparkle that the shell provided but I do not want to go through that problem again, thus my question. Are there any other types of additives to the plaster that will provide the same affect as the abalone shell without the potential for turning the plaster brown? I heard about glass beads but I would be shoved to believe that it could do the same thing. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Plaster Additive Question
- Thread starter goldmaes
- Start date
- May 23, 2015
- 25,731
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The brown stains from abalone shells comes from the organic compounds that the abalone uses to build their shells. Essentially there are complex proteins and enzymes used. These organic compounds will leach out of the shell and turn the plaster brown. Usually it looks like little halos around the shell. Typically one must use “pool grade” abalone shell that has been heat treated to destroy the organic compounds in the shell.
Glass beads would not have this problem as they are manufactured additives.
Whatever you choose to do, demand that all plaster components and additives are designed for use in pools. Check the bags of anything added to make sure you are getting the right product and that it is suitable for pools. If you can, ask the contractor to have the materials delivered to your home and inspect them BEFORE the workers show up.
Glass beads would not have this problem as they are manufactured additives.
Whatever you choose to do, demand that all plaster components and additives are designed for use in pools. Check the bags of anything added to make sure you are getting the right product and that it is suitable for pools. If you can, ask the contractor to have the materials delivered to your home and inspect them BEFORE the workers show up.
I definitely will do that, but do the glass beads give that reflective light sparkle or glimmer like abalone shell does? If not, is there any other product that provides the same effect?
- May 23, 2015
- 25,731
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Abalone is a very special material similar to opal in its complex reflective properties. I don’t think glass beads will give the same appearance. As for other additive materials that are similar, that I do not know
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Glass beads will reflect light but not as dramatic as abalone shell.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,731
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
You could still use abalone shell. The only issue is that you must demand that the applicator only use abalone that is certified for use with pool plaster mixes and then verify that the abalone material is correct before they add it to the pool. I believe it is usually broadcast by hand and then troweled into the surface. You could even go so far as to ask that all materials be ordered directly from the manufacturer and delivered to your home/yard. That way you have control over the supply chain and you can double check that all the materials delivered are as-specified.
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Toxophilite
Silver Supporter
I have both, abalone and glass beads. The high "sparkle" in the sun only comes from the abalone. The glass is reflective, but seems to adds more depth and color than an actual sparkle. Maybe a higher concentration of clear would be different.
An example of adding the glass/abalone shell before the last trowel.