We’ll first access your pool’s central pump system and switch it over to the “drain” or “backwash” setting. In some cases, we will use a submersible pump to evacuate the water out of the pool. We can’t begin resurfacing until the pool has been completely emptied and dried.
We’ll direct the runoff water somewhere where it won’t cause flooding, oversaturation, or other complications. It may take several hours to drain your pool, depending on your pool’s size.
Once the entire pool has become completely dry, we scan for cracks, crumbling, blistering and other deterioration. These types of marks may indicate a more immediate issue with the pool’s plumbing or in-ground foundation. We will also cover the pool area with tarps to keep it clean during the sandblasting operation.
Plaster and composite finishes must be sandblasted and otherwise chiseled away to the underlying concrete to better hold the new material. Sandblasting etches the existing surface, making it rough enough for bonding, but smoother than if it were chipped out.
High-end pools sport an impressive look when resurfaced with materials like pebble concrete, quartz, or ceramic tile. These types of materials offer a durable lining that resists algae, stains, and chemical-related damage. Our tile professionals are experienced in pool applications that are different from interior tile installation. The installation is different because the pool tile will be continually exposed to outside elements, chemicals, and water. This step usually takes two to three days, while masonry typically takes 24 to 48 hours.
Now we will conduct a complete inspection of your pool’s pump and plumbing system. We’ll be on the lookout for any leaks, obvious or hidden and we’ll test the resiliency of any plastic PVC parts. Typically, this process will take a full day.
Acid etching is required on bare masonry surfaces like concrete or plaster. It’s also useful for removing chalky residue and hard mineral deposits on a previously coated pool. Acid washing opens millions of tiny pores, which allow the subsequent coating to penetrate, thus creating a secure, cohesive bond. The primary purpose of a drain and acid wash is to remove stains, scale, and calcium from the floor and corners of your pool bed.
After the acid wash, the acid must be neutralized entirely through an alkaline soda ash solution.
The concrete is cleaned with a mixture of water and muriatic acid. Muriatic acid causes harmful fumes and burns on the skin, so we have safety equipment rated to protect us from its effects.
While refilling your swimming pool, we spend a few hours doing a thorough, final cleanup of the entire pool area. Although we clean up after ourselves at the end of every workday, we want to make sure that there will be no trace of any dust or dirt left behind. During this time, we also perform a final inspection.
The initial water treatment is probably the most important action to be performed as it ensures your pool maintains its appearance and the life of your new surface material. Once your swimming pool has been entirely filled with water, a sequence of treatments must be performed for the surface area to cure as thoroughly as possible.
Close monitoring and service are essential throughout the very first seven days of the pool treatment procedure. You may, of course, choose to have your own pool man perform this crucial step, and we will be happy to consult with him to make sure it’s done properly. If your pool service specialist is not available or you prefer us to perform the service, we will do the initial water treatment procedure.
Any of the resurfacing options herein can give you years of outstanding performance and natural beauty in any well-maintained pool. The following will help you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Here are the three most popular finishes:
Diamond Brite is permeated with beautiful natural quartz crystals, one of Earth’s hardest and purest minerals. When these quartz aggregates are combined with polymer cement and non-fading Quartz crystals, they create an incredible spectrum of colors. Diamond Brite is impervious to harsh pool chemicals and the intense UV rays from the sun. The strength of the natural quartz resists stains and etching and unlike plaster pools, Diamond Brite pools can be drained without being damaged. Diamond Brite comes in 17 different colors. Each one reflects the water, sky, and surroundings uniquely.
Glass tiles can add incredible beauty to swimming pools and these are available in many shapes, colors, and finishes adding class and elegance to any pool. Glass tiles are the most durable of all finishes we offer. They can be installed in a pool’s waterline, steps, edges, water walls, sun shelf, or interior or outer walls. Also, glass is a beautiful choice for pool tile because it refracts sunlight and reflects the water’s movement. The installation procedure of glass tiles is a bit more labor-intensive, which usually means overall higher costs. However, the results are spectacular, and no other type of tile compares to it.
In the industry, a pebble finish is known as an aggregate finish. People in the industry make the common mistake of calling a pebble pool finish “Pebble-Tec” because that is a major brand. However, it is just one brand of many. Pebble-Tec has the greatest recognition in the industry because it was the first company to patent the specific process. Still, just as in the case of quartz finishes, several manufacturers make pebble aggregate finishes.
A pebble finish is obtained, much like a quartz finish. Small polished stones are added to the plaster mix consisting of standard plaster and hand-troweled onto the gunite surface.
Because they are made largely of natural stone, all pebble finishes have a marbled or mottled appearance to some extent and no two pools look alike.
There are also exposed aggregate finishes that use larger river rock stones in place of the smaller quartz stone and gems. Popular brands are Crystal Stone and Pebble Tec. They give the pool a different look, compared with the quartz products.
We use only the highest quality finishes available on the market ensuring that your pool will be beautiful yet durable and reliable for many years to come. We offer the latest by Pebble Tec, Pebble Sheen, and Pebble Fina.
Depending on what color scheme you use, there can be vast differences in how each affects the appearance. Colored Diamond Brite, if applied in lighter shades, can cause the pool water to appear aqua blue. Medium and darker colors will create an entirely different effect. Another exciting way of enhancing the appearance of your pool is through the installation of underwater lighting.