Pool plaster not only improves your pool’s appearance and style, but it also offers a protective coating that prolongs its life and pleasure. The plaster could, however, start to degrade and lack its structure with time. Rusty, cracking, and fractures can be caused by this degradation, which can lessen your pool’s sturdiness and overall aesthetic appeal.
So plastering the pool is one of the most crucial investments you can make for proper upkeep. So, how to plaster a pool? Scroll down for more information.
What is Pool Plastering?
Pool plastering is the final stage of constructing a pool before adding water. Plastering a pool includes coating a thin layer of plaster onto the concrete surface. The plaster serves as the final barrier between the water and the concrete.
Types of Pool Plaster
Marble plaster
The plaster most frequently used now is marble plaster. And the white is the most popular one which is cheap and lasts for 9 to 12 years.
Quartz Plaster
Quartz plaster has a finish that is tougher, more resilient, and better suited to endure harsh chemicals and severe weather than marble one.
The disadvantage is that it costs more than white marble plaster, but it has a little longer lifespan. This kind of plaster will last between 10 and 15 years.
Pebble Aggregate
Pebble aggregate plaster is made of smooth stones or crushed rock mixed with cement. The pebbles and stones also provide an incredibly robust surface that may last up to 20 years, longer than any other form of plaster on our list.
The first drawback of this kind of plaster is its expensive price. The stones and pebbles can conceal and support the growth of germs and algae. It will be considerably harder to scrub and maintain the rough surface.
Tile Finish
Despite not being plaster, tiles are a fairly common choice for pool lining. The tiles, directly put on cement, offer a few benefits over the other plaster forms. The tile’s smooth surface is simple to clean and prevents germs and algae from having a place to hide and thrive. A tile finish should last anywhere from 12 to 18 years.
Because tile must be installed piece by piece, it can be more expensive and take longer to install than other types of plaster.
How to Plaster a Pool?
Do you want to know what a normal pool plastering procedure entails? There are several components to every pool plastering work, even though every project is different due to the clients’ preferences and the features of their pool. However, the main steps of the plastering process are similar. We have summarized them below. Let’s dig in to learn more.
Step 1: Prepare the Pool
Draining The Pool: Completely draining the pool is the first phase in a successful pool plastering project.
Removing all the debris: Scrubbing is a great way to remove most pool plaster issues. It works well to remove and loosen any dirt, debris, or germs. First, clean the pool’s walls and steps. You can use a pool cleaner like an automatic model to help you do this. then continue by scrubbing the floor using a TSP cleaning agent. Make sure to give it a thorough brushing.
Cutting and Chipping: Hiring an expert to do this stage is highly advised. Use a grinder to remove half an inch of plaster from beneath the tile line (in case having tile). Check for cracks or holes while chipping the plaster before plastering the pool.
Step 2: Pre-Plaster
Acid wash the pool’s surface with a brush. Leave the acid on the surface for a couple of minutes. Then rinse it off and wait for it to dry completely.
Then, apply a bond coat once the pool has dried. The coat must be completely dry before proceeding to the following stage. At least 8 hours must pass for this process depending on the size of the pool and weather condition.
See more: How to remove stain from vinyl pool line.
Step 3: Apply Plaster
The first coat of pool plaster can be placed in the pool now. Prepare the plaster as directed by the manufacturer.
On the whole surface of the pool, the plaster must be flawlessly smooth. The plaster will be applied over a scratch coat and the total thickness can range from 3/8 to 12 inches.
Use your trowel to plaster smoothly before another layer is added once it is dry. The first layer can be 3/8 inches thick, the next one can be 1/4 inches thick.
Step 4: Complete the process
Check the whole pool to make sure every inch has been smoothed and plastered once you’ve completed plastering the pool. Once the plaster completely dries, fill the water back into your pool.
Final Thought
Plastering is a surface application method where a cement mix is applied to the walls of a swimming pool. It can be achieved by a team of workers or it can be done by a homeowner alone. If you are new to this work, we advise you hire an expert to do it for you, that can make sure the plastering surface will be even and smooth. In case you want to try DIY, we do hope this article will help you somehow.
FAQs
How long is the lifespan of pool plaster?
If you take care of your pool plaster and it has properly set, it should typically last 15 to 20 years. However, the lifespans of various pool plasters vary based on the material you choose.
How long does it take to plaster a pool?
Replastering a pool typically takes 5-7 days to finish. Weather conditions, however, might make the pool resurfacing procedure more difficult and prolong it by up to 14 days in some situations.
When can I swim after pool plastering?
Loops in the plaster might develop once the water flow is interrupted. So wait for 48 hours after water is refilled before starting swimming.

