Summer is here! Nothing should pull you back from taking a refreshing dip in your swimming pool and enjoy a fun time with your loved ones.
However, as a pool owner, you must make sure that everything from water chemistry to pool equipment is perfect to enjoy a safe swim season all year round.
Like other things, pool plaster must also be in the right condition to ensure the pool’s longevity.
Over time, plaster ages and becomes vulnerable to some serious issues that cut short its life.
Read the blog to know common problems with pool plaster.
1. Scaling
Scaling is one of the most common plaster problems that affect the beauty and aesthetic appeal of a pool.
It is the calcium deposits onto the plaster that makes the pool surface look and feel rough like sandpaper.
It is mainly due to the chemical imbalance.
Some of the ways to prevent scaling are:
- Brush the sides and walls of the pool regularly
- Don’t allow the salt to sit in your pool soon after plastering
- Before adding acid to the water, pre-dilute it
- Clean your pool frequently
- When not in active use, cover your pool with an electric pool cover or you can also install a pool enclosure; they come with added benefits for your swimming pool.
2. Spalling
Spalling is the flaking or peeling of pool plaster.
When the pool is plastered, it is troweled and flattened before finishing.
However, if troweled improperly, plaster can peel off over time and this eventually shortens its life.
The best way to fix plaster spalling is by sanding the area down to get a smooth underlayer.
However, if the problem is too serious, you may need to replaster the entire pool.
3. Craze cracks
Craze cracks are the result of pool plaster shrinkage which can be due to the following reasons:
- Excessive drying of the plaster before refilling of the pool
- Overly-wet plaster mix
- Adding excessive water while troweling
This can cause algae growth, pool staining, and calcium nodules.
If cracks are worse and can lead to leaks, you may need to replaster the pool.
4. Delamination
Does your pool surface often feel rough?
If yes, this may be due to the delamination of plaster that affects the smoothness of the pool’s surface
In this situation, a new layer of plaster leaves the old concrete underneath due to the weak bond of plaster and the concrete.
You can fix delamination with a patch.
However, if the large area is affected, get the entire pool replastered
5. Stains
Over time, pool plaster develops stains due to the following reasons:
- Organic deposits like debris in the pool
- Irregular maintenance
- Calcium buildup
Whatever may be the reason, stains can take a big toll on your pool and can make it look unappealing.
Some tips to prevent stains are:
- Regular acid washing
- Brushing and scrubbing the pool once a week
- Skim away dead leaves and debris
- Maintain water chemistry
- Vacuum your pool often
In the end…
The plaster acts as a protective film between the water and the structural shell. It’s your responsibility to keep it in good condition to reap the benefits all season long.
Have a safe swim season!
