Pool plaster is something you see every time you look into your pool. It is the protective layer between water and the structural beam. Pool plaster is important for both the grace and quality of your aquatic area. Plaster coating is very important for the underlying structure made up of concrete and other building materials. It protects the concrete beam and material from underwater damage.
Along with its structural importance, it also serves as an alluring one. Pool plaster is one of the most visible things in your swimming pool. This is what can make your pool extraordinary or ordinary. It can change the color of water and how sunlight reflects from water. Different colors and designs of plaster make your pool interior appealing to the eye.
Reasons for Cracking and Discoloration Your Pool Surface
With time your plaster becomes aged, it starts showing signs of degradation. Depending on a variety of factors like poor water treatment and environmental factors, your pool plaster's longevity can decrease. The durability of a pool highly depends on the quality of plaster, and yearly maintenance.
Sometimes, even after applying a pool interior finish, many problems arise like cracking and discoloration. These issues can appear soon after the construction or many years later. Here is a list of causes of discoloration and cracking over the years. If you want to know the causes of cracking and discoloration of your pool plaster, then read the article below.
1. Organic Matter
The worst enemy of pool plaster is the organic matter surrounding it. It damages the plaster and causes bad stains on among the surface of your pool, which makes your pool look less than appeasing over time. Organic matter like trees, plants, leaves, and grass disturbs the water balance and damages the plaster.
As mentioned above, organic matter also causes nasty stains, specific flowers, and leaves when sinking into the pool. The stains on the pool plaster make it look unappealing. Leaves with a high concentration of tannin as nut trees are very known for causing stains on your pool.
2. Foreign Objects
All the tools used in the ground are made up of steel; when they drop into the pool, they cause a brown stain. Children's toys with metal or steel parts are also responsible for the same color stain. Other household objects like coins, nails, needles can also cause stains on pool plaster.
Moreover, fertilizers used around the house and for plants are also notorious for plaster stains. The color of these stains is rusty brown. The major component of fertilizer is iron, which is found in most things present in the house and can be thrown into the pool by child, causing unwanted pool stains.
3. Variable Calcium and Alkalinity Levels
Some sort of discoloration and scaling occurs when dents are formed in pool layers over time. Scaling and discoloration is also caused by poor water balance chemistry. High alkalinity and calcium also cause scaling of pool plaster. Scaling can accumulate calcium and other minerals in your pools that are not beneficial for your pool health.
On the other hand, etching is caused by low alkalinity and calcium. It is vital to take care of your pool appropriately to avoid such issues. You can prevent these issues by regular brushing of your pool walls, pre-diluting acids, and not adding salt when plaster is fresh. The recommended calcium levels for a pool is 200 to 400 ppm, and recommended levels for total alkalinity for healthy pool chemistry is between 80 ppm to 120 ppm.
4. Concrete Shrinking and Shifting
Over time, there are shifts in the concrete that affect the pool area, such as pool decking, pool coping, and pool surface. Concrete shrinking or flexing causes small superficial cracks called crazing. Crazing can come from numerous causes being; construction of the pool done in a very hot or cold environment, as well as taking too long to fill the pool .
NOTE: If a pool is not filled within 48 hours upon completion, damage will be caused to the pool surface. This is why post plaster treatment is critical for the care and longevity of your plaster health.
A small amount of crazing is usually acceptable, but if you see more than usual crazing, you should contact your pool remodeling professional for further assistance. These are small cracks so that they won't cause any leakage. When deep cracks are present, leaks inside of the pool surface have a greater chance of appearing.
Preventing Pool Plaster Issues
Preventing common cracking and discoloration issues is about proper installation and maintenance of your pool's plaster. Pool plaster is very important for the beauty and integrity of your pool. To maximize your pool's interior's full life span, following these easy tips will save you from facing deep and larger-scale problems.
Keep leaves, pine straw, and other debris out of your pool.
Maintain correct water level
Don't let any garbage or materials sit on your pool floor for a long period of time.
Brush the walls of the pool weekly
Dilute acid before putting it on pool plaster
Maintain proper Alkalinity and Calcium levels
Choose the Right Pool Type For You
When it comes to remodeling your pool, it is essential to choose the right pool plaster that best suits your needs and intentions. Pool plaster is mainly used for concrete pools. Functionally, it provides a water-tight seal to your concrete pool. Aesthetically, it gives a beautiful finishing look to your pool. Pool plaster comes in many types depending on your need and the looks you want; below are the most common applications:
Final Thoughts
Pool plaster makes the base of your pool. It equals the longevity and quality of your pool. Good quality pool plaster can last years with minimal issues. It is critical that you select a pool remodeling company that has experience with pool plastering projects, servicing all types of facilities.
Suave Pools Plastering is an experienced plastering company that has been in the industry for over 12 years. We have built our foundation on quality craftsmanship, integrity, and quality over quantity. To get your free quote contact us now.
.png)
Comments