Pool plaster offers a protective covering that can increase your pool’s longevity and enjoyment in addition to increasing its appearance and elegance. But over time, the plaster can start to lose its structure and start to crumble. This deterioration might cause your pool to rust, crack, or fracture, which can undermine its toughness and aesthetic appeal.
Plastering your pool is therefore a crucial investment for maintaining it properly. For additional information on how to plaster a pool, continue reading.
Why is pool plastering?
Before filling a pool with water, the second-to-last step in its construction is typically pool plastering. This process involves applying a thin layer of plaster over the concrete surface of the pool, serving as a final protective barrier between the concrete and the water.
Marble plaster: Marble plaster is currently the most widely used kind of plaster. White, the most popular hue, is reasonably priced and lasts 9 to 12 years.
Quartz Plaster: Quartz plaster has a finish that is more robust, resistant, and able to tolerate corrosive chemicals and adverse weather conditions than marble plaster.
The disadvantage is that it costs more than white marble plaster but lasts somewhat longer. This kind of plaster has a 10 to fifteen year lifespan.
Pebble Aggregate: Unlike any other plaster on our list, pebble aggregate plaster is made of smooth stones or crushed rock combined with cement to create a very durable surface that can last up to 20 years. Due to the use of stones and pebbles, it is expensive, and the rough surface may hide and encourage the growth of bacteria and algae, making it more difficult to clean and maintain.
Tile finish: Although technically not a type of plaster, tiles are a popular choice for pool lining because of their advantages. With a lifespan of 12 to 18 years, tiles may be installed directly into cement and have a smooth surface that is easy to clean and inhibits the formation of bacteria and algae. However, because each tile must be installed separately, installation is more time- and money-consuming than with other forms of plaster.
How to plaster a pool
Step 1: Prepare the Pool
The first step in a successful pool plastering project is to completely drain the pool. After draining, the next step is to remove all debris by scrubbing the walls and steps with a pool cleaner or manually. For the floor, use a TSP cleaning agent and give it a thorough brushing. It’s important to hire an expert to handle the cutting and chipping stage, especially if there are tiles involved. They will use a grinder to remove half an inch of plaster from beneath the tile line and check for any cracks or holes that need to be addressed before proceeding with plastering.
Step 2: Pre-Plaster
The pool’s surface should be acid washed with a brush and left for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off and letting it dry completely. Once the pool has dried, a bond coat should be applied. It’s important to allow enough time for the coat to completely dry before proceeding to the next stage. Depending on the size of the pool and weather conditions, this process may take at least 8 hours.
Step 3: Plaster application
Apply the first coat of pool plaster after properly preparing the plaster in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. On the entire surface of the pool, the plaster must be flawlessly smoothed out. The overall thickness might range from 3/8 to 12 inches, and it will be placed over a scratch coat.
After the plaster has dry, use your trowel to make sure it is smooth before adding another layer. The top layer can be 1/4 inches thick, while the bottom layer can be the first one at 3/8 inches thick.
Step 4: Finalize the process
Check the pool carefully after plastering it to make sure every inch has been properly levelled and plastered. You can begin filling the pool with water once the plaster has finished drying fully.
Related: How to lower PH in pool
Conclusion
To create a smooth surface on the walls of a pool, plastering is the application of a cement mixture. An lone homeowner or a group of specialists can execute this task. To achieve a consistent and polished surface, it is advised to engage an expert if you lack knowledge. Alternatively, if you decide to do it yourself, the advice in this article can be useful.
John Smith