The initial period after pool plaster has been applied is the most critical time for the pools surface. In the first twenty eight days the pools plaster surface cures approximately sixty percent. The surface will take the next eight to ten months to finish the curing process. During the curing process the pools water is known to increase the alkalinity, pH and calcium levels. If this is left untreated the chemical imbalance could cause issues with the pools plaster including rough texturing, pitting and streaking. In order to prevent this from occurring it is crucial to maintain the pools chemical balance.
Pool plaster that is in the process of curing will increase the pH balance of the water quickly. Keeping the pool water in balance should be of the utmost important to prevent scaling and hydration problems. If the waters chemical balance is properly handled the pH and alkalinity should stabilize in about thirty days. Test and adjust the chemical balance of the water a few times per week for the first few weeks the new pool plaster is in place. After that the pools water can be tested every week to be sure it is staying within the limits.
Pool Water Tips
- All pool chemicals should be pre-dissolved before being added to the pool water. The chemicals should always be added to water. Don’t ever mix the chemicals and then add the water into it.
- Chlorine and other pool sanitizers should not be added to the pool water, after plastering, until the water has been tested and seventy two hours has past. The personnel at the pool store will give you instructions on any additional testing that should be done.
- Make sure that you get the pools alkalinity is in check and then adjust the pH. The alkalinity should be between eighty and one hundred and twenty PPM and the pH should be lowered to around seven point two.
- Replenish the sequestering agent that was added to the pool on start up that took metallic contaminates that are un-filterable and made them able to be filtered. This will help to prevent staining and scaling.
- Remember not to swim in the pool until the chlorine level drops below three ppm.
The pool should be gently brushed twice a day for the first two weeks after the plaster has been applied. It is important that the pools pores are kept open to allow for proper curing and helps loosen any plaster dust from settling in on the plaster surface. The water may become dusty after the brushing is done but will eventually go away.
With some simple maintenance and care you can extend the lifetime of your pools plaster.
Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.