Bond Coat

The first step in our process is to inspect the interior surface of the pool for cracks, loose plaster and hollow areas. Once the areas have been identified, they must be repaired prior to the bond coat being applied. The Bond Coat is scientifically formulated surface preparation system designed to be used as a superior substrate to mechanically bond new pool coatings over existing plaster finishes. Crystal Blue Pool Renovation uses SGM 2 Part Bond coat to ensure that we get the best adhesion to our bond coat to the pool and to take all the guess work out of using a 1-part bond coat where water gets mixed with the material. If to much water is mixed the bond coat may not adhere, or if not, enough water is added the mix will not go on correct.

Plaster

Marcite plaster finish is the most popular and remains the standard finish for pools and spas. Marcite plaster is a simple mix of white marble dust and white cement and water, plaster is applied at a thickness of about ½” which makes it a very desirable and economical choice because of its smooth and durable surface and it creates a light blue appearance once filled with water.

Strengths:

When filled with water, pools and spas surfaced in white plaster create a brilliant, clean, light blue appearance that is very smooth to the touch. A long-time favorite for many customers, it remains the most affordable pool finish product on the market today. Standard white plaster is a reliable product when installed by a quality contractor and properly maintained.

Concerns:

It’s important to know that white plaster is susceptible to all water conditions especially from attacks of improperly maintained or fluctuating chemical conditions. Therefore, it is only reasonable to expect that during the life of the product, it will change in appearance. These changes may be subtle or minor, perhaps slight shading or scaling, or far more dramatic in the form of pronounced staining, etching, cracking, or delaminating in extreme cases.

There are a great many variables in play when it comes to determining the exact cause of such changes in appearance and one could spend a lifetime exploring the complex chemical phenomena at the heart of these concerns. For the purpose of selecting standard white plaster it’s critical to be fully aware that it is a relatively “soft” finish compared to other options and one that is more susceptible to the effects of water chemistry than some newer innovative products.

 

Diamond Brite™

Diamond Brite finishes are blends of selected quartz aggregates and fortified white portland cement ideal for new or re-finished swimming pools. Available in a variety of colors and textures. Diamond Brite™ finishes are factory blended to provide the pool owner with an extremely durable and attractive alternative to traditional pool coatings.
Durability
Improved Bonding
Consistency
Etch and Stain Resistant
Reduced Water Penetration
Increased Hardness
Smooth Non-skid Surface

Strengths

When combined with white or colored plaster, aggregates afford a broad range of colors, from vivid blues and reds, to more subtle hues such as beige or soft greens as well. It also has the advantage of creating, a much more durable surface than standard plaster, one that is harder and far more resistant to fluctuating chemical conditions.

Concerns

Again surfaces using aggregates are more expensive than standard plaster and can also be susceptible to some surface problems, especially in the presence of extreme water chemistry conditions.

 

Color: Blue

 

 

 

 

Finishes are factory blends of selected natural aggregates and polymer-modified Portland cement. This unique blend is ideal for new or existing submerged surfaces in gunite, shotcrete and concrete Swimming Pool, Spa & Water Features.

Available in a variety of colors and textures, various hues and aggregate sizes are available to fit any design requirement. River Rok finishes are factory blended to provide the pool owner with an extremely durable and attractive alternative to traditional white pool coatings.

Perhaps the ultimate answer to all pool surface concerns comes in the form of pebble surfaces. Pebble surfaces consist of small, smooth river pebbles embedded throughout the product. Over the past decade, pebble surfaces have increased dramatically in popularity and come in a broad range of colors and color combinations.

Strengths

Pebble surfaces are beautiful, extremely natural in appearance, come in a wide range of colors and they are the most durable surface available. Because the stone material that comprises river pebbles is “chemically inert”, it is unlikely to react with swimming pool or spa water and is therefore less impervious to attack or alterations in appearance.

Concerns

Because the surface is comprised of pebbles, it is slightly more textured than the surfaces described above. It is also more costly and under the most extreme chemical conditions, even pebble surfaces can suffer damage.

The Choice is Yours

Any of the products and surface options listed here can provide years of reliable performance and dazzling beauty in a well-made and well-maintained pool or spa. The key to enjoying that success, and avoiding unexpected frustration, is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each, and to choose wisely.

Water Chemistry

DefinedThe importance of balanced water chemistry cannot be overstated in its role in maintaining the appearance of quality pool and spa surface products.