The swimming pool is any home’s area of pride and joy. So naturally, you want it to be in the best possible shape.
However, over time, your swimming pool is bound to take a lot of damage. This is especially true for the pool plaster, which tends to wear off over time. This can lead to the pool’s unsightly staining and rough edges that may harm the swimmers.
That’s why it’s suggested that you get your pool replastered periodically. In general, a gunite pool will need pool replastering every six to ten years, depending on the level of use. While you can always get a professional to do the job, you might decide to try a bit of DIY.
To help you with that, today, we have a complete 10-step guide to the pool replastering process. Following these steps, you can get your pool replastered good as new in no time.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
The 10 Step Guide To The Pool Replastering Process
1. Drain The Pool
The usual step in any pool maintenance process, the first thing you need to do is to turn off all pool equipment and drain the pool. To remove any excess water that remains at the bottom, it’s best to use a sump pump.
2. Clean The Pool
Once all the water has been removed from the pool, now comes the next step in the pool replastering process, which is cleaning the pool. Pools can gather a lot of debris and dirt, such as twigs and leaves, all of which need to be cleaned.
First, remove all solid debris from the pool; once that’s done, you’ll need to use a sponge and cleaning solution to scrub the pool walls’ surface. This needs to be done thoroughly to remove any dirt or moss that may have gathered.
3. Peel Out The Old Plaster
Now comes the fun part (though some may not agree!). Once you’re confident that the pool is entirely clean, you need to take a putty knife or a chisel and remove the old plaster from the pool walls.
Target areas where the plaster has already peeled significantly, and begin with those places. Pool replastering can be a task that requires immense patience, so be calm and carry on with the peeling.
4. Sand The Walls Thoroughly
After the old plaster has been peeled away, you’ll most likely be left with an uneven surface. Such a surface is not suitable for taking on the new plaster, you’ll have to sand it thoroughly and remove any sharp edges that may have formed.
While sanding, it’s best to perform two passes to get that extra smooth surface. Once you’re done, make sure to clean up the surface and remove any dirt and dust that may have gathered.
5. Acid Wash The Walls
The next step in the pool replastering process is the acid wash. First, spray or pour acid all over the pool surface, and then use an acid brush to spread the compound thoroughly on the walls. This will primarily prepare the surface to accept the new coating of plaster.
While handling the acid, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself. In case this step seems a bit too tough, you can always take the help of a professional pool replastering service.
6. Apply Bond Coating
After the acid has done its work, now you need to use the water hose and rinse off any acid left. This is a time-consuming step and can take a while to complete, but remember to be through. Then, apply a bond coat and allow it to dry overnight.
7. Use The Plaster
Now we are finally at the most crucial step of the pool replastering process, i.e., the plastering itself. After the bond coat has dried, the plaster must be prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Then, beginning at the deep end of the pool, you’ll need to use a trowel and apply the plaster to the walls evenly. The plaster layer applied should be at least ⅜ inch in thickness, and must fill in all cracks and crevices in the wall.
After the first layer of plaster is dry, be sure to apply another coating which is at least ¼ inch thick. All this while, you’ll need to maintain an even surface and ensure there are no sharp edges left to the finish. Once done, allow the second layer to dry as well.
8. Inspect The Pool
After the plaster has dried completely, the pool must be checked to ensure that the plastering process has been thorough. If you find any chinks in the walls, do fill them up with an even layer of plaster. Only when you are completely satisfied with the pool replastering job should you move on to the next step.
9. Paint The Pool
Instead of leaving the plaster bare, we suggest that you put in a coat of paint to cover the pool walls’ entire surface. The paint will not only protect the plaster but will also improve the aesthetics of the pool.
10. Refill The Pool
And you’re done with the pool replastering process! Now, fill the pool with water, add the required chemical additives, and enjoy a good swim. After all the hard work, you certainly deserve it.
Conclusion
Pool replastering can be a thoroughly satisfying job if done correctly. That being said, it’s essential to undertake each step carefully and with professional acuity.
Otherwise, you may end up biting off more than you can chew. By following the above ten-step process, anyone can get their pool replastering done themselves. However, in case you have absolutely no experience in pool maintenance, it’s best to call in the professionals.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure that the result is to your liking. And with that, we’ll leave you to take a lap around your replastered pool.
Catch you later!