What is this pool plaster problem?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

just over a year ago our pool was chipped out and replastered, retiled, new pump, filter system, and heater units installed. looked beautiful upon completion. No problems with startup. Clean, plain white plaster.

Very carefully maintained, no real issues, opened beautifully after closing for winter - opened late June this year.

over the last 3 months this discoloration has spread and continued to get worse.

water is and always has been tested at home regularly, and at the pool shop at least once every 4-8 weeks - no real issues.

it seems not to be algae as we have shocked, used algaecide, and brushed like crazy with all manner of brushes - repeated the process multiple times - this does not budge.

Two pool techs have said it’s a plaster issue but not quite sure what. Contractor who built the pool says calcium but hasn’t really looked at it closely nor does our water testing record support this. These pictures show much worse than when he looked at it even 4 weeks ago. What is going on here?

It looks terrible, I’m devastated and unsure what next. Any insight or suggestions would be much appreciated!

pics are here:

https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142018755/thumbs/pool-plaster-issue

to add - the issue started in the slope/crease of the stairs and bench but is ‘spreading’ to the sides and floor - mostly in the shallower end from what I can see. The behavior implies organic but non response to treatment and pool techs feedback have us stumped.

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Comments (2)

Blue PoolTX
5 years ago
Hard to tell with pics, but.looks like stain. Have you tried a stain ID kit, Jack's has one.

I'd also call the company that did the work for you, maybe they have an idea..

Do you have a recent set if test numbers, including metals? Curious as to your chemistry.

This may help..

https://blog.mysutro.com/pool-stain-prevention/?ref=sutroblog
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
5 years ago
It's hard to tell from the pics.

There are so many factors that can contribute to stains and discolorations in plaster.

It all starts with the prep prior to plastering, the weather conditions at the time, how quickly the pool was filled ( we always truck water in no matter what), how much calcium was added in the plaster mix by the plaster contractor, they way they applied the material,, etc...

Too many to list.

Your best course of action is to contact the company that manufactured the plaster. They should be able to have a field tech either answer your questions or better yet come to your home to see the finish in person. Hopefully you have their information.

If you have nay documentation of water test results it will be helpful. Any information on your initial water treatment and care immediately following filling the pool.

The first 3 days are paramount regarding water care including chemical balancing, brushing and vacuuming out any plaster dust.

Your own water in your home, used to top the pool off, should be tested as well.

The pool water should be tested weekly.

What type of sanitizer are you using? Salt system? Tabs? Liquid chlorine? Granular?

As stated by BluePool TX, Jack's Magic has a stain ID kit. They have reps or dealers that may be able to come out and administer the ID kit, and get you pointed in the right direction.
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