Frequently Asked questions

Why Should You Use Plaster?

PLASTER IS A TIME TESTED PRODUCT: Plaster has been used as a swimming pool surface coating for the past 50 years. This experience has shown that plaster is a durable surface that can stand up to the environment of proper pool water chemistry. There is no other pool surface on the market with this time tested history.
PLASTER IS ECONOMICAL: Plaster is the most economical pool surface. Its initial cost is well below more expensive options. In addition, the average plaster surface can easily last 15 to 25 years, which makes Plaster one of the most economical components of a swimming pool. That’s value for your investment.
REPAIRABLE AND FORGIVING: Taking care of your pool takes time and attention. As time goes on and mistakes are made, a pool surface can become stained, discolored, and/or damaged. Stains on a plastered pool can be chemically removed or sanded off. A plaster surface can tolerated several of these procedures in its lifetime.
PLASTER IS LONG LASTING: The secret to long life of any pool surface is properly maintained water balance. Improper water balance will destroy any pool surface and in many cases, void the warranty of that surface. A plaster surface, in a properly maintained pool, can last 15 to 25 years.
PLASTER IS NON-TOXIC AND ECOLOGICALLY SOUND: There is a lot of concern today about toxic products. Pool plaster is made from some of Mother Nature’s finest materials. Plaster, being a cement product, is part of the largest segment of the construction industry. The backbone of construction and the world, is cement.
PLASTER IS AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF COLORS: Pool Plaster is available world-wide. You need not worry that your pool surface will become obsolete. Plaster can be done in a wide variety of colors to create any appearance desired. The color is not just surface coating but continuous through the entire material. In addition, options are available for different finish techniques including 3M COLORQUARTZtm and exposed aggregate, that allow for great variety in obtaining a desired pool appearance.

Common Misconceptions About Pool Plaster:

Do plaster finishes use more chemicals that a pool with a different surface?

NO. Chemical usage is a function of the water not of the pool surface. Conditions such as water temperature, air temperature, wind, humidity and pool usage are the significant variable in chemical use – not the pool surface. If anyone tells you different, ask them for documentation.

Does a plastered pool finish encourage the growth of algae, especially the dreaded black algae?

NO. As anyone knows who owns a fish aquarium, algae is a function of water, not a function of pool finish. Algae sticks to glass in an aquarium, so it will stick to ANY pool surface. If your pool is properly sanitized you won’t have algae. If you have algae, you haven’t sanitized your pool properly. It’s that simple.

Is the water in a plaster finished pool colder than a pool with a different surface?

NO. It is well documented that 95% of the heat loss of pool water occurs from the water surface. Only 5% of heat loss is from the shell. No pool surface will eliminate this 5% loss, and if it could, the difference in water temperature would be less than one degree.

Do plaster finished pools leak?

NO. Most pool leaks occur in the skimmer throat where the tile grout meets the plastic skimmer. Plaster finishes are water tight and will prevent water loss through the shell. If the shell structure of the pool cracks due to ground movement or other cause, any pool finish will crack.

Does the surface of refinished pools fail after a short time?

NO. The procedures for replastering pools have evolved dramatically since the early days of replastering. Modern procedures assure that the new plaster will bond to the underlying material. As with any product, there are companies who do a good job and stand behind their work and bad companies who sell you on a low price and are not around when it fails. Consumers encourage the bad companies by only being concerned about price. Choose your plaster applicator the same as you would any service company based on reputation, referral, references, length of experience, etc. Contact the National Plasterer’s Council at 949-459-8053 for a member in your area or to verify membership and for information on the care of your newly plastered pool.

National Plasterer’s Council

Swimming Pool Plaster Start-up Do’s & Don’ts

The main objective in a pool start-up is to clear or get rid a of the plaster scale (dust), and to balance and stabilize the water chemistry in the pool as soon as possible. The first 30 days of plaster curing are the most critical. The need for proper water chemistry and maintenance continues for the life of the pool. The following are some of the “do’s and don’ts” for starting up a freshly plastered pool.

A. The Source Water

Before adding any water to the pool, make sure you know the quality of the water. This is recommended because water quality is not the same everywhere. You may find that your local source water is not suitable for filling a freshly plastered pool. It is recommended that all water chemistry readings be written down for future reference.

B. Determine The Water Gallonage Of Your Pool

You may want to take a meter reading if you are filling from one source with a water meter.
Square or Rectangle-L x W x Average Depth x 7.5
Round- Diameter x Diameter x Average Depthx5.9
Oval- L x W x Average Depth x 5.9
Irregular shaped pools should be divided into the above geometric shapes and added together.

C. Filling The Pool

After the pool has been plastered, the plaster crew should leave a hose in the pool to fill it with water. This hose should have a clean, soft cloth tied on the end of it to diffuse the water so that it does not whip, protects the pool surface from being marred by the end of the hose, and to catch any debris that may be in the water system. Do not add anything but potable water. Make sure the fill is not connected to a water softener.

If you are to use water that is being trucked in, a cushion of 24″ must be in the bowl of the pool. Water shall be introduced in such a manner that it will not damage the plaster.
Fill the pool as fast as possible. Additional hoses will fill the pool faster. Make sure they are protected by a clean, soft cloth. If the pool fills too slowly, check cracks may appear on the steps and near the tile line on the walls.
Do not let the hose whip or flail around the pool.
Do not use the fill lines on the wall or tile line.
Put all hoses in the deep end of the pool.
Do not let the hoses rest on the plaster, particularly across the length or width of the pool. They may leave a mark.
It is okay to leave the protected end of the hose floating in the forming pool of water.
Do not add anything to the pool until it has finished filling. This includes water clarifiers and chelating agents.
Do not stop the water until the pool has completely filled. This is usually to the middle of the skimmer opening.
If it looks as if the pool is going to finish filling while you are not around, turn down the volume of the water to a lower rate, but do not turn the water off.
If you turn the water off while you are filling, it will leave a water stain ring at that point on the plaster that could be permanent.
If you splash, spill, wash onto or cause anything to fall onto the fresh plaster, it may stain the plaster.
Do not walk on the freshly plastered surface or allow pets or animals to walk on the fresh plaster.

D. Test the Water Again.
You may find that the water is substantially different after filling the pool than when first tested. Write the chemistry readings down. In order to satisfy water chemistry needs for calcium, water must contain a minimum of 150 ppm of calcium. Insufficient amounts of calcium in the fill water will force the water to draw calcium from the fresh plaster material, creating surface conditions which may not be able to be corrected.

E. Starting The Equipment

Make sure that you start with a clean filter.
Make sure that the circuit breakers are on and that the time clock is set for 12 hours or more.
Prime the filter pump with water and start the pump. There will be air in the plumbing so make sure that all of the air has been purged from the system.
If you have a diatomaceous earth filter it will require precoating as per manufacturer’s directions.
Write down the pressure reading from the gauge on top of the filter. Make sure this is the reading with a clean filter. This reading is important because when the filter pressure has risen 4-8 psi, it will be time to clean the filter again.
If there is a main drain valve, open it all the way.
Do not turn on the heater for a minimum of three weeks.
Do not turn on waterfalls or fountains that aren’t necessary until the start up procedure has been completed.
Do not swim in the pool until after the start up procedure has been completed.
Do not use any automatic pool cleaners for a minimum of three weeks after plastering.

F. Adding Chemicals

Due to the varying differences in source water chemistry, it is up to the person who is doing the start up to evaluate the water conditions present. It must be perfectly clear that the person administering the chemicals should be aware of the power and effects of each chemical and the possible reactions of each chemical. It is the sole responsibility of that person to administer the chemicals in a calculated and safe manner.

G. Adding Stain Preventative And Water Clarifiers

These chemicals are extremely important. The help minimize normal staining. Do not add these chemicals until after the pool in filled.

Follow manufacturer’s directions for dosage
Before pouring chemicals into the pool dilute mixture in a large pail. Always add chemical to water; never water to chemical.
Apply diluted mixture around the pool away from the pool walls. Do not pour directly into one spot.
Brush pool immediately.
Adding water clarifiers and/or chelating agents in excessive proportions may lead to opposite effects.
Chelating agents are broken down by UV light and should be replenished as part of normal maintenance.
The mixing of water clarifiers and chelating agents together may cause unwanted results. Make sure chemicals are compatible.

H. Other Chemicals

Adding large doses of chlorine to water in one spot may cause mineral and metal fallout. This may cause staining of fresh plaster.
The addition of large doses of any chemical in any one spot may cause mineral and metal fallout resulting in stained plaster.
Addition of muriatic acid to pools during startup will reduce the water’s alkalinity and lower the ph.
The addition of muriatic acid to pools during start-up will reduce plaster scale (dust).
Failure to rid the pool of scale (dust) during start-up can lead to the hardening and sticking of this scale (dust) to the surface of the plaster
The addition of excessive amounts a muriatic acid to plaster surfaces may cause it to etch.
Broadcasting any granular or powder chemical products onto the plaster surface may stain it, especially colored plaster.
Pre-dissolve all dry chemical products before introducing them into the pool.
Conditioner (cyanuric acid or stabilizer) should be introduced into the skimmer with the equipment running, and allowed to dissolve before turning off the equipment. This is generally about 24 hours. Add conditioner after all plaster residue has been removed.

I. Clearing the Scale (Dust)

You may notice plaster scale (dust) on the bottom of the pool. This is normal and will go away with proper treatment and brushing. The main objective in starting up a pool is to clear or get rid of scale (dust) and to balance water chemistry in the pool as quickly as possible.

Do not use a wheeled vacuum for three weeks after plastering. The use of a brush vac is recommended the first three weeks to avoid marring the plaster.
On some pools you may have to turn off the main drain so that you can vacuum.
When you have vacuumed the scale (dust) from the pool it is important to clean this residual from the filter right away. Remember to recharge the filter if it is a D.E. filter.
It is okay to vacuum the scale (dust) to waste if you wish.
The more you brush the pool the better it will look. The entire pool should be brushed preferably twice a day until the water is balanced and the plaster scale (dust) has gone away.
The pool should be brushed after each vacuum.
The filter pump should be on with the main drain open.
Add chlorine in small amounts as needed to the pool until after the scale (dust) has been eliminated, the water is balanced and stabilized and conditioner added.

This information has been produced as a cooperative effort, and is accepted by the National Plasterers Council, the National Association of Gas Chlorinators, and the Swimming Pool Trades & Contractors Association. For additional copies, contact: National Plasterers Council, 2811 Tamiami Trail, Suite D, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.