Your Quick Guide to Replastering Your Pool
If your swimming pool is rough, sharp, and uneven, it might need replastering. As the name suggests, it involves applying a layer of plaster to the bottom and the walls to address the problematic areas.
Since the job is tricky, performing it without experience or professional help is ill-advised. Here’s what the process involves:
Draining and cleaning
First, switch off the pool equipment and drain the pool. Remove any remaining water with a sump pump and get rid of leaves or other debris.
Next, chisel away loose plaster and sand down rough or sharp edges. Use a sponge and eco-friendly cleaning solution to scrub the surface.
Pre-plastering phase
Once all the dirt is gone, you can prepare the pool for the plastering. Spread some acid wash over the plaster with an acid brush.
After this step, it’s crucial to rinse the entire area several times to neutralize the concrete acidity. If any spots are green, remove them before applying a layer of plaster. Otherwise, the organic matter between the layers can lead to premature delamination.
To wrap up the preparations, apply a bonding coat and let it rest for between eight and 10 hours.
Apply the plaster
The bulk of the work of replastering a pool is the application. It requires undivided attention during each stage:
Mix the plaster as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Start from the deepest end of the pool and apply a 3/8-inch layer with a trowel. Be sure the plaster is smooth and that it covers all holes and cracks.
Once the first layer dries, apply a second layer that’s around 1/4-inch thick. Again, the surface needs to be completely smooth.
Allow the final layer to air dry.
Applying paint and filling the pool
After the plaster has solidified, cover the pool with one or two layers of paint. Let it dry completely, which should take about 24 hours, depending on the calcium in the plaster and ambient temperature.
As soon as the pool is hard enough, fill it with water. It hydrates the plaster, ensuring a solid finish and fewer hairline cracks. It also shields the material from stains.
What’s the price of having a pool replastered?
The cost of replastering a pool varies, depending on the region, pool condition, and many other factors. But in general, a 120-square foot structure sets you back around $700. The supplies go for approximately $200, whereas labor costs are usually $500.
Hire professionals to replaster your pool
It might seem steep, but hiring professional pool contractors is much safer than replastering the pool on your own. The job is both time-consuming and complicated, meaning mistakes are inevitable if you’re inexperienced. Leave it to the experts, and they’ll deliver stunning results!
If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!
