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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

pool plaster repair

Author

Liam Parker

Updated on July 07, 2026

When it comes to durability, both plaster and pool paint are built to hold up against the chemicals in your pool and natural conditions outside of it such as harmful UV rays; however, most pool plaster lasts 15-20 years, while epoxy pool paint – the longest-lasting type of pool paint on the market – needs to be

What kind of plaster do you use on a pool?

Standard white plaster is the tried and true pool and spa surface finish. White plaster has been around as long as people have been building swimming pools and it remains a popular choice in spite of the myriad of choices that have come into the market in recent years.

Why is the plaster coming off my pool?

Plaster Flaking or Peeling

The pool industry refers to this as spalling. Aggressive pool water with sustained low PH or low calcium levels is the typical cause of spalling. It dissolves a soluble calcium compound called calcium hydroxide. Often, this occurs under a floating chlorinator on the top step of a pool or spa.

Can you epoxy a swimming pool?

As solvent-based pool paint, epoxy paint is one of the best options for covering interior swimming pool surfaces. It is incredibly durable and will last up to eight years with simple routine maintenance before repainting is necessary. It works well with many pool types, including concrete and fiberglass pools.

What happens if you don’t Replaster a pool?

When you are swimming, you would get scratched or roughened when you step out of the pool. Also, you could get scratched or your swimsuit could get torn with the jagged plaster. If it’s unpleasant to run your hand along the side of the pool or climb up the stairs then its because your plaster is wearing thin.

Can you Replaster a pool yourself?

It will chip and wear away more easily, and when it does, you will need to repair it. If there’s a reason to use paint over plaster, it’s that the application process really is a lot easier. While you could paint on your own, replastering is something that only the most industrious homeowners take on.

How many times can you acid wash a plaster pool?

How Often to Acid Wash Your Pool. Even though an acid wash will only remove a thin layer of plaster, it’s not something you want to do every year. You’d run out of plaster pretty quickly! Every five years or so is sufficient, barring any serious algae bloom problems.

Is plaster good for pools?

Plaster can also crack, stain, etch, and scale if the water chemistry is incorrect or if you neglect maintenance. Colored plaster often streaks, mottles, or otherwise changes or loses its dye. Plaster is the least durable of the interior finishes for concrete pools. It only lasts 5-10 years.

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.

What is the longest lasting pool finish?

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.

Are cracks in pool plaster normal?

Shrinkage or Surface Cracks

Surface cracks can be seen in the plaster and generally don’t mean that you have a leak. Surface cracks don’t usually run through the shell of the pool and cause leaks. These are also pretty normal and can be repaired easily.

How do you fix pool spalling?

So, how can you fix it? You can often fix plaster spalling by sanding the area down to reveal a much smoother underlayer. If spalling has taken over a large area of your pool, it might be better to start fresh and have your entire pool replastered.

What happens after pool plaster?

What does curing a plaster mean? 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.

Can you Replaster a pool over old plaster?

It will not be properly replastered. If a pool that is going to be replastered has more than one layer of plaster, the outer layers must be completely removed. Anything less than this is a bad practice that can lead to failure in your investment. A replaster should only be performed on the original plaster layer.

What is the most popular pool plaster color?

White pool plaster is a simple combination of white cement, white marble aggregate and water. It is an economical choice that has a classic swimming pool look. This is the most common plaster in use today, and in the past it was the only choice.

How do you know when to Replaster a pool?

Most pools are constructed of Gunite or Shotcrete, tough concrete-like substances that form the structural support of the basin. The plaster over the top acts as a waterproof layer and provides visual appeal, so when you start to see patches of darker structural materials showing through, it’s time to replaster.