Why is my new pool plaster rough?

New pools are prone to scale because the cement in the new plaster bleeds a large amount of calcium into the water as it cures, which can take nine to 12 months.

How do you smooth rough in pool plaster?

How long does new pool plaster take to cure?

Curing plaster refers to a maturation process of the new plaster finish when it strengthens and seals. The pool finish will start to cure immediately after mixing. Sixty percent of the curing process occurs in the first 4 weeks and will continue over the next 8 to 10 months.

Why is my pool plaster blotchy?

Pool plaster etching - This is caused by low calcium levels in our pool where the water “eats” away at your pool surface. Sadly, there is no treatment for this one as the damage has already been done.

How soon can you swim in a new pool?

After you shock the pool — As soon as your chlorine levels reach 5 ppm or lower, it's officially safe to swim. Depending on the type of shock used, as well as the amount used, it can take anywhere from 24 hours or even up to a couple of days.

Why is my pool plaster rough?

Does pool plaster need to stay wet?

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The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. If the water is stopped, your plaster could develop a permanent ring at the level where the water stopped, or it could allow the exposed plaster to dry too quickly, and cause chips or cracks. Plaster is especially formulated to stay underwater at all times.

Does pool plaster darken as cure?

Also, as the plaster cures, the appearance will change slightly. It is critical to maintain proper water chemistry during the curing process. If it isn't properly maintained, a wide color variation may occur.

Why do my pool walls feel like sandpaper?

Answer: From the description of your pool's interior finish, it sounds as if your pool may have a buildup of scale. Scale is a deposit of calcium that leeches out of the pool water under certain conditions. It often makes the pool surface feel like sandpaper as you describe.

Why are pools so rough?

Calcium Deposits

One unpleasant side effect of calcium hypochlorite is its tendency to leave rough, scaly deposits on the sides and floor of swimming pools. This problem most often occurs in concrete pools.

Are hairline cracks in pool plaster normal?

Small superficial cracks are called check cracks or crazing. This is normal due to the cement shrinking or flexing of the supporting structure, and should not be considered a deficiency. The most common cause for crazing is if the pool is finished on a hot, dry or windy day, or if it took too long to fill the pool.

Does new pool plaster absorb water?

New installations and drained pools: A common appearance of cracking can occur when a cementitious interior finish is wetted prior to being filled. Microscopic shrinkage cracks (micro cracks are present in all hardened plaster, precast, shotcrete, and concrete products) absorb water faster than the overall surface.

What happens if it rains on new pool plaster?

Rain will cause streaks, discoloration, and curing mistakes once the plastering has begun. Not only will it cause streaking, but it also causes something called hydrostatic holes in the granite and plaster.

Can you swim in a pool that was just filled?

Chlorine/non-chlorine chemicals – When adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to “shock” your pool after a fill-up, wait about 24 hours or until levels are approximately 5 ppm. If you'll only be adding liquid chlorine, it's generally safe to swim after about 4 hours or until levels are 5 ppm or lower.

What is plaster dust in pool?

The reaction creates calcium carbonate, which is not very soluble in water above 0.00 LSI. The calcium carbonate precipitates out in the form of dust. This dust is known as plaster dust, because it has been viewed as an inevitable part of starting up a pool.

How do you know if pool plaster is bad?

How do you fix plaster pool mottling?

Sometimes, depending on severity, the appearance can be improved by an in-pool acid wash. Extreme cases may require the pool to be drained and acid applied directly on the finish. For quartz pool finishes, an acid wash might be able to reduce the appearance of mottling.

What is plaster hydration?

"Hydration" is the normal and proper reaction when cement and water are mixed together, which then hardens. You are correct, any type of "acid rinsing or treatment" or "torching" will only cause damage and shorten the life-span of the plaster finish, including quartz or pebble.

When can I start brushing new plaster?

Clean filter after vacuuming. After 72 hours add the CYA and then the chlorine SLOWLY to gradually bring it to the desired level. Continue to brush, vacuum, test water balance, and clean the filter for one to two weeks, or 3 days after you see no plaster dust coming off when you brush.

Can I use a wire brush on a plaster pool?

Stiff steel wire bristles are great for brushing on plaster / concrete pool walls and floors.

When can you vacuum new plaster?

Do not use a wheeled vacuum until all plaster dust has been removed, typically 1 - 2 weeks. The use of a brush vac is recommended during the first three weeks to avoid marring the plaster. If you have a pebble surface, you may start the wheeled vacuum right away.