Originally Posted On: https://aqualitepool.com/pool-plaster-maintenance-repair-and-when-to-resurface/

Pool Plaster: Maintenance, Repair, and When To Resurface

Overview

Pool plaster is a mixture of cement, sand, and water applied to pool interiors. It’s the final seal for your pool, protecting the structure from water damage. If it isn’t maintained, or if your water isn’t chemically balanced, it can crack or stain, requiring varying degrees of repairs or resurfacing.

This blog explores everything from identifying common plaster issues to when it’s time to resurface, including Aqualite Pool LLC’s tips for maintenance and longevity.

Highlights

• What is pool plaster?
• Why pool finishes degrade
• Plastering new pools
• Plaster maintenance
• What does plaster repair involve?
• How often to replaster

Introduction

It can take a few years or over a decade, but eventually, your pool plaster will start to fade or crack from wear and tear, whether from chemical imbalances, weather exposure, or regular use.

While hiring a professional service can help, understanding how to spot these issues early will prevent bigger problems, which can require full renovations if the damage is serious enough. Inspections and maintenance both go a long way in saving you time and money.

What Is Pool Plaster?

Pool plaster is the final coating applied to the interior of concrete or gunite pools. It’s a durable, smooth surface that protects pool surfaces from water damage and helps maintain water balance. Pool plaster is typically made from a mixture of white cement, fine sand, and water, creating an impermeable finish.

To enhance its longevity, sometimes additives like white marble dust are incorporated into the mix. These help improve the plaster’s strength, making it more resistant to wear. There are also additives for color and aggregates to help achieve a desired aesthetic.

What Are the Different Pool Plaster Colors?

Pool plaster comes in a variety of color options, with white, light blue, and dark blue being the most common. White plaster gives a traditional, bright look and reflects light; blue shades can offer a more natural appearance, with darker blues deepening the color of the water.

When you’re exploring pool plaster colors, consider how each will look in different lighting. Lighter colors tend to highlight the water’s clarity, while darker ones create a deeper effect.

Why Your Pool Finish Can Degrade

Plaster typically lasts around a decade before it needs resurfacing or repairs, but it can begin to show signs of wear and tear sooner in some pools. The surface may lose its smooth texture and become less visually appealing, often developing a dull or uneven appearance.

As the plaster degrades, it also becomes more susceptible to damage, making it necessary to address any changes before they lead to more significant issues. Minor cosmetic issues are generally more common than deep cracks or structural damage and can often be fixed easily.

Here are a few other notable causes:

• Heavy pool use: Frequent swimming and foot traffic can gradually wear down the finish.
• Weather extremes: Hot summers and freezing winters can cause surface stress, leading to surface deterioration.
• Improper pool cleaning tools: Abrasive brushes or harsh cleaning tools can cause the finish to lose its smoothness.
• Inadequate water circulation: Poor water circulation can lead to uneven wear, causing some areas to degrade faster than others.
• Debris build-up: Accumulated dirt, leaves, and other debris can contribute to surface wear if not regularly cleaned off.

What Causes Pool Cracks?

Pool cracks, specifically, are often caused by shifts in the pool structure or excessive water pressure. As plaster ages, it can become more brittle and less flexible, making it more prone to cracking under stress. You’ll typically notice thin lines or visible breaks on the pool’s surface, often near the corners or edges.

Cracks can allow water to seep beneath the surface and rapidly worsen. Repairs typically involve draining the pool, cleaning the area, and filling the cracks with suitable plaster or epoxy filler.

Can Swimming Pool Plaster Stain?

Swimming pool plaster can stain over time, especially if the pool isn’t regularly maintained. Stains develop from a buildup of minerals, algae, or even leaves and dirt. If your pool hasn’t been serviced in years, for instance, these stains can become more ingrained and harder to remove.

If stains won’t come off with regular cleaning, there are often other issues with the plaster you might not see. With cracks and other damage present, staining can seep into these areas and worsen the condition. If routine cleaning doesn’t help, professional resurfacing or repairs may be necessary.

Can Pool Chemicals Affect Plaster Longevity?

When your water’s pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness isn’t properly balanced, it encourages plaster degradation. High calcium levels can cause scaling, leaving white stains and rough patches on the surface, while low pH levels can make the plaster more porous and prone to erosion.

Chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals can also be harsh on plaster. Over-chlorination can lead to chemical burns or fading, causing the surface to lose its smooth finish and color. Likewise, imbalanced sanitizers can accelerate the breakdown of the plaster, especially if the water is too acidic.

This is why proper balancing maintenance is key. You’ll need to regularly test and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to keep them within ideal ranges. If you catch any imbalances, you’ll need to add the appropriate chemicals, like pH increasers or reducers.

How Do You Plaster a New Pool?

Plastering a new pool is one of the final steps in the construction process. After the pool shell is fully built and the plumbing and electrical work is complete, the plaster is applied to the interior surface. The plaster is mixed on-site and spread evenly over the pool’s concrete or gunite surface.

The plaster is applied in a layer usually around ½ to ¾ inches thick and then smoothed. During this step, professionals carefully trowel the surface to ensure an even, consistent finish. The plaster is then allowed to set and cure for a specific period, typically 7 to 10 days.

Once the plaster has properly cured, the pool can be filled with water. It’s important to gradually fill the pool to avoid damaging the plaster. After filling, the pool should be properly balanced and cleaned. Generally, you’ll want to wait about 14 days for the plaster to fully cure before swimming.

What Pool Maintenance Do You Need for Plaster?

In addition to chemical balancing, regular cleaning is also essential to preserve your pool plaster. Brushing the surface with a soft brush helps remove dirt and algae buildup, preventing stains and spots.

You’ll also need to care for your pool equipment. Regularly checking and cleaning the pool filter ensures proper water circulation, which helps reduce the buildup of minerals that could damage the plaster.

Here are a few other important pool maintenance tasks:

• Regular inspections: Look for any discoloration or rough patches that may indicate early damage.
• Check pool equipment for leaks: Ensure that pool equipment like filters and pumps aren’t leaking, which could cause uneven water distribution and affect the plaster.
• Address calcium buildup: Regularly check for signs of calcium scaling on the plaster surface, which can be removed with a mild acid wash.
• Ensure proper filtration: Regularly clean or replace the pool filter to ensure it’s efficiently removing dirt and debris from the water, which helps preserve the plaster.

What Does Pool Repair for Plaster Involve?

For minor plaster issues, such as slight roughness or surface discoloration, the repair typically involves sanding down the rough spots and applying a fresh layer of plaster. This process focuses on restoring the surface in isolated areas, and it’s a relatively quick fix that doesn’t require draining the pool.

If you’re dealing with small cracks or chips, the repair process involves draining the pool, cleaning the cracks, and then filling them with a plaster or epoxy filler designed for pool surfaces. The area is then smoothed and blended into the surrounding plaster, ensuring it’s both functional and visually consistent.

In cases of more severe damage, like widespread cracking or plaster erosion, a complete resurfacing is required. This involves draining the pool, removing the old plaster entirely, and prepping the surface. New plaster is then applied in a thick, even layer. It’s more time-consuming but often necessary.

How Often Do You Need Pool Replastering?

Pool replastering is often required every 7 to 15 years, depending on the condition of the plaster. This general timeframe can vary based on factors like pool usage and how well the plaster has been maintained. Pools with more frequent use, for instance, might need replastering sooner.

However, it’s not always a reliable indicator, as factors like water chemistry and the quality of the initial plaster and installation can impact how fast the plaster degrades. Regular pool inspections, as part of regular maintenance, will help determine the best time to replaster your pool.

Protect Your Plaster: Choose Our Pool Company

Your pool’s finish might show signs of wear, but with the right care, it can stay in great condition. Aqualite Pool LLC specializes in pool renovations and resurfacing, offering expert repairs and installations.

Hire an experienced pool company today—call (215) 688-0000.