If your pool is starting to look rough and bumpy, or you can see the underlying shell materials peeking through, it’s time for replastering. Patching can help temporarily, but it’s costly and unsightly.
Plaster is the traditional resurfacing choice for concrete pools, and it costs about $5 to $6 per square foot. Aggregate and tile are more durable options, but they also cost more.
Pebbles
While pool plaster is still popular in some areas, pebble finishes are gaining in popularity. This is because they provide a natural, beautiful look that blends well with desert landscapes. They also are durable and resist etching and physical damage better than conventional plaster surfaces. The best part is that your pool will be easy to keep clean with pebbles, unlike traditional plaster which is prone to staining from improper water balance chemistry.
The textured surface of the pebbles helps to hide dirt and algae, making for a clean, sparkling pool surface that will not need regular scrubbing or cleaning. In addition, the pebbles help to distribute water evenly throughout the pool. This prevents etching and helps to protect the underlying concrete shell of the pool from discoloration. Pebble finishes are also more resistant to calcium scale formation than standard plaster.
There are many different types of pebble finishes available to choose from. The most common is Pebble Tec, which features small pebble aggregates that completely cover a thick layer of cement. These pebbles come in colors ranging from tan to blue and green. The finished surface has the look of a creek or river bed, which fits in perfectly with the Phoenix climate and environment.
Another option is BeadCrete, a newer surface from Pebble Technology. This finish is similar to Pebble Tec in that it has the look of natural stone and is extremely durable, but it offers a much brighter look and is more colorful than traditional plaster. It is a great choice for pool owners that want to add a splash of color and elegance to their pool.
Pebble Tec and BeadCrete are both offered in 16 different hues that will match any backyard design and color scheme. These colors are combined with shimmering effects that will reflect the sun’s light in a way that is sure to dazzle your guests. If you are interested in a more refined look, Pebble Sheen is another one of the options from Pebble Technology that produces a smooth finish with a buffed texture. This surface has a luxurious look that will not only stand out, but will also be easier to maintain than the other Pebble Tec surfaces.
Tiles
The first step of any pool replastering project is washing the entire surface. This is typically done with muriatic acid after the hallows have been pounded, cracks repaired and the pool has been inspected (If needed). Washing your swimming pool resurfaces with this chemical aids in the removal of tenacious stains, calcium deposits, and it roughens up the old plaster finish allowing for better bonding between the new and old finishes.
After the acid wash, a specialized bonding material is applied to the pool. This is a mixture of one part resin and one part acrylic modified cement and sand that will ensure the plaster is properly bound to the existing pool surface. This will help prevent etching, shading and crazing.
Once the bond coat is in place, the plaster is mixed and poured into the pool. The pool is then smoothed out and given time to dry. If a pebble or aggregate plaster is chosen, an additional step will be taken in the form of sanding the surface to remove any sharp edges.
Tile pools are a thing of beauty. Although a labor intensive option, they are also the longest lasting solution for your pool. They last for up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Aside from being beautiful, a tile pool can add value to your home and increase its curb appeal. With many options available for color, pattern and texture, tile pools offer limitless possibilities.
Another advantage of a tile pool is that it will last longer than an average plaster surface. Plaster typically only lasts about seven to 20 years, depending on how much you use the pool and how well you maintain it. A pool paint job, on the other hand, may only last a couple of years.
If you are thinking about replastering your pool, it is best to hire a professional. It is a complex process that requires the proper tools to do the job correctly. The wrong tools can cause uneven surfaces, etching, crazing and shading – not to mention unsightly patching and leaks.
Paint
Over time, your pool plaster can become rough and unsightly. Plaster doesn’t last forever, and will need to be replastered at some point, usually after about ten to twenty years. During this process, the walls and bottom of your pool are replaced with a new layer of plaster that’s smooth and looks nice. The purpose of replastering is to give your pool a fresh look and make it safe to swim in once again.
Before the new plaster can be applied, the old surface must be properly prepped. This is usually done by washing the pool with muriatic acid and then scrubbing it down with TSP. This helps remove any tenacious stains and calcium deposits. It also roughens the surface, which allows the bond coat to adhere better.
The next step is draining the pool and repairing any cracks. Once the water is removed, the “cut-n-chip” crew arrives with tiny saws and cut around all of the tile and wall fittings. This helps reduce the hydrostatic pressure under your pool, which can cause it to pop up during the replastering process. The crew also undercuts all of the waterline tiles, and applies a bond coat to prepare the old surface for the new plaster.
When the bond coat is dried, the pool can be refilled and the water tested. It can take up to seven days for the pool to cure, but once it does, you’ll be ready for swimming again.
Paint is not your typical backyard DIY project, but pool painting can add some real visual interest to your pool. It is especially useful if you have unique artwork or a theme that you want to apply to your bottom pool surface. While this method is not as durable as plaster, it can still hold up to harsh water conditions and temperature extremes. It’s also fairly easy to repair if the surface begins to flake or peel. It’s worth mentioning that the preparation process is a bit more extensive for this application than it is for plaster. The pool must be drained, washed, degreased, acid etched and scrubbed before the paint can be applied.
Craze Cracks
Over time, pool plaster tends to become rough and unsightly. This rough surface is not only unattractive but it can also be dangerous in spots where the plaster is flaking away and exposing sharp edges. Pool replastering is a solution to this problem and will give the pool a smooth, clean surface that is safe for swimmers.
Replastering is the process of putting on a new layer of plaster over the existing plaster on your pool. While there are other surfaces such as aggregate and tile that can be applied to your pool, plaster is the most common and popular choice. Pools that are made of plaster require replastering about every 10 years to maintain their appearance and integrity.
Pool replastering is a job that should only be done by a professional. If you do it yourself, it is important that you wear the proper safety equipment, including a mask with filtration or respirator, eye protection and a pair of work gloves. You will also want to be sure that you have enough plaster patch on hand to complete the job.
There are a few different reasons for a pool to crack. Structural cracks are the most serious and often indicate that there is a leak in the pool shell. These cracks are generally a result of poor construction or building shortcuts that may have been taken by the contractor when the pool was initially built. Improper soil compaction or movement can cause cracking as well.
Surface cracks are more common and usually do not indicate a leak in the pool. These cracks are usually a result of expansion and contraction in the concrete as it cures. Crazing cracks are a type of spider crack that forms in the concrete and appear shortly after new plaster is sprayed on.
Delamination is a problem that occurs when the plaster separates from the concrete and can be caused by several different factors. It is important to have a pool repair specialist inspect the delamination as soon as possible to determine the best course of action. In some cases, a plaster patch may be sufficient but in other situations, the entire pool should be replastered.