When it comes to pool interiors, consumers are spoiled for choice

by Sally Bouorm | April 1, 2013 11:15 am

[1]

By Barry Justus

The first pools were built 5,000 years ago in modern-day Pakistan. Waterproofing the pool interior was accomplished by using a combination of bricks, mortar, plaster, and a coating of tar. In 2500 BC, the Romans refined the process with massive public bathing pools that were built to impress. Columns, terracotta, and mosaics were featured in the finish materials for these pools. Modern swimming pools first appeared in Britain in the mid-1800s and often featured an all-tile interior, a material that is in resurgence today in high-end pool projects.

Arguments about the various types of pool construction and interior finishes are endless. Selecting the right one depends on a number of factors as many interior finishes have increased in cost and complexity in the last decade. Regional variances, product/applicator availability, and budget are the usual constraints when it comes to choice.

Many in the industry have witnessed pools that have been lovingly maintained by meticulous owners whose plaster or vinyl interior has lasted well into its third decade. Many have also observed the complete failure of a pool project that can sometimes be measured in years, or even a few months, due to neglect or incompetence on the part of the pool owner or the installer.

What determines longevity?

The longevity of a swimming pools’ interior finish depends on a number of factors, such as:

• Water chemistry, long-term;
• 28-day water start-up;
• Ultraviolet (UV) light and weather exposure;
• Structural integrity of the shell;
• Water penetration;
• Site conditions;
• Preparation of the surface;
• Application methods; and
• Maintenance.

Water chemistry

Regular water chemistry maintenance has the largest effect on the pool’s interior finish. Problems with pH, alkalinity (TA), and other chemical components, directly affect the pool’s interior. Therefore, it is imperative pool owners are given instructions on proper water chemistry practices and applications.

The popularity of salt chlorine generators and the resulting corrosive nature of salt can also affect the interior finish. It is normally advisable to delay the introduction of salt until the completion of the 28-day water start-up period in plaster pools. In many cities, and in particular rural locations, the quality of the initial fill water can also be problematic. By trucking in suitable fill water it will more than compensate for the aggravation of staining and mottling that can occur on different types of pool interiors—especially since most are susceptible to these problems during the initial curing stages of cement-base products.

Simply filling the pool in a timely manner can also alter the longevity and appearance of its interior. For instance, fibreglass pools need to be filled as they are backfilled, while vinyl pool liners are often ‘stretched’ into place by carefully adding water. Concrete pools, on the other hand, should be filled slowly and steadily—too slow and there are risks of staining and scum lines, while too fast can cause structural problems.

Pool start-up

The ‘start-up’ or 28-day cycle of a modern plaster pool is critical to its longevity. As such, many courses are available that teaches industry professionals proper start-up procedures and techniques. The one common denominator is that it is worth the price of hiring a professional to oversee this process. Leaving start-up procedures to the pool owner can lead to problems down the road with esthetics and longevity, not to mention warranty issues. It is always best for the consumer—in addition to the company’s bottom line—to hand over the pool in a working, balanced, and safe condition.

UV light and weather

UV light and weather conditions affect every type of pool interior. One only needs to examine the corner of an older vinyl-liner pool that has been subjected to direct sunlight to see the damaging effects. Often, the rest of the vinyl is perfect, yet the area above the water line can become discoloured and brittle to the point of failure.

Sunlight striking the vanishing edge dam wall of a tiled or aggregate pool can also lead to failure, particularly when combined with poor structural integrity and waterproofing. UV light will practically cause every material, with the exception of some tile products, to fade over time.

Extreme temperature variations can also wreak havoc. Ideally, most pool interiors are installed in moderate temperatures between 10 to 27 C (50 to 80 F). Temperatures above or below this range can prevent a pool’s interior from being finished, e.g. high temperatures can limit the application of glass tiles. The combination of direct sunlight and heat will also accelerate curing times; therefore, using a tent to enclose the project is an advisable alternative. Further, extreme temperatures can also affect the safety of the installation crew working at the bottom of the pool.

In contrast, cold temperatures can make vinyl liner installations more difficult as the lack of stretch in the material will make fitting corners, wall coves, and stairs quite difficult.

On plaster finishes, cold temperatures call for special precautions, such as heating the area to be plastered or the materials to be used, including the water. Using additives such as calcium chloride (CaCl₂) can accelerate the plaster’s set time, while the improper handling of plaster in cold weather can lead to failure, particularly if it is allowed to freeze.

Freeze/thaw circumstances are perhaps the worst environmental condition a swimming pool interior can be subjected to. The waterline and coping normally draw the brunt of the damage, while the improper use of adhesives, combined with poor drainage, installation and material choices, could also lead to failure. For example, ice build-up can damage plaster pool steps; therefore it is a good idea to install durable tile on the upper stairs or shallow lounging areas, leaving the less expensive plaster finish for the balance of the pool interior. Winter conditions have surprisingly little effect on the pool interior below the ice penetration level.

Rain, snow, and intruding water from sprinklers, sloping decks, roofs, and dripping tree leaves can also cause interior finish problems. Limiting the amount of water that reaches the pool interior during the installation process will result in a more durable, esthetically pleasing finish. Construction tenting, pumps, and stopping installation, are all viable options depending on the infiltration severity.

Intrusions from nature, including leaves, grass clippings, windborne debris, and bird droppings can also result in cosmetic flaws on the interior surface. Vinyl pools have the opposite problem as every tiny speck of debris is magnified under the vinyl liner. A simple lady bug left beneath the liner will look like a small rock when viewed underwater.

Structural integrity

The structural integrity of the pool interior’s subsurface greatly affects its longevity. For instance, fibreglass pools are particularly susceptible to backfill settlement, thus the resulting shifting of the pool can cause the structure to bulge or go out of level, stressing the interior finish to the point of failure.

Vinyl pools built with sand or Styrofoam floors can look unsightly in a few years as heal prints in the Styrofoam or shifting of the sand can become readily visible below the surface. On rare occasions, plant material, such as tree roots, can penetrate a poorly constructed concrete or grout pool floor, visibly and mechanically impacting the vinyl as a result. Should the structure of a concrete pool fail, so too will the interior finish. Improper shotcrete techniques and the use of rebound in the shell will also result in failure over time.

Water penetration

Water penetrating the pool shell, combined with poor drainage conditions, will cause trouble for any pool installation. Failure to provide adequate drainage via gravel bases, sump pits/pumps, drain to daylight or other standard construction methods may cause the pool’s interior surface to fail. It is quite common for vinyl liners to float, causing unsightly wrinkles and bulging at the base of the pool walls. This can also be caused by leaks, which is exasperated by poor drainage around the pool shell.

Fibreglass pools can shift or pop out of the ground from excessive ground water conditions that are not controlled by sufficient drainage techniques. All concrete pools can benefit from the installation of drainage wells, and sub-shell drainage systems. Keeping water away from the inside and outside of the concrete shell is desirable. Concrete is not waterproof; therefore, the pool’s interior finish and longevity are greatly enhanced by the use of adequate drainage and waterproofing techniques.

Site conditions

Prevailing site conditions, including groundwater, soil quality, overhead trees, freeze/thaw, and extreme temperatures—along with excessive UV exposure—will affect all types of pools and interior finishes. Careful attention to standard building practices, with particular emphasis on structural conditions of the pool shell, and avoidance of water infiltration will pay large dividends towards the longevity of all pool interiors.

Site preparation

[2]

Surface preparation is particularly important when it comes to interior finishes. Surfaces for vinyl pools must be cleaned spotless and free of water before the liner can be installed. Concrete pools must also be clean, structurally sound, dry, and free of form releases (commonly used to build cast-in-place pools), and chemicals that will alter the adhesion of surface materials. Ideally, concrete pools should be floated with an appropriate cement-based patching product to ensure a relatively uniform surface for application of pool interior finishes. Some finishes such as paints, epoxies, and flex-trowel applications require the concrete to be perfectly smooth for application. Any defects in the concrete will be visible through the relatively thin finish materials.

Application methods and maintenance

Application methods rely on following the manufacturer’s instructions, proper training, site conditions, and having the appropriate amount of workers and equipment to complete the job in a timely manner. Many interior finishes, particularly tile, would benefit from tenting or screening the project from the elements.

Most interior pool finish failures are the result of improper surface preparation combined with inadequate application techniques. The combination of poor structure and drainage will also lead to failure. The ongoing variable for all interior finishes is maintenance. Proper water chemistry and care will result in all interior finishes lasting for their intended duration.

Finishing options for pool interiors

Swimming pool interiors can be finished using any one (or more) of a variety of materials. Some of the more popular include:

Clay

[3]

The interior of a natural pool is constructed using the available local resources, including clay-based ponds and the extension of rivers into communal swimming holes. Low-cost construction and maintenance are the main benefits of these types of ‘pools.’

Pond liners

A more advanced variation of the natural pool can be constructed using various types of flexible membranes, or even a complete concrete structure to make them waterproof, while natural plants serve as the filter. The longevity of the interior finish for these pools is highly dependent on the construction methods used and the prevailing site conditions.

Vinyl liners

[4]

Vinyl swimming pools have been common since the 1960s. Depending on product quality and proper water maintenance, some vinyl liners can fade and degrade in as little as a few years. Generally speaking, however, liners typically last up to 10 years. The advent of interior steps and tanning ledges has stretched the performance of the vinyl liner as these particular design elements can be difficult to install, often requiring on-site welding. For low to mid-range consumers, vinyl still remains the pool interior of choice.

Metal

Swimming pools built entirely of stainless steel are rare, but will certainly stand the test of time. Surface finishes include bare stainless, copper, and full-tile applications. Pools on board ships are often constructed of steel, aluminium, or stainless.

Concrete

There are a variety of options when it comes to concrete pool interiors. Deciding factors include the consumer’s budget and personal choice as well as local conditions. With concrete pool interior finishes the consumer generally gets what they pay for. Exceptions include overpriced plaster and exotic finishes in areas with little competition as prices are highly variable depending on the geographic area of the installation. For instance, areas that have a limited number of installers as well as limited product availability are often priced higher.

Plaster

Basic white plaster was and still is (arguably) the industry leader. However, problems include staining, mottling, roughness, and longevity. In the past, asbestos was added to the plaster mix, which greatly increased its longevity; lasting up to 30 years was not uncommon. Rated a three on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, plaster will generally last five to seven years; however, this is highly dependent on proper application and regular water maintenance. Plaster is typically used to finish low- to mid-range concrete swimming pool interiors.

Quartz

[5]

Quartz finishes are more durable and esthetically pleasing than basic plaster. The longevity of this interior finish is also highly dependent on the method of application and water maintenance. These finishes typically last seven to 10 years; however, they can end up blotchy with different exposure rates. Quartz finishes are typically used on mid-range swimming pool projects.

Stone

Also popular are polished interior finishes comprising pebbles. These finishes can last more than 10 years and can be polished a few times to increase longevity and esthetic appeal; however, polishing should stop when reaching the pebble’s equator. The feel of the product is dependent on pebble size and highly subject to the actual applicator. This interior finish is a good choice for mid-range to high-end pool projects.

Tile

[6]

Tile pool finishes are both esthetically pleasing and resilient. Life expectancies can exceed more than 30 years; however, application techniques play a large role in their longevity. Tile finishes are typically found on high-end pool projects.

In conclusion

Both the consumer and the contractor are spoiled for choice when it comes to swimming pool interior finish options. Generally speaking, product longevity is reflected in its selling price. Buyers beware of the marketing hype as application excellence is one of the main factors that determines the esthetics and longevity of pool interior finishes.

 

 

Barry Justus is the founder and president of Poolscape Inc. He designs and lectures internationally, is a member of the Society of Watershape Designers and is a faculty instructor with Genesis 3 Design Group. Justus can be reached via e-mail at barry@poolscape.com[7] or by visiting www.poolscape.com[8].

 

 

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/when-it-comes-to-pool-interiors-consumers-are-spoiled-for-choice/

---