Is Your Pool Plaster Failing? 7 Key Signs
A swimming pool is the centerpiece of any Florida backyard, offering a refreshing escape from the Tampa heat. To keep it looking its best and functioning safely, proper maintenance is essential. While you might be diligent about chemical balancing and skimming, the pool's surface itself—the plaster—also requires attention. Over time, plaster wears down, and recognizing the early warning signs of failure can save you from more extensive and costly repairs down the line.
This guide will walk you through the seven most common signs that your pool plaster is failing. Understanding these indicators will help you determine when it's time to consider professional pool resurfacing, ensuring your pool remains a safe, beautiful, and valuable asset for years to come.
What is Pool Plaster?
Before we explore the signs of failure, it’s helpful to understand what pool plaster is and why it's so important. Pool plaster is the final waterproof coating applied to the concrete shell of a pool. It creates a smooth, watertight seal that’s comfortable for swimmers and gives the pool its classic brilliant appearance.
Most traditional plaster is a simple mixture of white cement, white marble aggregate, and water. While durable, this surface isn't permanent. The constant exposure to pool chemicals, sunlight, and fluctuating water temperatures means it has a finite lifespan, typically lasting between 7 to 15 years. When it starts to break down, you'll begin to see clear visual and textural clues.
7 Signs You Need Pool Resurfacing
Noticing one or more of the following issues? It might be time to call in the professionals.
1. Stains and Discoloration
One of the first signs homeowners notice is staining on the plaster surface. These stains can appear in various colors and are often caused by metals, minerals, or organic matter like leaves and algae. While some surface-level stains can be removed with chemical treatments, widespread or deep-set discoloration that doesn’t respond to cleaning is a red flag. This often indicates that the plaster's protective layer has worn thin, allowing substances to penetrate and permanently mar the surface.
2. Rough Texture (Pool Rash)
Do the surfaces of your pool feel rough like sandpaper? This condition, often called "pool rash," is a definitive sign of plaster deterioration. As the plaster ages, the smooth cement layer erodes, exposing the sharp, sandy aggregate beneath. This rough texture is not only uncomfortable and can scrape swimmers' skin, but it also creates an ideal environment for algae to grow, making pool maintenance more difficult.
3. Cracks in the Plaster
Cracks are one of the more serious signs of plaster failure. You might see small surface-level cracks, known as crazing or check cracks, which look like a spiderweb pattern. While these may be cosmetic at first, they can worsen over time.
More concerning are structural cracks, which are larger, deeper, and may run through the pool’s concrete shell. Any crack is a potential pathway for water to seep behind the plaster and into the underlying concrete, which can lead to leaks and significant structural damage. If you spot cracks of any size, it's crucial to have them inspected by a professional.
4. Plaster Peeling or Flaking (Spalling)
If you see pieces of plaster flaking off and settling on the pool floor, you're witnessing a process called spalling. This happens when the bond between the plaster and the concrete shell beneath it fails. Water can get between the layers, causing the plaster to blister, peel, or pop off. Spalling is a clear indication that your plaster has reached the end of its life and requires immediate attention to prevent further damage and potential leaks.
5. Plaster Stains and Chalking
Run your hand along the pool's plaster. Does a white, chalky residue come off on your fingers? This is known as "chalking." It’s a sign that the plaster is chemically breaking down and dissolving into the water. This process can make your pool water consistently cloudy and throw off your water chemistry, forcing you to use more chemicals to keep it balanced.
6. Leaks and Water Loss
Are you constantly adding water to your pool, even when splash-out and evaporation are minimal? Your aging plaster could be the culprit. As plaster thins, cracks, and deteriorates, it can lose its watertight integrity. Small, hard-to-detect leaks can develop, leading to a noticeable drop in the water level over time. A "bucket test" can help you confirm if you have a leak, and failing plaster is often the cause.
7. It's Simply Old
Even with perfect maintenance, pool plaster has a limited lifespan. If you know your pool's surface is over 10-15 years old, it's wise to start planning for a resurfacing project, even if major signs of failure haven't appeared yet. Being proactive allows you to address the issue on your own terms rather than waiting for an urgent problem to force your hand.
Your Next Steps
Ignoring the signs of failing pool plaster can lead to bigger headaches, including persistent water chemistry issues, algae blooms, and expensive structural repairs. If you’ve noticed any of the signs discussed in this article, it’s time to take action.
A professional pool resurfacing project will not only fix these problems but also transform the look of your pool. Modern finishes come in a variety of textures and colors, offering improved durability and aesthetics. For homeowners in the Tampa, FL, area, finding a trusted expert is the most important step.
At Aqua Coat Pool Plastering, we specialize in giving old pools a new lease on life. Our team can assess the condition of your plaster and recommend the best course of action. Contact us today for a free estimate on your pool resurfacing project and get your pool back to being the beautiful backyard oasis you deserve.