It's go time.... PLASTER DAY!!!

[pewl]

It's been quite a long haul so far... As long as we pass inspection, we may be plastering this week! I'm feeling a bit unprepared and need to really study Pool School (have it printed out already!) and get my TF-100 kit!
We are using regular old-school plaster (no aggregate finish) in our pool. Our PB uses a company who as he described it will "mix the color to the white plaster on site". Although everything our PB has done so far, we've been extremely pleased with, this mixing on site makes me a bit weary after reading that this process (vs. using a factory premixed plaster) can have more issues with inconsistent color. I also have read that using colorfast/inorganic color pigment is a must... and I have no idea what they use. Are these as big of issues as I am making them out to be?
What should I be looking for in terms of prep before plastering and what to look out for during?

Also, I am wondering what the water color difference is when using a blue plaster vs a gray colored plaster. I want a "not-too-dark" medium-colored plaster. I am aware of mottling issues and am ok with that. PB says to stay on the lighter side so it isn't as obvious. Any advice or recommendations on blue vs gray plaster? Or a grayish blue?

Our pool will have a SWCG but if I've read correctly, that doesn't get used in the first month.
I'll be purchasing a TF-100 kit today, and am wondering what add-ons I should get? Obviously the salt strips or Taylor set? ph meter? Any chemistry refills I might need if a new pool requires a lot of initial testing?

pH Meter (Add $14.00 )
Speedstir Magnetic Stirrer (Add $40.00 )
Borates Test Strips (Add $9.95 )
Salt Test Strips - Aqua Chek (Add $11.95 )
Taylor K-1766 Salt Test (Add $27.00 )
Standard Sampler (Add $16.00 )

Thank you for any advice!

 

[mknauss]

I would skip the salt test strips. If you want to test salinity, the K1766 is the way to go.

You do not need the borate strips unless you plan to run a borate pool. Personally I would think if you add the borates needed you will lose very little as you will most likely never have enough rain at once to over flow the pool. Unless you are going to have a sand filter that you will be backwashing. Only significant time you will add borates is when you drain the pool to reduce the calcium buildup.

pH meter is up to you. Many love them. I have no issues with the color matching.

 

[mknauss]

I would suggest the Whale Wall brush. It works great. Also a quality skimmer. I used to go through one a year until I got one from TFTestkits. It works great.

 

[pewl]

Thank you so much, Marty! Just so I'm clear- this skimmer? Skimmer, deep, fine mesh net

 

[mknauss]

I have this one.

 

[pewl]

Thanks!

 

[Arizonarob]

I know just the person to give you some “homework” to do, to prepare you for your before/after plaster stage. Sit tight.
@kimkats

 

[kimkats]

Here ya go! This is a set of links I put together for new plaster. You should have enough time to read them and pick what you want out of this mountain of info!

Trouble Free Pool
Trouble Free Pool
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster Best one of all

Thanks for calling me @Arizonarob I got to use my new set of links again!!!

Kim

 

[pewl]

Thank you Kim! And no mention of the bling? I'm a little disappointed lol!

Now- anyone have any input on blue vs gray plaster? Have to make that call in about a day.

 

[kimkats]

The BLING is so awesome that I have your picture saved and have used it to show how a tile job should look!! It has already inspired a couple of builds!!

On the plaster both will be pretty but just think what the gray would look like with all of the blue BLING! Ilove blue and gray together!!!

Kim

 

[mojo1980]

For me pebbletec or wedgedges with prism in it like prism matrix are nice. Favorite pool upgrade.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

That's a beautiful view!

Definitely get the Speed Stir. It will make testing easier and you will see more consistent results.

Best of luck.

 

[RoyR]

What is that pipe for in the stairs - are they going to pressure wash / clean that pool shell before plaster?

 

[pewl]

Thanks, Kim!


I'd love to do some fancy reflective high-end finish! However, our budget got killed having to dig down to 14' or so to create a concrete pad under the pool because of our proximity to a slope. Plaster it is! It's ok because I don't mind a little mottling and I like the smooth feel of it.


I will definitely get SpeedStir- thanks!


The pipe is a return, I think. . I sure hope they are planning on washing/prepping the surface for plaster. It's a must, right?

 

[RoyR]

I don’t know how they are going to plaster over that pipe....the plaster is the same thickness as the height of that tile, and the pipe sits much higher. I can see the “fix” they did, but capping that return may be a better option, or chisel out some gunite around it on the top stair, and heat bend it up and straight. The plaster will be compromised in the area of that pipe surface.

 

[pewl]

They are both getting cut flush. The top one is for the autofill and I think the bottom is a return. The pic is a bit deceiving- it will be midway up the riser/cut flush.

 

[galowbraw]

This view looks amazing! Either plaster you go with will really make the tiles pop. Wish we had gone all the way around the pool with ours instead of just the spa but it's all good.

Good luck with the plaster and fill...it's happening!

 

[pewl]

Well it's wait until next week... a cover for a crawlspace at the front side of the house where the workers were clearing stuff out wasn't on when the inspector came so we had to reschedule the plastering company from tomorrow to hopefully next week.

 

[kimkats]

WHAT??? How is that even connected??? Oh someone might be able to crawl under the house and get to the pool??????????

 

[pewl]

Oh you have no idea between our new house build and now this pool the silly hoops this guy has made us jump through. It's ok, we've been doing this since what- July? August? Another week gives me more time to get my Pool School reading to sink in, haha.