When a concrete swimming pool is put into the ground the cement needs to be covered to protect the pool surface. Gunite pools, commonly referred to as cement or concrete pools are covered with marcite, a plaster composed of white cement and crushed marble. The plaster is an important piece of the gunite pool puzzle as it provides the surfacing to the pool. That being said the plaster requires a certain amount of care when it is applied. Below you will find a guide on caring for your newly plastered pool.
After your pools plaster has been applied by a professional pool plastering company, the company will start to fill your pool. The plaster is cement based and as with cement will require a curing stage of about fourteen days. Filling the pool with water up to the tile helps the curing process and reduces shrinkage and cracking. The proper way to fill the pool is by using a hose that has a towel fixed to the end of it placed in the deepest part of the pool. The more hoses you have filling the pool the better.
Once the pool is completely full up to the tile you will begin the process of brushing the pool plaster. Purchase a nylon bristled pool brush to thoroughly brush the entire pool including the pool walls, floor, steps and seats. It is impossible to brush the pools plaster too much. It is best to complete this process at least three times a day. While you are brushing the pool it is normal for the water to become cloudy and filled with dusty materials. Continue brushing and maintaining the chemical balance as this will keep the dust from turning hard on the plaster. The pool should not be swept until all of the sediment is clear.
The pools filtration system needs to be turned on right away after the pool has been filled. You should continue to run the filtration system non-stop until the water is completely clear. Run the pools bottom suction as well. Continue to check the pools filter and clean it often to ensure that debris does not clog it creating a problem with the system. Once you clean the filter be sure to restart it so as not to interrupt the filtration of the plaster debris from the pool.
One of the most critical parts in maintaining your pools new plaster is encompassed by the pool water chemical balance. It is wise to have the pool water checked daily while the new plaster is curing. Along with making sure your pool chemicals are properly balanced add a chemical into the pool water that helps prevent stains as well as acting as a metal magnet.
When it comes to your pools new plaster it is critical that you follow the above advice of brushing the pool, running the filtration system and chemical balance to the pools water. Following the advice above will help keep the pools plaster free of discoloration.
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 http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.