Additives to the mix
As clients and pool restoration specialists alike want the economy of standard plaster surfaces, yet also want to avoid some of the problems mentioned above, material suppliers have developed highly innovated chemical additives that can be used during the mixing and application of the coating. These products alter the physical and chemical structure of the plaster surface, increasing its strength and durability without sacrificing esthetics or the plaster’s smooth texture. Admixtures will, however, increase the cost of a pool or spa finish.
There are two admixtures recognized in the industry to reduce etching, cracking, mottling, and other pool/spa-related problems. One contains chemicals known as ‘pozzalans’ which essentially take the weakest element in the plaster (calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]) and ‘lock it’ so it is less susceptible to chemical assault, while the latter is based on silicone chemistry, which has been proven to increase the plaster’s ability to repel water, thus helping protect it from chemical attack.
While these products have been verified to help prevent surface problems, they are not fool-proof. In some cases, changes in the surface’s appearance may still occur, although most likely to a far lesser degree.
The quartz effect
Another highly innovative addition to the palette of surface options has been the use of superior coloured ceramic aggregate products. These aggregates are a specialized form of ceramic-coated sand that comes in a variety of pre-mixed plaster products.
When combined with white or coloured plaster, aggregates afford an even broader range of colour blend effects—from vivid blues and reds to more subtle hues of beige and soft greens. It also has the advantage of creating a much more durable surface than standard plaster. Although it is more expensive, this finish is much harder and far more resistant to fluctuating water chemistry conditions. However, in the presence of extremely harsh water chemistry conditions, this surface can also be susceptible to some problems.
The exposed aggregate revolution
Perhaps the ultimate answer to all pool surface concerns comes in the form of pebble or glass-bead surfaces. These surfaces consist of either small, smooth river pebbles or glass beads embedded throughout the product, making them slightly more textured than the previously described pool/spa finishes. Over the past decade, pebble and glass-bead surfaces have increased in popularity and are available in a broad range of colours and combinations. The pebble look is extremely natural in appearance, whereas glass-bead façades offer a texture and luminosity that sparkles in the sunlight. Both offer a high-end esthetically pleasing look.
These products are the most durable marbelite surfaces currently available. As the stone and glass material that comprises the pebbles/beads is ‘chemically inert,’ it is unlikely to react to poor pool and/or spa water chemistry and, therefore, is less impervious to attack or alterations in appearance. However, under the most extreme chemical conditions, even these surfaces can suffer damage.
