Pool and spa surface restoration market continues to expand

by jason_cramp | April 1, 2015 12:31 pm

[1]

By Melanie Rekola

Pool surface finishing is a sought after expertise as no matter how well a concrete pool is built, there comes a time when restoration may be needed. Pool plastering (otherwise known as marbelite) is a highly specialized skillset. Unlike other areas
 of masonry surfacing, marbelite belongs to its own distinct category as its finishes are unique in that they are constantly submerged in water. The following is a guide for pool builders and renovators on the various marbelite finish options available as well as some installation tips, tricks, and cautions.

What is marbelite?

Marbelite pool plaster, which comprises a mixture of fortified white cement, white marble dust, and other additives, has been used by industry professionals for more than 50 years as an interior finishing product designed for resurfacing gunite or shotcrete pools and spas.

This cement-based concrete mixture can be left a classic white, or customized by adding colour to the mix and/or a specialty finish, e.g. coloured quartz, pebble, or glass bead. When applied properly, pool plaster can transform ordinary and old unsightly concrete into a beautiful and practical surface that
is resistant to chemicals, algae, and staining.

Pool plaster and water interaction

It is important to note, every pool finish is exposed to fluctuating water chemistry conditions. It is this constant exposure to pool and spa water (which is treated with a variety of chemicals) that creates a dynamic environment where mineral content of the vessel’s surface and water are constantly interacting. This interrelation between water and surface is unavoidable. In many cases, it will cause the appearance of the pool or spa surface to change—either slowly over time, or more rapidly in some rare occasions. In many cases, this phenomenon is purely cosmetic, while in other, more extreme, situations some surfaces will start to deteriorate.

Therefore, the importance of balanced water chemistry cannot be overstated as it is essential to the lifespan of every marbelite application. It is especially important to understand should heavy amounts of metals (i.e. copper [Cu] and iron [Fe]) precipitate in the pool/spa water it may result in unsightly stains around a new pool plaster finish. The correct water chemistry table to abide by is shown in Figure 1 below.

pH	7.4 to 7.6
Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)	Below 50 parts per million (ppm)
Alkalinity	80 to 120 ppm
Sequestering agent	10 to 20 ppm
Free available chlorine (FAC)	1 to 3 ppm
Metals	0 ppm
Combined chlorine	0 ppm
Total available chlorine (TAC)	Equal to FAC (represents 0 ppm combined)
Calcium hardness	200 to 400 ppm (below 250 ppm for exposed aggregate)
Total dissolved solids (TDS)	Below 1200 ppm or no more than 800 ppm above fill water

[2]

Plaster possibilities

With so many pool and spa finish options offered by present-day specialists, it is understandable why most clients want to explore and comprehend the specific benefits and drawbacks inherent 
in the various pool and spa surface products. Unfortunately, the choices can be confusing and the information available even contradictory. Therefore, to help guide a client through the process of selecting the best finish suited to their needs, keep the following information in mind
as when discussing their possibilities.

The classic white

The original standard white plaster is the tried and true pool/spa surface finish, which has remained popular despite a myriad of options made available in recent years. Its simple combination of white cement, white marble aggregate, and water makes it an economical choice.

When a white marbelite pool is filled with water, it gives the pool a brilliant, pure light-blue appearance. Due to its relatively soft nature, it is especially vulnerable to poorly maintained and/or fluctuating water chemistry conditions. During the life of the finish, it is also quite common for
it to change in appearance. These changes can be subtle, perhaps slight shading or scaling, or far more dramatic in the form of pronounced staining, etching, or cracking. Delaminating can even occur in some extreme cases.

Though white plaster is susceptible to all water conditions, when installed correctly and the water is properly maintained, it is a reliable product that is smooth to the touch. It is also one of the more affordable finishes.

Coloured pool surfacing

A tinted marbelite upgrade is a great option for clients who want their pool to have a unique finish. There is a wide range of colour options available with more than 1000 designer shades and tones, making the possibilities almost infinite. Perhaps a client requires a light colour hue modification or a medium grey/green blend similar to a pond-like water feature. For some consumers, deep blue/black tones are preferred to create a mysterious effect for contemporary pool designs.

The addition of colour does not give the plaster any extra strength; it is purely cosmetic. However, quartz or pebble additives can also be added to the coloured marbelite mix to achieve a more durable and layered look.

By its nature, coloured plaster will accentuate any cosmetic variance characteristics. Mottling, for example, can be more pronounced in coloured plaster than in white. Coloured plaster may also exhibit pigment stains, streaks, unevenness of colour and/or more noticeable check and/or crazing cracking (i.e. a network of fine cracks, usually in a hexagonal pattern).

Variations of shade will also exist between colour sample chips and mixed plaster. Over time, the colour may fade completely or it may grow gradually lighter. The client should understand over the life of the pool finish it will likely differ from the precise shade that was anticipated and that these conditions are in no way considered
a product deficiency.

[3]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.

 

[4]

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.

[5]

Surface application guidelines

Before starting a marbelite application it is essential to take the necessary steps beforehand to properly prepare the pool and/or spa.

For instance, when restoring an existing pool and/or spa, always acid wash the surface first. Then, follow this cleaning process with a slush coat made up of one part slurry bond and four parts water 12 hours before the next step, which involves applying a scratch/bond coat.

The scratch/bond coat is mandatory. This acrylic-based bonding adhesive should be applied with a notched trowel and appear as a rough finish. This initial coat should be left to
dry for five to seven days before it is ready for the marbelite application.

Another step that may be required on certain pool and/or spa renovations is keying below the waterline tiles. This is necessary in cases where the marbelite surface is applied without replacing the waterline tiles. Because the final plaster finish is 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) thick, the area below the waterline tiles must be chipped and removed to avoid a bulge or lip where the plaster meets the tile. This keying technique ‘feathers in’ the plaster surface to eliminate any noticeable seams.

Step 1

Drain pool. Put on work gloves and safety goggles to protect skin and eyes from the marbelite mixture as well as a face mask to avoid inhalation of the material. Wear white rubber boots with cleats attached to the bottom to protect the plaster surface as it is applied.

Step 2

Remove any standing water that remains on the pool floor. Depending on the moisture level in the air, dampening the pool surface via garden hose is sometimes necessary.

Step 3

Machine mix the marbelite according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add water to the mix until it is has a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 4

Trowel the marbelite onto the pool surface by hand, starting at the top of the wall, working downward. Use a rounded steel trowel for the material application, firmly pressing the plaster onto the pool surface, creating a 4-mm (0.157-in.) thick layer. Once the finish sets, add another layer of equal thickness.

Step 5

Plaster the pool floor starting in the deep end, working towards the pool’s shallow end. Use two layers of plaster on the pool floor as well. Allow the marbelite to set slightly, just short of hardening in place. Add more layers to damaged areas as necessary.

Step 6

Trowel the marbelite finish one last time to polish the surface. Use smooth, even strokes while polishing to remove any marks left by trowelling. While polishing, keep the trowel damp by dipping it into a bucket of water to avoid leaving burn marks on the plaster surface from the friction of the trowel. Then, allow the marbelite coating to cure. The length of this process will depend on the moisture level in the air.

Step 7

When the plaster has cured, fill the pool with water. If using a garden hose, attach a deflector to avoid damage to the surface caused by the water pressure. Keep the marbelite surface damp while filling the pool by spraying it down every hour.

Step 8

For the first three weeks, scrub the marbelite surface daily using a soft pool brush, and backwash the pool every day. The pool should also be vacuumed frequently to remove any waste. To avoid damaging the finish, avoid using a robotic cleaner during the first three weeks after application.

Après marbelite

The following tips will help to ensure the best possible, long-lasting marbelite pool finish.

• 
Begin filling the pool with water immediately after the marbelite finish has cured. At the same time, start filtering the pool immediately to decrease calcium buildup as well as to ensure proper pool circulation for chemical distribution.
• 
Ensure the pool’s filtration system is properly functioning at all times to maintain clear, sanitary water conditions.
• 
Whenever possible, only use name-brand products for treating the pool water. Do not be tempted by cheaper, imitation products that may contain damaging additives.
• 
Keep the marbelite surface wet and clean of debris. Note: should some crazing appear, it is perfectly normal and will likely disappear after the marbelite has finished absorbing moisture.
• 
For the first two weeks, clean the pool daily with a non-metallic brush and vacuum, but avoid using a vacuum 
with wheels that may scuff the surface.
• 
The pool’s pH level may seem slightly high for a few weeks; however, this is normal. It should decrease with continued use. The desired pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6.
• 
Cover the pool when it is not being used.
• 
Always keep the water level above the marbelite finish to avoid crazing, delamination, or discolouration.

[6]

Renovation market is ever expanding

Where a pool or spa surface restoration is needed there is often a plethora of other products and services required in addition to a new plaster surface. Pool coping and waterline tiling work is regularly required and, sometimes, the entire plumbing system and equipment gets upgraded as well. Some restoration projects also involve complete landscape rejuvenations, opening the door to all this trade has to offer as well.

On large projects, many contractors choose to hire a reputable pool resurfacing sub-trade to perform the plaster work properly, thus avoiding pitfalls due to lack of knowledge and/or experience. When offering this renovation service, make sure the client contract is air-tight and explains in detail the inherent cosmetic variances associated with plaster surfaces. Further, make sure the client is aware of the adverse effects of poor water chemistry from the start, and avoid unnecessary problems by giving them proper chemical guidelines to follow.

Pool surface restoration is a rewarding field that is continuing to grow. It can offer builders steady work and income for those who choose to learn the craft. The field is forever changing as new finishes, techniques, and additives come to market, which also often require continuing education. Rest assured, the industry will continue to see ongoing growth and many more pool and spa resurfacing options in the future as this field continues to advance.

[7]Melanie Rekola is an award-winning landscape designer with Blue Diamond Pools & Landscaping, 
a pool restoration and landscape design/build firm in Barrie, Ont. She studied horticultural design 
at the University of Guelph and owned her own recognized landscape design/build firm. Now, with Bluediamond Pools, Rekola continues to use her passion and skill to design and create a diverse range of landscape projects. She can be reached via e-mail at melanie@bluediamondpool.ca[8].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/pool-and-spa-surface-restoration-market-continues-to-expand/

---