In-ground pool owners hit the jackpot this summer. Temperatures have been some of the hottest we have had in years along with record high humidity levels and low amounts of rain. This summer backyard pools have been put to good use. Have you started to notice that condition of the pools surface starting to look a bit dull and lifeless? Are you considering a facelift to the interior surface of your pool before the start of the next summer swimming season?
There are a number of options to consider in pool plastering options. Some consider painting the pool in order to give the surface a fresh appearance. Back in the day, painting the pools surface was an annual rite of passage in opening the pool. Then pool plaster was introduced and pool owners came to appreciate the longevity and durability that comes along with this option. What now? Do you go old school and paint the interior surface of the pool or do you follow the modern trend of plastering when faced with preparations for the next swimming season?
Paint verse Plaster – Who Wins?
Endurance Factor
Painting a pools interior surface will only keep it looking updated and fresh looking for one season. Plaster is definitely the better option when looking at the endurance factor. Pool plaster, when professionally installed can last anywhere between fifteen to twenty years. Where as a painted finish at best can make it through two full seasons before it needs to be done again. Professional pool plastering when done properly is a far superior in endurance over painting.
Durability Factor
Paints that are specifically designed for use in spas, pools and outdoor fountains are durable given the beating taken from chemicals and climate changes. The problem exists in durability when it comes to the thickness of the surface. Painted surfaces are not nearly as thick as plaster surfaces, making them less durable overall. A plaster pool is about a half an inch thick and therefore can handle more of the everyday beatings that an in-ground recreational pool takes. If you are surfacing a fountain that will not be abused daily by cleaning equipment and tiny humans then painting it may be just fine.
Preparation
Both applications require some degree of preparation to be done before they can be applied. The pool must be completely dried and prepped for the new surface to be applied. Painting a pool requires far less prep than plaster however plaster is usually done professionally therefore requiring know amount of prep work to be completed by the homeowner.
Apply and Finish
Once a pool has been prepped for painting the process is fairly simple. The pool paint is mixed and applied to the surface. Two coats are required and can be done within four to six hours of one another. The pool should not be refilled with water until the surface is completely dry which can take anywhere between two to five days depending on the weather. Pool plaster on the other hand is quite difficult to apply and is best left to the professionals. A professional plastering company will apply the plaster mixture using a thick hose. It will then be smoothed out evenly. This process usually can be done in one day and the water can start to be added to the pool.
It’s fairly easy to see why individuals choose plaster over painting when it comes to resurfacing their pools. In the end it may cost a bit more but saves a whole lot of time given that plaster has a longer life span and will most likely not need to be done more than once over the time that you own the pool.
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/.