15. Dec. 2022 / by /   Pool Ownership / 0 comments

Do’s and Don’ts for New Pool Plaster

The excitement of a new pool is an incredible feeling. For a lifetime of enjoyment, there’s a critical period in the first 30 days when you need to maintain your fresh pool plaster. These steps, especially brushing twice a day, will keep your plaster pristine for years to come.

Understanding Plaster

The primary ingredient in pool plaster is cement, which hardens into concrete. Just like concrete sidewalks and driveways, this product needs time to fully dry. It might look finished on the surface, but underneath, a chemical process called hydration is still occurring.

Plaster’s cure time is essential because it needs to develop:

  • Structural strengthening
  • Water tightness
  • Resistance to freeze-thaw cycles
  • Color fastness

What’s cool about plaster is that it cures under water. Yes, it doesn’t and shouldn’t be exposed to the air during this period! The pool is actually filled the same day that plaster is finished.

So what happens if you ignore your fresh pool plaster? All sorts of issues can pop up. Structural damage is a huge concern, especially spalling (flaking of the top layer) and crazing (a network of cracks like on an eggshell). There can also be aesthetic problems, such as inconsistent plaster color, stains, and leftover impressions from trowels.

The good news is that the cure time for pool plaster is fairly quick. According to the National Plasterers Council, around 85% of the plaster’s cement cures within the first month. It’s why this initial 30 days is when you need to take preventive steps to protect the plaster.

How to Protect Fresh Pool Plaster

The most important step is to brush, brush, brush for the first two weeks. Twice a day, just like brushing your teeth.

This is because as plaster cures, it leeches calcium into the water. If it’s not removed, the efflorescence will cling to surfaces and eventually harden into a white scale. Loosening this dust into the water allows it to circulate and get filtered out.

Other do’s and don’ts that are necessary in the first month include:

 

Do use a nylon brush

 

  

It’s firm enough to remove dust without leaving marks.

 
 

Don’t add chlorine for first 48 hours

 

  

Chlorine can interfere with the chemical process during initial curing.

 
 

 

Do adjust calcium

 

  

Water is attracted to calcium, even pulling it out of materials. Not only will that throw off your pH, but it can cause structural issues in walls, tile grout, and plaster.

 
 

Do add muriatic acid

 

  

This is to level out your pH. Make sure to add at the recommended amount and frequency.

 
 

Don’t use heater the first 4-10 days

 

  

If plaster dust absorbs heat, it can settle and harden on your heat exchanger, destroying the copper coating.

 
 

Don’t use robot cleaners the first month

 

  

You don’t want extra weight or a device with wheels on plaster that’s not fully strengthened.

 
 

Don’t use salt generator the first month

 

 Salt is abrasive, so plaster should reach proper hardness before coming in contact.

 

Best of all, these steps won’t prevent you from using your new pool! You only need to wait for the first four days. But after that, you and your family are free to enjoy the water even as the plaster continues to cure. Simply be mindful of any metal edges on swimsuits or water shoes in the first week.

Other inspiration for maintaining your pool:

15. Oct. 2022 / by /   Pool Ownership, Splash Pool & Spa Products / 0 comments

3 Reasons To Love Fiberglass Pools

Have you considered a fiberglass pool? Although we started as custom concrete pool builders, we have come to love fiberglass pools too! Fiberglass is a durable material that is used for insulation, bathtubs, and boats. Its amazing structural properties are perfect for pools too. Fiberglass pools have three unique features: fast installation, great durability, and fun designs.

1) Quick Installation

Because fiberglass is a moldable plastic, fiberglass pools are manufactured as a single piece. This is a significant labor advantage! The majority of the pool is built in a factory and delivered as a complete unit.

It takes an average of 1.5 months (6 weeks) to order, ship, and install a fiberglass pool. Once it arrives at your home, it only takes 1-2 day to excavate, install, and backfill. It takes twice as long to finish a custom concrete pool because it needs time to cure properly.

2) Durability

Thanks to the power of polymerization, fiberglass will last for decades with no surface maintenance. That’s right – less scrubbing! That’s because its nonporous surface:

  • won’t react to pool chemicals
  • resists algae
  • is less prone to staining

Worried about Iowa winters and damage from freeze-thaw cycles? Fiberglass won’t break even when the temperatures are below zero. But just to be on the safe side, our fiberglass pool provider Barrier Reef offers a lifetime limited structural warranty plus a 15-year finish warranty against blistering.

Fiberglass pools are truly a low maintenance option. Vinyl liners have to be replaced every 7-10 years and cost between $4,000-12,000 each time. Concrete pools have a longer life but can require resurfacing from time to time (about every 15-20 years). Plaster and interior tile on a concrete pool need regular cleaning. A fiberglass pool only requires minimal upkeep like skimming and vacuuming.

Best of all, fiberglass pools are a great match for salt generators. This type of water treatment uses electricity to turn sodium chloride into free chlorine. Read our post about saltwater generators to learn more.

3) Breezy Designs

Fiberglass pools are beautiful and elegant. Trust us – your pool will not look like a cheap bathtub!

Fiberglass pools have a fantastic array of shapes and colors. Freeform and kidney designs are where fiberglass really shines. Barrier Reef even has a Roman pool for a truly unique option. There’s stately rectangles and classic squares too.

Fiberglass is also perfect for homeowners who want a predesigned pool. We get it – not everyone loves picking tiles and plaster options. Each of Barrier’s fiberglass pools come in one specific shape and dimensions – all you have to do is pick the shell color.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t customization! Some models have sun shelves with loungers, deep end seating, or wraparound seat ledges. Several even have integrated spas.

Ready to get started on your fiberglass pool project? Call us at (319) 200-POOL or build your pool wishlist here.

Read more tips on planning your pool:

15. Sep. 2022 / by /   Pool Design / 0 comments

How To Determine Your Pool Deck Size

An essential part of your pool design is the decks. Typically made from concrete or pavers, this patio provides a relaxing lounge spot. The square footage of the pool decking is ultimately determined by your design vision. Consider how these four factors will impact your pool deck size.

1) Coverage

The first question to ask is how much of your pool perimeter should have decking. There’s no rule that says a deck has to completely surround all sides! Not everyone has available yard to expand the pool zone in four directions. We’ve designed pools with as little as 3 feet of pool decks so it really comes down to preference and space.

The width of your deck is also important to consider. It doesn’t make sense to only have a thin sidewalk. Remember that the deck is more than a path to enter the pool. This is your opportunity to create an outdoor living room!

2) Number of Users

How many people will enjoy your pool? Beyond your immediate household, think about all the opportunities to gather friends and family: children playdates, an afternoon with coworkers, reunions, and holidays. Even if you only throw a pool party several times a year, you don’t want to stress about where to fit everyone.

3) Furniture

Furniture will transform your pool deck into a beautiful oasis for conversation and food. It’s important to visualize how much space your seating and table set will occupy. Even if you haven’t purchased furniture yet, you can look at pieces to anticipate their size and layout.

Don’t forget you need room to easily walk around furniture. No reason to feel cramped when outdoors! Having ample deck space also reduces the risk of tripping hazards and serves as a safety buffer for any grills or fire pits.

4) Features

No pool is complete without personalized touches. This is your chance to have a backyard resort! Pool decks are the perfect canvas to add unique features:

  • Shading like pergolas or umbrellas
  • Sun shelves and built-in seating
  • Waterfalls
  • Landscaping planters

Because all of these are sizable amenities, your pool designer needs to plan how to integrate permanent structures in advance. This ensures the entire design flows seamlessly. Your pool deck deserves it!

Are you thinking about a new pool or renovation for next season? Fall is the ideal time to start planning! Read our post on why you should get a jump on your pool project now. Call us today at 319-200-7665 to schedule a free consult.

You can also learn more about pool decks and projects by reading:

15. Jul. 2022 / by /   Water Quality / 0 comments

Maintaining Proper Pool And Spa Calcium Levels

Do you have calcium concerns? No, we aren’t talking about nutrition but water chemistry! Calcium is a mineral that is common in Iowa tap water. If you’ve ever scrubbed hard water scale, you know how frustrating calcium deposits are. In pools and spas, unbalanced calcium will throw off your water quality.

This FAQ will tell you everything you need to know about calcium, why it’s damaging to pools and spas, and how to correct it.

And if you want to see a massive chunk of calcium that one of our techs had to chisel out of a pool heater, watch our Splashy Segment Calculating Calcium!

Q: What is the ideal range for calcium?

A: Calcium should be within 200-400 ppm (parts per million) for concrete pools and 150-250 ppm for hot tubs. You can use a normal test strip to get an accurate reading.

Q: Why are calcium levels so important?

A: Because calcium is naturally occurring, there’s no way to avoid it. Calcium affects whether water is too hard or soft – both of which create problems. It has to be just right, which is why it’s essential to always monitor water quality.

Q: Why is high calcium a problem?

A: Calcium that’s over 400 ppm will become a visible issue. It usually appears as stubborn scale that’s dingy white. It’s abrasive too, snagging bathing suits and scratching skin.

It will also collect on the insides of your pool or spa components. It can clog filters, making it more difficult to screen other particles. Calcium deposits can also decrease pipe diameter, creating pressure issues. Scale also acts as an insulator on hot tub heaters, making them less effective.

High calcium may also present as cloudy water. If you’ve shocked and added clarifier but the water’s still murky, calcium is likely to blame.

Q: Is it true your calcium can be too low?

A: Yes! Don’t let calcium fall below 200 ppm. Despite its name, soft water is actually corrosive. That’s because low pH means high acidity.

Acids love to create trouble. They can etch surfaces (metal and acrylic alike), irritate skin, dissolve grout and plaster, and pit concrete. They can even cause your hot tub heater to malfunction by eroding its metal parts.

Q: Yikes! How do I fix my calcium levels?

A: If it’s too low, simply add a calcium hardness product to your water. We recommend Brilliance Calcium Hardness for spas or X for pools. Make sure to follow the directions for your gallonage and retest afterward to confirm calcium is at the right level.

The fix for high calcium is more costly – drain and refill. It’s not a big deal with a hot tub (read our refresher on draining spas). But that process is harder and more expensive with a pool. That’s why your best option is to never let calcium get too high in the first place.

For more tips on how to stay on top of water chemistry:

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