Modified Plaster Additives

There are additives used for the regular plaster mix that do help produce positive results. Polymers and or pozzolans have been introduce to the mix and tested in the past for cements other than swimming pool plaster. These special blends have been proven to add substantial strength to the cements performance over documented time.

When added to a traditional plaster mix it helps prevent the precipitation of the important bi-products of plaster during its curing and aging process. One of them being the natural salts of the cement known as calcium hydroxide better known by pool service technicians as plaster dust during the first weeks after applying the plaster. Our silicone shields additive seals the cement which helps convert this Hydroxide into less soluble compounds for a more durable finish.

Long Lasting Pool Plaster Finish

Over time our industry has recognize that by adding small polished pebbles to pool plaster increases the surface life of the pool finish. Additionally, the use of pebbles in the plaster provides uniformity in the color of the finish. Essentially, exposed aggregate surfaces are the combination of various sizes of round polished rocks, plaster, dye packs and in some cases polymer or pozzalan additives to extend the life of the surface.

Once applied, to the pool surface it is then troweled, the cement washed with a mist of water to expose the pebbles, re-troweled or pack by the plasters and repeated with a mist wash. This procedure produces a surface with an array of pebble hues packed tightly exposing an elegant surface that will out last a traditional plaster mix.

A Third Less The Cost of Pebble

Quartz products are another consideration for a pool surface.

There’s traditional smooth plaster, addition of polymers for longevity, pebble surfaces, and finally the quartz surface which is a surface with a cost in between. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the earth’s continental crust. Why is it so abundant? Simply because it can with stand all that nature’s had to offer one century over the next. Quartz is considered by scientists to be one of the strongest minerals found. Our industry realizes, when crushed, quartz can also be mixed with cement for a more durable lasting pool plaster surface. These quartz crystal have been tested and tried in situations emulating an environment found in the conditions subject to pool water and it’s chemistry. Data has shown that quartz will sustain the most harsh conditions than any mineral other than diamonds. When mixed with plaster, applied, and exposed with a mist of water, the surface will produce an array of colored crystals that sparkle (like diamonds) under the suns light. Nevertheless. The majority of our customers prefer to have this surface troweled smooth. Rather than expose the quartz, deal with a textured surface, most clients have us have us do it this way, so they can enjoy the comfort of a smooth floor/walls, and the durability of what this surface is meant to do last.

Plaster may not be the most widely used and economical choice for today’s swimming pool surface.

Before the technology of Quartz swimming pool surfaces, pebble surfaces, and the modified additives for traditional pool plaster, there was only white plaster. With today’s’ modified surfaces traditional plaster may not be the most economical choice for today’s swimming pool surface. The creamy blend of Portland white cement and crushed marble sand produces a smooth silky look as well as texture. This combination of material produces a surface with an average life span of 9 to 12 years. I’ve seen some surfaces hold it’s integrity for up to 20 years. As with all swimming pool surfaces, maintaining proper pool chemistry is paramount to longevity and family enjoyment.

River Rok® is a smoother pebble type product.

River Rok contains blends of selected natural aggregates and is fortified with polymer cement. River Rok is ideal for new or swimming pool renovations. Available in 6 basic colors that can be blended to produce many others shades and hues, we can create the color schemes your imagination desires. River Rok finishes are factory blended to provide the pool owner with an extremely durable and attractive alternative to traditional pool coatings. Generation Pool Plastering has many custom color blends – call for details.

Color and its effects on the water is a priority concern. Whether you select traditional plaster, quartz, or pebble, color ultimately will compliment the statement or mood you desire to achieve. Further, will also enhance the richness, beauty, and intensity of your pool for years to come. Medium grey color has been the most popular since its introduction to swimming pools over three decades ago. This was, and still is, accomplished by adding black pigment to the traditional white plaster mix until the desired shade is achieved. Created and dubbed “Tahoe blue” by a well known plastering contractor in the early 70′s, it’s still the most widely selected color today. Under different names, it may be introduced through manufactured color packs or in premixed blends with your quartz or pebble finish.