Pool being replastered after failed plaster one year ago. Advice.

[ChadJ]

Hi all. Last fall we had our pool replastered. This is the first time the pool had been replastered since it was built around 20 years ago. When the replaster was done in the fall, there was quite a bit of discoloration which further led to pitting. I am working with a reputable pool company, and they have been very responsive to my needs and have made multiple attempts to correct the issues with discoloration and pitting. They have agreed that the pool needs to be replastered, and they are coming out next week to drain the pool and begin the job. In a conversation with my main guy today, I learned that the process will basically be to add a bonding agent over the top of the existing plaster and put the new plaster on top with feathering into the tile line, so it is not as noticeable. My concern is whether the current plaster that is pitting badly needs to be removed beforehand or if it is fine to plaster over the top of it. Again, the company has been very agreeable and are standing behind their work, I just want to make sure there is not a major shortcut being taken here that will cost me down the line. I appreciate the knowledge and input of this group.

-Chad

 

[Bperry]

Hi all. Last fall we had our pool replastered. This is the first time the pool had been replastered since it was built around 20 years ago. When the replaster was done in the fall, there was quite a bit of discoloration which further led to pitting. I am working with a reputable pool company, and they have been very responsive to my needs and have made multiple attempts to correct the issues with discoloration and pitting. They have agreed that the pool needs to be replastered, and they are coming out next week to drain the pool and begin the job. In a conversation with my main guy today, I learned that the process will basically be to add a bonding agent over the top of the existing plaster and put the new plaster on top with feathering into the tile line, so it is not as noticeable. My concern is whether the current plaster that is pitting badly needs to be removed beforehand or if it is fine to plaster over the top of it. Again, the company has been very agreeable and are standing behind their work, I just want to make sure there is not a major shortcut being taken here that will cost me down the line. I appreciate the knowledge and input of this group.

-Chad

If the plaster underneath is falling apart, then it’s not suitable to put new plaster over it. They really should chip it all out and start over. Maybe ask them what the extra cost would be and see if it’s agreeable.

 

[ajw22]

You should have got a full chipout before the replaster last fall. Trying to put more plaster on a crumbling surface will not stop the problems.

You need a full chipout using flat, not pointed, chisels down to the gunite shell. Then a bonding coat should applied followed by new plaster. Then you have your new plaster on top of a solid surface.

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[sktn77a]

+3 for the full chipout, given what you've told us. I'm surprised they didn't tell you that.

 

[ferretbone]

They are going to chisel out some areas, just the hollow ones. There is no reason to chisel out the entire pool, unless they drain it and find that more than 40% of it has hollow pockets. The pitting issues do not have much to do with not having been chiseled out before.

 

[Bperry]

They are going to chisel out some areas, just the hollow ones. There is no reason to chisel out the entire pool, unless they drain it and find that more than 40% of it has hollow pockets. The pitting issues do not have much to do with not having been chiseled out before.

They aren’t chiseling out hollow plaster according to the OP. The new plaster they put on a year ago is deteriorating prematurely and so applying yet another layer of plaster over a layer that’s failing is not a great plan.

 

[kimkats]

They are doing a favor to their bottom line by ONLY plastering over your failing plaster. It is much easier and cheaper for them.

You on the other hand lose out short term and long term. Short term being this new plaster failing just as fast or fast than last time. Long term IF the new plaster lasts you will have to pay to have TWO layers of plaster chipped out when it is time to plaster again.

They NEED to chip out the old plaster FULLY to give you the best long term outlook.