Pool Plaster Reapplication on 22 year old pool with Calcium nodules - seeking recommendations.

[DonK817]

We currently doing a complete pool renovation including plaster, coping, tile and stone refacing and decking. The pool plaster is original quartz plaster (white) and has hundreds of calcium nodules on the bottom, steps, shelves and sides. We are planning on a new white plaster finish but concerned about the calcium nodules coming back through the new plaster in a few years. The pool will be without water for 3 or 4 weeks with several weep holes drilled on the bottom for water to escape and so far, very little water has come from the weep holes as it has been very dry.
We live in Dallas area and temps are cold but so far, only a couple of days below freezing. What is your recommendation for new plaster reapplication and our concern of the calcium nodules emerging in a short time? We also considered Pebble tec for the finish, but cost difference is very steep. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[ajw22]

You must get a complete chipout of all of your existing plaster using straight, not pointed, chisels.

The nodules indicate you have delamination on your existing plaster. That can only be fixed by removing all of it down to the gunite shell.

Plaster Installation and Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

An exposed aggregate finish will help with hiding minor application imperfections. The only consistency is inconsistency.
A finish that has more exposed aggregate/glass/abalone shell will show less signs of staining from improper chemical levels due to less exposure of the actual plaster. And like concrete the larger the aggregate the stronger the material with the longest warranty.
I provided a picture of a complete chip out that wide chisels were used and very little Shotcrete was removed in the process.

 

[DonK817]

Thanks so much for the feedback! I didn't capture any pictures prior to the demo and it's impossible to get any now after the tile and coping was done. I'll get with the contractor tomorrow to discuss the removal.
Don

 

[kimkats]

So you are saying they did not remove any of the old plaster yet?

 

[DonK817]

So you are saying they did not remove any of the old plaster yet?

Nope, Starting tomorrow to prep pool for plaster, then tile stairs and benches.

 

[kimkats]

What are they doing to prep the pool for the new plaster?

 

[DonK817]

The contractor pressure washed and acid washed plaster before removing all the delaminated plaster, steps, shelves around all the niches. Removed the return ports and replaced, chipped out holes under the niches, all step and shelf tiles removed. They did not do a complete chip out. The plaster contractor applied SGM Bond Kote to prep for plaster last Friday and will apply new plaster this Friday. Klapprodt Pools is considered to be one of the best DFW pool builders with a long tenure and builds up to 100 pools annually. I have been assured this will hold up vs complete chip out. Fingers crossed. Thank you.

Don

 

[sktn77a]

I have been assured this will hold up vs complete chip out.

I'd probably want more than their "assurance" given the costs of these renovations. How about a written warranty?

 

[DonK817]

I'd probably want more than their "assurance" given the costs of these renovations. How about a written warranty?

They have a Written 1 year warranty for all plaster, stone, tile and other contracted work. Thanks for your suggestions.