Gemstone™ Care & Info Guide
Swimming pool plaster is composed of white cement and crushed marble. Being a cement product, it goes through a curing stage that takes about fourteen days. During this period, proper care and chemical maintenance is essential. We recommend you take a quart of water from the pool to a reputable pool service/supply store to be chemically analyzed. The following maintenance procedure should be followed:
- FILLING THE POOL-We will begin filling your pool when plastering is completed. Do not turn off the water until it reaches the tile. You should add as many hoses as practical (borrow from your neighbor?). Tie a towel around the end and put it into the deep end of your pool. Filling the pool quickly retards the curing process and minimizes shrinkage checks and crazing.
- BRUSHING THE POOL-As soon as your pool is full, you should begin brushing. Use a nylon bristle pool brush for plaster or a 50/50 (half nylon and half steel) for aggregate pools. Be sure to brush the whole pool-walls, floor, steps, seats, etc. You can’t brush too much (a minimum of three times a day). You will notice a cloudy, dusty material as you brush this is normal. Brushing and strict Ph maintenance will keep the majority of this dust from turning hard on the plaster. Do not run the pool sweep until all sediment is gone.
- FILTRATION-As soon as possible after the pool is full; the filter should be turned on and run 24 hrs/day. System should be run with full bottom suction. Do not turn the filter offuntil the water is clear. Check the filter pressure daily. If you notice a pressure rise of five pounds or more, shut off the system, clean the filter, and restart.
- CHEMICALS-Add a good stain and scale inhibitor that also acts as a metal magnet. Add acid.Ph maintenance cannot be stressed enough! It is critical to get the Ph down to proper levels as quickly as possible. CHECK AND MAINTAIN Ph total alkalinity and hardness morning and evening for two weeks. Add chlorine. Use a test kit to bring chlorine to proper level.
- INFORMATION-Ph Maintenance, filtration, brushing and water balancing are all essential to maintaining a smooth clean fmish that will last for years. Plaster is, however, made from refmed materials applied under conditions beyond our control and is seldom blemish free. No two pools ever look the same. Air temperature, wind, moisture, and exposure to direct sunlight affect all phases of construction and therefore, the finished ‘look’ of your pool. You may notice anyone of the following conditions. These are not considered a deficiency in materials or workmanship:
- Surface checking and crazing-Cement shrinks as it cures. These do not leak, and are usually to ‘tight’ to require patching. More noticeable in colored plaster
- . Discoloration:
- Brownish-Usually organic from dust/dirt
- Greyish-Usually calcium deposits. ALL POOLS have some calcium deposits. Keep to a minimum by adhering to 2, 3, and 4 above.
- Dark spots or blotches on colored plaster-This is the original color of the plaster-Plaster without any calcium deposits on it.
- Dark specks in colored plaster-Inherent in cement pigments.
- Mottling-Blotchy, cloudy, or discolored wavy look-caused by the curing process of cement.
- Plaster feels rough throughout the pool-Due to chemical imbalance or improper brushing.
 |
The Gemstone™ application process begins similar to standard plaster finishes. Materials are mixed, sprayed on and hand troweled. |
 |
|
 |
Here is where the similarities between Gemstone™ and standard plaster end. The cement cream layer is washed away exposing brilliant colored aggregate. It is this cream layer that is so susceptible to the fading, staining and discoloration problems associated with standard plaster. Gemstone™ aggregates are impervious to standard pool water chemistry, will last a lifetime, and do not fade or discolour. |
Thank you for visiting us on the web. Here you will find a list of articles on swimming pool plastering.
Learn more about:
Swimming Pool Plastering options.
Selecting the Proper Pool Finish
Draining Your Roseville California Swimming Pool – permit required.
Our Ultimate Pool Preparation for Resurfacing – MultiCoat
Exposed Aggregate has Surpassed White Pool Plaster – Bob Dumas
Gemstone™ presents an innovative pool finish that contains natural aggregates sourced from the most exotic locations around the globe. These natural stones and crushed sea shells provide you with a surface that is sure to inspire awe from all who see it. The jewel tones and natural materials are an exotic mix of sophistication that will take your pool design to a whole new level. Natural aggregates provide both beauty and durability, resisting fading that can compromise the aesthetics of these materials.
During installation, the pool surface is polished to enhance the natural beauty of these aggregates. Most colors in the Gemstone™ Smooth Polished Pool Finishes also contain 100% mineral-based pigments that have been developed exclusively for Gemstone™ products. Mineral Pigments are extremely stable and resistant to the degradation and fading that can be caused by harmful ultraviolet rays.
Although the series of pool finishes on this page take on the appearance of the more traditional plaster finishes, you cannot judge this book by it’s cover.
Gemstone™ Quartz is specially engineered with natural quartz for a harder and more durable finish. Additionally, special pozzuolanic admixtures are added to fortify the cement matrix. Mineral based pigments are also utilized to provide long lasting color.
Optionally 3m color quartz can be added to enrich and expand our color options.
Download Your Copy
