Feel free to contact us through this site or by other means for any other questions or concerns. Part of my service whether you are a customer or visitor is to respond promptly and professionally. Over the years I’ve listened closely to each one of my customers and enjoyed answering their questions. The Nevada area particularly has its own distinctive concerns, so I hope these FAQ’s are helpful to you, me and our industry as a whole. Thank you. Valentino R. owner.

When is a good time to start getting estimates for our swim season?

A. A good time is generally in the months of September through March depending on the scope of work being performed, and when your project is desired to begin and be completed. It’s always wise to get your bid way ahead of time and make a decision especially when a dead line is considered. I don’t feel anytime is too early. In regards to commercial pools, I know the memorial day is very important. Jobs booked prior to that day have high priorities in our office, in fact, we’ve never missed our mark. Sign by mid March if you can, or consider waiting till after the season.  It’s your contractors obligation to be honest and truthful whether he’ll meet your dead line.

When is a good time to start a project or apply the plaster finish in regards to freezing temperatures?

A. We never want to plaster during the freezing temps in the season. Nevada can produce different temps from one mile to the next prior or just at the beginning of the winter season. Temperatures can also fluctuate drastically when the sun changes it’s position. This fluctuation in temperature can hinder the plaster from drying in time, most significantly when the temperature drops too low. Usually consider wrapping up thoughts of plastering by mid November through February, Unless nature can manage temps that will allow for the plaster to dry before starting the water in the pool. For the most part it’s hit and miss till mid April as far as the rain is concerned.

How long does a replaster take to complete?

A. If the weather is good, a typical replaster will take 3 working days plus 2 days of what I call schedule considerations. Larger pools may take up to 7 days.

How long does a regular plaster surface last?

A. That really depends on the individual taking care of the pool. There is much more to pool care than water clarity. Other variables play an important role in the longevity of a plaster surface. I’ve met with customers that say to me “I’ve had this plaster job for twenty years”. By the looks it was ready 8 years ago. Esthetically a typical plaster job will last about 9 years, but aesthetics have nothing to do with the integrity of the plaster itself. Most customers will get a plaster job because it has lost its soft feel, or has become discolored, while others will choose to wait till the surface literally begins to crumble. It’s strength or integrity will be the last to go, which is normally in the range of 13 to 18 years.

What type of plaster finish or other products will sustain the Nevada climates, and which has more longevity?

A. Nevada’s climate particularly seems to take its toll on the life expectancy of a regular plaster surface, especially pools that are drained annually and have heavy usage. Most pools in the Nevada region as well as the Tahoe area opt to go with a quartz finish such as Diamond Brite.  Diamond Brite has the smoothness of plaster with the longevity of a pebble finish. Diamond Brite contains a polymeric cement premixed with colored quartz.. Quartz, being the second strongest mineral besides diamonds, replaces the conventional marble sand found in a regular plaster mix. The matrix from polymers in Diamond Brites’ cement, and durability of the dense quartz additives will help sustain the abuse of harsh water chemistry with age. If a Diamond Brite surface is not in your budget than I would recommend enquiring the use of a polymer additive to the regular plaster mix or a Quartz additive in place of the marble sand.

After our pool is filled, when is it ok for everyone to swim?

A. This is a very commonly asked question. freshly plastered pools need time to cure properly, which normally takes 7 to 10 days. During this period there should be no swimming. Your pool service technician needs this period  to adjust the water chemistry. As soon as the ph/ alkalinity are stabilized, and there is no longer a powder residual present while sweeping the pool is ready for swimming.

When can the pool or spa be heated?

A. After the pool or spa is filled and balanced. Never heat the water before ten days regardless.

Do you offer, or is there a such thing, as a lifetime warranty for pool plaster?

NO and NO! Unfortunately, certain salesmen will use issues of warranties as a tool for closing a deal. Such additives as the Pebble its self or the quartz in an upgrade finish can be warranted for extended periods of time, in some cases for the life of whatever they deem a pebble or  a quarts will last. Take into consideration that either one is only part of the mix. Remember, that the cement makes up a large percentage of these products ingredient by which both components (pebbles or quartz) are mixed with. Cement is the matrix (what holds it all together) of any certain product. Whether it’s a pebble, quartz or a traditional plaster finish, cement is what resists the harsh water chemistry with age. Do they offer an extended warranty on the cement component itself? When the decision of which contractor to use for the re-plastering of your pool comes down to who has the best warranty, consider reading the fine print, go over all the stipulations as all warranties have, and ask for referrals in your area. Will you be dealing with an accountable owner whom will be forward and honest with you?