Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Why does my plaster have stains?A:Some minor discoloration is normal in new plaster.
However, actual staining can be caused by the following: the pH is too low;
the total alkalinity level is too low;
the calcium hardness level is too low;
the level of total dissolved solids is too high;
high levels of metals in your water.
Stains can also be caused by debris left in the pool. Usually, metals escaping from this debris create a deposit on the pool plaster and this creates discoloring. Items such as a leaf from a tree, if left long enough on the pool floor, can stain your plaster.
Q:How do I eliminate plaster stains?
A:Stain removers and acid washing are two examples of how to remove plaster stains. However, a pool service professional should be consulted before any stain removal is attempted. The use of a stain remover and/or an acid washing should always be performed by a pool service professional. The damage that can be done to your pool surface (plaster) by stain removers and acid washing is far more costly than the cost of a pool service professional.
Q:How do I stop getting plaster stains?
A:Proper water chemistry is one very important factor in helping to eliminate plaster stains. Also, make sure all debris is removed from your swimming pool in a timely manner.
Q:Why is my plaster rough?
A:Rough plaster or sharp areas in your pool that can hurt your feet can be caused by poor water chemistry. Poor water chemistry can cause etching or pitting and both can be unsightly and irritating to swimmers. Etching, scaling or plaster roughness can be cause by low pH or alkalinity. Either way, we are back to water chemistry.
Q:How do I eliminate rough plaster?
A:Many times rough plaster must be sanded by hand with a circular sander with fine paper. An acid wash may also be necessary and in many instances is recommended by pool service professionals when a pool is sanded.
Always check with a pool service professional before any attempt at using any pool service chemical, and always follow the direction on the container.
Q:How do I stop getting rough plaster?
A:Make sure your water chemistry is balanced at least weekly. While this will go a long way in helping to eliminate rough plaster, it may not be enough. Sometimes rough plaster is a by-product of a poor plaster job and the roughness eventually works its way out from the gunite to the exterior of the plaster.
Q:Why do I have little rust stains on my plaster?
A:Rust stains can again be caused by improper chemical treatment, but in most cases rust like stains are caused by debris left undisturbed in the swimming pool. If the stains are on the bottom of the pool, it is usually causes by plant life or some other debris left in the pool by a swimmer. If the stains are on the walls of the pool, the stains are more than likely caused by poor water chemistry.
Q:Why are there white, rock like deposits on my tile?
A:They are called calcium deposits or calcium build-up.
Q:What is calcium build-up?
A:There is usually two much calcium in your swimming pool water.
Q:Why do I have calcium build-up?
A:There is too much calcium in your water. Calcium levels should be between (00000) and (0000) parts per million. Again, improper water chemistry is the culprit.
Q:How do I get rid of calcium build-up?
A:A couple ways to remove calcium deposits from your swimming pool tile are by acid washing the pool and using a pumice stone on the calcium deposit or using a bead blaster to remove the deposits. Bead blasters shoot pressurized glass beads at the deposits removing them from your tile. The beads are then vacuumed up by the bead blasting company. If your pool plaster is in good shape, no roughness or stains, you may want to check into bead blasting as an alternative to acid washing.