Do you currently own an inground concrete pool or are you considering purchasing one? It’s likely that you will choose plaster for your pool’s surface if you’re on a tight budget, and this is not a bad decision.

The most traditional alternative for inground concrete pools, pool plaster is also the least expensive. On the other hand, it has the most issues and is the least resilient. It is also rough to the touch.

We as Nachman Pools will discuss some of the problems you can run into and the many kinds of pool plaster repair services that you need to be aware of because we have been in the swimming pool industry for many years (currently specializing in fiberglass pool in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC).

The Pool Plaster Craze

When the plaster around the pool shrinks, little clustered fractures called “craze cracks” appear. The water in the plaster mix tends to shrink as it is absorbed throughout the curing process, but if the shrinkage is too great, craze cracks may develop.

Crazing in pool plaster is a very common issue, and the effects are typically not too severe. However, when the crazing is too severe, it can result in discoloration, algae problems, and calcium nodules. You are suggestes to replaster your pool if it has a severe crazing problem.

Etching and Scaling of Pool Plaster

If the surface of your pool gets too abrasive, you can experience etching issues. Etching occurs as a result of the plaster in your pool being gradually etched with dents and lines over time. This is a result of inadequately balanced pool chemistry, notably low pH, alkalinity, or calcium levels, which is one of the reasons we stress the significance of properly maintaining your pool.

Another issue is scaling, which can be brought on by high pH, alkalinity, or calcium levels. This may cause calcium and other minerals to accumulate in your pool which is a not very cool situation for your pool.

There are many ways to keep your pool from scaling. Some of them are listed below:

Here’s how to keep your pool from scaling:

• Regularly brush the pool walls.
• Before adding acid to the water, dilute it first.
• Avoid adding salt to your pool for 30 days after replastering.
• Never let salt remain on freshly applied plaster.
• The most crucial lesson learned is to maintain a clean pool and balanced water chemistry. Maintaining your plaster consistently and regularly might help it last longer.

Spalling of the Pool Plaster

If your pool is troweled poorly, your plaster could suffer from spalling. For instance, if your plaster is troweled excessively or if the troweling is done at the wrong time, a thin layer of plaster (approximately one-eighth of an inch thick) may start to flake and peel off, which might cause your project to be delayed by another month. Too much water being added during troweling might also result in this.

How then can you make it right? By sanding the area to disclose a much smoother underlayer, you can frequently repair plaster spalling. It could be preferable to start over and have your entire pool replastered if spalling has significantly affected a portion of it.

Delamination of the Pool Plaster

Another terrible issue that can affect new plaster is delamination. When the plaster entirely breaks from the underlying concrete, delamination occurs. The link between the plaster and the concrete might become too weak, which usually happens as a result of inadequate surface preparation before the plaster is applied, leading to separation.

In an earthquake, the plaster may also come away from the concrete (or other movements in the earth). If the area is small enough, your pool plaster repair specialist might be able to patch any delamination. The best course of action would be to have the entire surface of your pool replastered if delamination is affecting a significant portion of it.

Pool Plaster Stains: How to Remove Them

If the stain is the result of dirt or leaves, applying a chlorine treatment and brushing the area will usually remove it. If the stain was, in fact, brought on by metal, you must first determine what kind of metal it was in order to implement your stain-removal strategy.

A stain test kit can help you identify the source of your pool’s stains.

Acid cleaning on a regular basis can also eliminate tough stains. Just bear in mind that your pool’s plaster can only be acid cleaned so many times before it needs to be totally resurfaced.

To manage the situation, you can always get in touch with a specialist at in swimming pool plaster restoration and stain removal. This can help you solve the problem more quickly and save you some time. Check out Nachman Pools’ comprehensive pool stain guide if you’re willing to accept the challenge of removing the stains on your own.

Tips on Avoiding Pool Stains

• Don’t let leaves or other garbage into your pool.
• Don’t let the dirt remain on the floor for extended periods of time and vacuum it as often as necessary.
• Once a week, brush the plaster surface.
• Every few years, acid wash your pool to renew the plaster and reduce discoloration.
• If you’ve experienced issues with metal stains in the past, make it a habit to regularly test the water for metals.

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