Hello, I’m a new member with a question about the proper preparation for replastering an in-ground pool. Our pool was built in the 60’s in California and is sound. We have hired an established pool plastering contractor to replaster (with the traditional white plaster finish) the pool; we had them remove the existing three layers of plaster for maximum life expectancy but I was very surprised to see the crew left a large amount of the original white plaster base intact without fully exposing the gunite structure of the pool. They did use pneumatic hammers to scarify the surface, exposing small areas of grey gunite and they shot a tack surface over the top; the crew is supposed to return today to apply the new plaster on top.
My question: is this the industry standard? My gut tells me the soft and crumbly white surface they left (I collected several ‘chunks’ of the plaster that I could easily pick off) is a lousy bonding surface and will not hold up well. See the photo for the surface before the bonding coat was sprayed on. Thanks for your comments!
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Pool Replaster
Crumbly is not a good surface, but if the plaster mix is thick and strong enough, it will last a while. Also, the main drain line may be of copper (which can wear out), consider replacing if water loss is a problem.
Thanks for your comments. I've persuaded the contractor to remove more of the old plaster so I think I'll end up with a sound surface now. I don't know what the drain line is made of but I have observed no water loss. I will replace the drain cover.