How it Works—the process of resurfacing your concrete swimming pool: STEP 4 – Applying the Interior Finish
This is our fourth blog in our series diving deeper into the main steps in resurfacing your swimming pool. We have had a short hiatus from our regular blog posts for the holidays but are very excited to continue this series covering the basic steps of pool resurfacing!
As you may recall, there are five main steps to resurfacing a swimming pool (or spa), 1) draining the pool, 2) prepping the pool (which would include repairs and tile work, if any), 3) Bond Cote, 4) applying the interior finish, and 5) filling the pool. Last week we covered the third step of the process, Bond Cote.
Refinishing
Once the Bond Cote has been applied, the pool finish is finally ready to be put on! Depending on the type of finish and color the customer has selected, the mixing process varies slightly.
The two types of finishes that Advanced Pool & Spa uses most frequently are Marquis Quartz and Stonescapes Mini-Pebble. Marquis Quartz finishes are a crushed aggregate finish, meaning the aggregate (rock/stone/etc.) are crushed up in the cement base product. Stonescapes Mini-Pebble finishes are a pebble finish where the aggregate is a whole, mini-pebble. If you would like more information on the differences between these two finishes—or if you are interested in a different type of finish for you pool, contact us via our website, Facebook, or via phone! We would be glad to discuss them with you! Also, check out our previous blog post, “Remodeling Pool Finishes,” which is located at this link: https://www.advancedpool-spa.com/remodeling-pool-finishes/
Before the finish can be applied, the finish must be prepared. This is most often done using a concrete mixer. The process for each mix depends on the type of finish and the color. For the purposes of discussing the various colors, we will focus on discussing options available with a Marquis Quartz finish, however, the Mini-Pebble finishes are also available in a variety of colors. The standard Marquis Quartz color is Oyster; however, customers can opt to have colored specks or dyes added to the mix to enhance the color of the water. Blue specks to make the water appear bluer and teal specks to create a more turquoise color. Adding one unit of blue specks brings the color to “Bluestone” and one unit of teal specks brings the color to “Marina.” Customers can add additional colored specks to create other colors too. For example, two units of blue specks create the color “Miami Blue” and five units create “Sapphire.” The more colored specks, the more the color of the water is enhanced once completed and filled.
If the customer has selected a dyed pool finish, the base mix itself is dyed in addition to adding colored specks. Dyed finishes (also known as pigmented or dark finishes) although beautiful are more difficult to maintain because the pool finish is a concrete based product. We do not recommend dark finishes to homeowners who have well water or very hard water without a softener and those who are not prepared to take on the additional maintenance required. If you are considering a dark finish, please ask us about it so you are aware of what to expect!
Once the pool finish is properly mixed, it is brought into the pool with a wheelbarrow or it is pumped into the pool using a concrete pumper. The finishing crew works to apply the finish using hand trowels. This is a very labor-intensive process. The crew usually wears spiked shoes to prevent leaving footprints in the finish and works apply as even, smooth, and consistent finish as possible. If the customer has requested step edge inserts to identify the edge of the pool, those tiles would be set during this stage, such as at the edge of the steps, seats, or swim outs. The interior finish (sometimes called plaster) is applied throughout the entire interior of the pool from the floor of the pool and up the walls to meet the lower edge of the tile. Once the finishing crew has completed applying the plaster, some surfaces require water washing to expose the aggregate and others can be filled immediately.
Next week we’ll cover the final step of the pool refinishing process. In the meantime, please feel free to check out our social media. Please “like” Advanced Pool & Spa on Facebook, follow us on Instagram to see some of our current work, and feel free to browse our blog for other pool related topics and to look through our gallery for more photos of our work. Advanced Pool & Spa is fully licensed, bonded, and insured and has proudly served the Tampa Bay area for more than 35 years—we have the experience to assist you with all your residential and commercial swimming pool and spa remodeling needs!
