Is pool plaster toxic?

Asked by: Sara Dalton

A plaster surface, in a properly maintained pool, can last 15 to 25 years. PLASTER IS NON-TOXIC AND ECOLOGICALLY SOUND: There is a lot of concern today about toxic products.

What chemicals are in pool plaster?

Plaster is comprised of cement materials, aggregate (texture), colored particles and crystals. Most importantly, your pool plaster is in constant contact with your water. Therefore, there is not any other aspect of your swimming pool that is more susceptible to chemical damage than your pool plaster.

Can you swim right after pool is plastered?

The plaster material cures under water in about 7-10 days. But this doesn’t mean you have to wait that long. Once the pool is filled and clean, you can go in for a swim.

Can you swim with plaster?

Plaster casts can even start to fall apart when they get wet. It’s important to keep a cast as dry as possible. This means bathing can be difficult, and swimming is off-limits, so some people may be curious about waterproof casts or waterproof cast covers.

How long does plaster dust last?

But to answer your question, I believe most of the pool people on this website will tell you that plaster dusting should end within two to three weeks in general.

How long can pool plaster be exposed?

I. If the pool ever needs to be drained to replace the water or to maintain the plaster, it should never be left empty for more than eight to ten days at the most. More than this may cause the plaster to dry out and crack. Keep your pool full for best results.

Why do you have to brush new pool plaster?

Brush the pool twice a day for the first two weeks. This opens the pores of the plaster to allow proper curing as well as removes any loose plaster dust from the surface. You may notice plaster dusting when you brush and the water becomes cloudy. This is normal and will go away with proper treatment and brushing.

How often should you Replaster a 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.

How long does it take for pool plaster to dry?

Curing plaster refers to a maturation process of the new plaster finish when it strengthens and seals. The pool finish will start to cure immediately after mixing. Sixty percent of the curing process occurs in the first 4 weeks and will continue over the next 8 to 10 months.

What if it rains when you plaster a pool?

While the rain can harm the chlorination process, it can also create issues with the plastering process too. Rain will cause streaks, discoloration, and curing mistakes once the plastering has begun. Not only will it cause streaking, but it also causes something called hydrostatic holes in the granite and plaster.

How do I brush my pool after plastering?

Brush the entire pool surface, from the top of the walls down, starting at the shallow-end and ending at the deep-end. Brush thoroughly twice per day to remove all plaster dust. Brushing your pool finish at least twice a day is one of the best things you can do to maintain the gorgeous appearance of a pool finish.

Does new pool plaster absorb water?

New installations and drained pools: A common appearance of cracking can occur when a cementitious interior finish is wetted prior to being filled. Microscopic shrinkage cracks (micro cracks are present in all hardened plaster, precast, shotcrete, and concrete products) absorb water faster than the overall surface.

How long does White pool plaster last?

It cannot stand up to water chemistry imbalances and generally will last 5 years with proper balanced water chemistry.

What happens if you don’t Replaster a pool?

Either due to age, excessive acid washing, or a poorly done previous plaster job, the surface of the pool may become rough. This can cause snagged swimsuits, scraped skin, and algae that is extremely difficult to remove.

Why is my pool plaster blue?

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

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.

Is gunite the same as plaster?

No! A gunite pool indicates the underlying STRUCTURE. Plaster is the final FINISH on top of the gunite structure. All inground gunite pools have the same structure (gunite or dry shotcrete – synonymous terms).

What is the longest lasting pool finish?

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 pool surface is best?

Quartz Aggregate



Quartz is the most cost-effective pool aggregate finish and the first step up from a traditional plaster finish. A mixture of cement, colored quartz, dyes and additives create this look.

What is a white plaster pool?

Here's a very large white plaster pool the white plaster is a very classic look and it's very common in most pools. And it's probably the most inexpensive way to go.

What is the cheapest pool finish?

Plaster finishes are the cheapest and easiest to install, but they lack durability. Aggregates can be the most attractive but are slightly more expensive and more time-consuming. Tile finishes are the most expensive and take the longest, but their durability is top-notch.

What is quartz pool plaster?

A combination of durable quartz aggregate, enhanced with Portland cement and colored quartz, it not only looks great but easily resists degradation. Its wide array of colors and textures make it ideal for pools, spas, and water designs in any environment.

Is quartz better than plaster pool?

Quartz surfaces are more durable than plaster and offer some color variety like pebbles. Quartz finishes are perfect for families who want a low maintenance option, but also want their pool to define the backyard.

What is white pool plaster made of?

Classic White Pool plaster is a mixture of white cement, white marble aggregate and water. When filled with water, the surface creates a pool that is brilliant, clean and has a light blue water color. White plaster is the most economical choice for gunite or shotcrete pool surfacing.

What is the difference between plaster and quartz?

Quartz Finish:



Quartz plaster is made the same as standard plaster but the sand is replaced with crushed quartz stone. There are polymers offered to strengthen the mix; in place of the pozzolans used in standard plaster. Quartz stone is a very hard and dense stone but a big difference is in the application.

What is mottling of pool plaster?

Mottling: 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.

Is gunite the same as Marcite?

Gunite, marcite, and concrete pools are the same thing, just different names for them. Complete Pool Re-plastering Every 3-7 Years at $3500.00 to $8000.00 NO JOKE! Excessive Use of Electricity – because pump must run longer, to inject more chemicals, to keep algae from building up in the concrete poors.