FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
This section was created to answer to some common queries about pools and pool plastering.
Q: What are the different Plastering options?
A. Marcite: Marcite is another term used for plaster. Plaster is concrete. Plaster is used to waterproof the pool structure.
Pigmented Marcite: Pigmented marcite is used to create a colored surface. When marcite (plaster) is pigmented with dye, it changes the color of the pool surface. There are various colors to choose from.
Quartz Plaster: Quartz plaster is used to create a colored reflection. Colored chips of quartz are added to the plaster to give a colored reflection. It also adds strength to the plaster. Quartz is offered in a variety of colors.
Pebble Finish: Small colored pebbles are mixed with plaster materials and spread evenly on the pool surface. A variety of colors are available.
Q: How do you measure your pools water volume?
A. Rectangular: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total gallons
Circular: Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total gallons
Oval: Long Diameter x Short Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total gallons
Q: How do I know it's time to re-plaster my pool?
A. Typical signs include bare concrete (gunite) showing through the plaster, your pool's surface has become very rough, or there is severe staining that chemical stain removers or acid washing won't repair.
The average lifespan of plaster is approximately 8 years, however, there are many variables that can reduce or extend this time. Factors such as how the plaster is applied, the initial start-up, and the chemical water balance can have a dramatic effect on the longevity of your pool's plaster.
Q: Will it cost a fortune to re-plaster my pool?
A. The cost of re-plastering can vary depending on the pool's size, the type of new plaster, and the tile trim. To re-plaster a typical 15' x 30' residential pool (without a spa), stripping off old plaster and re-plastering using standard white plaster would average around $14,500.
Q: I have original plaster in my pool which has become stained. Why does that happen?
A. Stains are usually localized and distinct in color from the plaster. Most stains are caused by heavy metal minerals coming out of solutions and depositing themselves on the nearest structure they find. They may also remain suspended in water, providing dramatic new color schemes. Below is a chart listing common metals found in pools, where they come from, and their identifying colors.
Q: What are the different Plastering options?
A. Marcite: Marcite is another term used for plaster. Plaster is concrete. Plaster is used to waterproof the pool structure.
Pigmented Marcite: Pigmented marcite is used to create a colored surface. When marcite (plaster) is pigmented with dye, it changes the color of the pool surface. There are various colors to choose from.
Quartz Plaster: Quartz plaster is used to create a colored reflection. Colored chips of quartz are added to the plaster to give a colored reflection. It also adds strength to the plaster. Quartz is offered in a variety of colors.
Pebble Finish: Small colored pebbles are mixed with plaster materials and spread evenly on the pool surface. A variety of colors are available.
Q: How do you measure your pools water volume?
A. Rectangular: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total gallons
Circular: Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total gallons
Oval: Long Diameter x Short Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total gallons
Q: How do I know it's time to re-plaster my pool?
A. Typical signs include bare concrete (gunite) showing through the plaster, your pool's surface has become very rough, or there is severe staining that chemical stain removers or acid washing won't repair.
The average lifespan of plaster is approximately 8 years, however, there are many variables that can reduce or extend this time. Factors such as how the plaster is applied, the initial start-up, and the chemical water balance can have a dramatic effect on the longevity of your pool's plaster.
Q: Will it cost a fortune to re-plaster my pool?
A. The cost of re-plastering can vary depending on the pool's size, the type of new plaster, and the tile trim. To re-plaster a typical 15' x 30' residential pool (without a spa), stripping off old plaster and re-plastering using standard white plaster would average around $14,500.
Q: I have original plaster in my pool which has become stained. Why does that happen?
A. Stains are usually localized and distinct in color from the plaster. Most stains are caused by heavy metal minerals coming out of solutions and depositing themselves on the nearest structure they find. They may also remain suspended in water, providing dramatic new color schemes. Below is a chart listing common metals found in pools, where they come from, and their identifying colors.
Metal |
Sources |
Plaster Discoloration |
Calcium |
Plaster, grout, mortar, cal-hypo chlorine shock |
white crystals or precipitate |
Cobalt |
Fiberglass Shells |
red, blue, gray or black |
Copper |
Copper algaecides, ionizers, corrosion of copper and brass pipes, fittings and heaters |
blue, green, blue/green, black, dark red or teal |
Iron |
Well water, corrosion of iron pipe and fittings |
dark red, brown, black, gray or green |
Manganese |
Well Water |
pink, red, black or red |
Q: Is there anything I can do to increase the life of the plaster finish?
A. The pool owner or pool service company controls the condition and life span of pool plaster. Keeping your water chemistry in balance, and most importantly, preventing corrosive water environments of low pH and low alkalinity will reduce wear and tear.
Q: What is the procedure for starting up a freshly plastered pool?
A. Please check out our Start Up and Maintenance page.
Q: Why is my pool water cloudy?
A. Several things can cause a pool to lose its clarity – inadequate water circulation, chemical imbalance, poor filtration, or lack of oxidation. Chambers Pool Service & Plaster are IPSSA Water Chemistry certified and perform more diagnostic pool inspections than any other pool service in the area.
Q: Can algae really hurt my pool?
A. Yes! If left unchecked, algae can grow in free-floating patches or cling to pool walls. Not only can algae clog filters, it eventually can cause pool surface damage and impact swimmers’ health.
Q: Why does my pool have a strong chlorine smell?
A. You may be improperly administering chemicals, which is costly and can prove harmful to eyes and skin.
Q: Can I experiment with chemicals until I get the water quality I want?
A. NEVER experiment! Improper measuring and mixing of chemicals – whether diluted or concentrated – can create both unwanted reactions and potential health hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions with special attention.
Q: Can poor water chemistry damage my pool?
A. Yes! Improper water chemistry will damage your pool equipment, plumbing, and pool surface.
Q: Isn’t it easier to just take care of the pool myself?
A. Taking care of your pool yourself is always an option. Proper pool maintenance requires not only the physical labor of cleaning the pool, but also chemical levels such as; Chlorine, Alkalinity, Free Chlorine, pH, T.D.S, and Cyanuric acid must be consistently maintained to have a safe swimming environment. In addition, we are trained to notice any changes in the performance of the pool equipment. We can then immediately troubleshoot any problems.
Q: How much does Do-It-Yourself pool maintenance cost?
A. With the recent rise in the cost of chemicals, the monthly expense of chemicals will average $50 or more. Plus there is the extra cost of putting aside time every week to clean the pool, making trips to your local pool supply store, and storing potentially harmful and corrosive chemicals.
Chambers Pools Keeps Your Pool Carefree!
A. The pool owner or pool service company controls the condition and life span of pool plaster. Keeping your water chemistry in balance, and most importantly, preventing corrosive water environments of low pH and low alkalinity will reduce wear and tear.
Q: What is the procedure for starting up a freshly plastered pool?
A. Please check out our Start Up and Maintenance page.
Q: Why is my pool water cloudy?
A. Several things can cause a pool to lose its clarity – inadequate water circulation, chemical imbalance, poor filtration, or lack of oxidation. Chambers Pool Service & Plaster are IPSSA Water Chemistry certified and perform more diagnostic pool inspections than any other pool service in the area.
Q: Can algae really hurt my pool?
A. Yes! If left unchecked, algae can grow in free-floating patches or cling to pool walls. Not only can algae clog filters, it eventually can cause pool surface damage and impact swimmers’ health.
Q: Why does my pool have a strong chlorine smell?
A. You may be improperly administering chemicals, which is costly and can prove harmful to eyes and skin.
Q: Can I experiment with chemicals until I get the water quality I want?
A. NEVER experiment! Improper measuring and mixing of chemicals – whether diluted or concentrated – can create both unwanted reactions and potential health hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions with special attention.
Q: Can poor water chemistry damage my pool?
A. Yes! Improper water chemistry will damage your pool equipment, plumbing, and pool surface.
Q: Isn’t it easier to just take care of the pool myself?
A. Taking care of your pool yourself is always an option. Proper pool maintenance requires not only the physical labor of cleaning the pool, but also chemical levels such as; Chlorine, Alkalinity, Free Chlorine, pH, T.D.S, and Cyanuric acid must be consistently maintained to have a safe swimming environment. In addition, we are trained to notice any changes in the performance of the pool equipment. We can then immediately troubleshoot any problems.
Q: How much does Do-It-Yourself pool maintenance cost?
A. With the recent rise in the cost of chemicals, the monthly expense of chemicals will average $50 or more. Plus there is the extra cost of putting aside time every week to clean the pool, making trips to your local pool supply store, and storing potentially harmful and corrosive chemicals.
Chambers Pools Keeps Your Pool Carefree!
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