Does colored pool plaster fade? - Project Sports
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Does colored pool plaster fade?

7 min read

Asked by: Keith Burnley

Pool plaster can be a great finish for your pool, but if you’re not careful, over time, the color of the plaster can fade, which will change the color of your pool’s water.

How long does colored plaster last?

5-10 years

Colored plaster often streaks, mottles, or otherwise changes or loses its dye. Plaster is the least durable of the interior finishes for concrete pools. It only lasts 5-10 years.

Does colored plaster fade?

In turn, builders, remodelers, and plasterers are motivated to provide colorfast surfaces that endure the dynamic swimming pool environment. Unfortunately, as we all know, that’s not always the case – colors do sometimes fade.

Can pool plaster be colored?

Colors: Pool plaster can be dyed any color by the use of colorants added to the mix. Lamp black dye, in different amounts, can produce shades from light gray to dark black. Hues of blue and red can also be easily and cheaply added to the marcite mix.

How long does plaster last in a pool?

15-20 years

When it comes to durability, both plaster and pool paint are built to hold up against the chemicals in your pool and natural conditions outside of it such as harmful UV rays; however, most pool plaster lasts 15-20 years, while epoxy pool paint – the longest-lasting type of pool paint on the market – needs to be …

Which pool finish lasts the longest?

Tile Finishes

Tile Finishes



Though tile is the most expensive pool finish and takes longer to install than plaster and aggregate, it’s the longest lasting pool surface. With proper application and minimal maintenance, tiles should never need to be replaced. Tile pool finishes come in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone.

What color should pool plaster be?

The most common plaster colors are: light (blue or gray), blue, green, teal/turquoise, and dark (gray/black). Pool plaster color can also play a role in hiding imperfections. Over time, the plaster will begin to show signs of fading and deterioration due to the sun’s UV rays and harsh pool chemicals in the water.

How do you fix pool plaster discoloration?

Sometimes, depending on severity, the appearance can be improved by an in-pool acid wash. Extreme cases may require the pool to be drained and acid applied directly on the finish. For quartz pool finishes, an acid wash might be able to reduce the appearance of mottling.

Can you change the color of a gunite pool?

Gunite Pool Colors, Plaster Finish Colors



If you’re getting ready to install a pool in your yard, you can change the color of the water with the gunite finish.

How do you know when to Replaster a pool?

Top 10 Signs You Have To Refinish Your Pool

  1. Plaster Flaking or Peeling. Maybe you’ve noticed the plaster is peeling along the steps or floor of your pool or spa. …
  2. Surface Stains. …
  3. Roughness. …
  4. Check Cracks. …
  5. Plaster Discolorations. …
  6. Structural Cracks. …
  7. Rust Stains. …
  8. Loss of Pebbles.

What causes pool plaster discoloration?

What Is It? Gray (or grey) mottling discoloration is due to high amounts of calcium chloride added to a plaster mix, and or late, hard and dry troweling. This issue has nothing to do with the water chemistry or the way the pool was originally started up with chemicals when initially filled with water.

Why is my pool paint coming off?

There are many reasons why your pool paint might be peeling. The most common reasons are poor surface preparation, excessive moisture, poor workmanship, and water leakages. Together, these problems can not only reduce the visual appeal of your pool, but also cost you a fortune in repairs.

How often should you Replaster your pool?

Every 10 Years

On Average, Replastering is Every 10 Years



So how often do you need to replaster a pool? The short answer is about every 10 years. However, it’s important to consider the factors mentioned above, as they are typical signs that your pool needs to be replastered.

Does Pebble Tec last longer than plaster?

Pebble Tec is extremely durable. Compared to plaster pools that only last between 6-8 years, Pebble Tec pool finishes can last from 10-15 years.

Is Pebble Tec better than plaster?

Pool plaster is not as durable as Pebble Tec®. Over time, it discolors, stains, and collects bacteria. This is due to its porous surface material being difficult to fully clean.

What happens if you dont Replaster pool?

When you are swimming, you would get scratched or roughened when you step out of the pool. Also, you could get scratched or your swimsuit could get torn with the jagged plaster. If it’s unpleasant to run your hand along the side of the pool or climb up the stairs then its because your plaster is wearing thin.

What is the difference between Replastering and resurfacing a pool?

And it's anything to do with a swimming pool or its structure replastering a pool just refers to the interior surface removing. And replacing the plaster part of the pool.

How long do gunite pools last?

But a properly built Gunite pool can and should last for 100 years or more, with no risk of cracking whatsoever. We’ve been building Gunite pools for more than 40 years (more than 4000 swimming pools), and we’ve never had one crack yet.

Can you Replaster a pool without removing tile?

​Yes. The thinset and grout used to install the new tile will fall onto the pool surface. This is not easily brushed off. The pool will likely have to be pressure washed and possibly acid washed after the retile if you are not replastering the pool as well.

How many layers of plaster can a pool have?

two layers

After you have a nice, uniform surface all along your pool, you’ll need to apply an acid wash and then a bond coat, allowing time between each coat to dry. Then you’ll need to mix and apply two layers of plaster to the pool bottom and walls.

Can you plaster over old plaster pool?

If a pool that is going to be replastered has more than one layer of plaster, the outer layers must be completely removed. Anything less than this is a bad practice that can lead to failure in your investment. A replaster should only be performed on the original plaster layer.

How long does White pool plaster last?

10 to 15 years

Standard white plaster will do what it is supposed to. It will be watertight and serve its function for that 10 to 15 years depending on maintenance. But pebble finishes, properly installed and maintained, will last 20 to 30 years or more. It is the most durable finish our industry has to offer.

Why does a white pool look blue?

Sunlight is white, which is made up of all the colours of the spectrum. The molecules in pool water absorb light from the red end of the spectrum when sunlight falls on the water. By removing the red, the light which ends up being reflected has a slightly blue hue which can vary in richness by water depth.

What does a pool look like with white plaster?

It's a relatively small pool. You can see it just adds to the style of the house. And it kind of matches the modern look the house here. And even the white plaster is the most economical way to go.

Does pool plaster get darker as it cures?

Why is curing your new plaster important? The installation of a new plaster surface causes fluctuations in the water chemistry. The alkalinity, pH and calcium levels will rise while the surface is curing. The new plaster is susceptible to staining and discoloration during the first four weeks.

How do you brighten pool plaster?

For extreme staining or serious algae blooms, plaster pools can be cleaned with an acid wash with muriatic acid, or the safer to use Acid Magic. Acid washing removes a thin layer of plaster, exposing bright white and unstained plaster underneath. Having your pool acid washed will remove most surface stains.

Why is my pool plaster blue?

The two most likely causes are calcium scaling or copper stains.