The first twenty eight days after your in-ground swimming pool has been freshly plastered are the most critical. The pool plaster finish cures at sixty percent within the first twenty eight days of installation and continues to mature over the next ten months. In order for the pools plaster to completely mature the pH, calcium levels and alkalinity must rise. This must be checked regularly by the pool owner. If these levels are kept properly the plaster will cure improperly. The pools plaster will be rough, pitted and streaky. In order to ensure the finish of your pools plaster is ideal homeowners need to be thorough when it comes to the maintenance and follow up while the pools plaster seals completely.
Pool plaster naturally drives the pH balance of the pool up. In order to avoid problems it with scaling and hydration it is crucial that the chemicals in the pool water are kept in balance. Most often the pools water will become stable about thirty days after the pool has been freshly plastered. Homeowners must regularly test and adjust the chemistry of the pools water daily for the first few weeks after fresh pool plaster is installed. After the water chemistry has become stable it is okay for pool owners to test the water weekly.
Proper Chemical Maintenance
- Before adding chemicals to the pool water make sure they are completely dissolved.
- It is important that you have a professional test the water before adding chlorine of sanitizers. Test the water within seventy two hours of the water being added to the fresh pool plaster.
- Alkalinity then pH: the waters alkalinity should be between eighty and one hundred twenty ppm while the pH is lowered to around seven point two.
- After the Alkalinity and pH are in check homeowners can add mineral cartridges and chlorine packs. It is crucial that homeowners shock the pool at the same time the mineral pack is added. The pool should not be swum in until the pools chlorine level is below three point zero ppm after the water has been shocked.
While the plaster cures the pH levels in the water will rise. Be sure to test and maintain the proper water chemistry in the pools water throughout this period of time. Clean the pool frequently by gently brushing the surface twice a day for the first two weeks after the plaster is applied. Brushing the sides allows the plaster to mature properly while removing any loose plaster dust from the newly installed surface. With proper brushing and water chemistry the water will go from dusty to clear.
This process may seem like a lot of work however over the lifetime of the pool plaster it truly is a drop in the bucket. Minutes a day for the first few weeks after the plaster is installed is nothing when it comes to the lifespan 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/.