Back in the day, pool and finish materials were not appealing and user-friendly. Thus, pool contractors and designers had to come up with ways to make the pool finish more attractive. Over the years, the pool industry’s expansion brought about a wide range of colored pool and spa finish materials. As a result, the quality of pool and spa finish materials has greatly improved over time.

It is evident that the quality of pool finish materials has continuously improved because many companies are now investing in small manufacturers of pigmented pool finish.

Owner of Applied Materials Technology, Greg Garrett

Despite these significant improvements, pool designers and contractors should be careful during application. It would be best if they observe all guidelines stated by the manufacturer. Also, they should follow all the laws, as stated by the National Plasterers Council.

Causes of reduced pigmentation on different pool and spa finish materials

Not so long ago, the National Plasterers Council started releasing more information to educate more people in the pool industry. The council released information on the application and maintenance of various pool and spa finish materials. NPC also talked about the major reasons for reduced pigmentation in pool finish materials. Some of them include:

Calcium salt migration resulting from cement hydration

Calcium salt migration during hydration is the main reason for the color loss in pool finish materials. Hydration takes place when the wet finish is becoming more rigid. Often, this process takes place in the first month of application. Most colors in the pool and spa finish are specially designed to stick to their position at all times. However, during hydration, a by-product, calcium hydroxide, gets produced.

This product can settle on the material to form white deposits covering the pigment. Even though hydration can occur for more than a month, calcium hydroxide will most likely form crystalline-like deposits during the first three to seven days when the pool is getting refilled with water. So, contractors should get rid of all calcium deposits on the pool’s surface in the first five days when refiling the pool. Failure to do so would lead to the settling of calcium hydroxide on the pool finish, leading to color loss.

Surface scaling: Mineral and metal precipitation

Another cause of pigment loss on pool and spa finish materials results from surface scaling. The National Plaster Council says that most materials are prone to rust when in frequent contact with water. Also, mineral scaling can mask the pool finish pigment, hence reducing the intensity of the color. Mineral precipitation often affects dark-colored finish materials more. Discoloration of the pool and spa finish can also occur due to metal precipitation. If the pool finish gets stained from copper, it turns to green or blue. One way to avoid this issue is to check for the number of metals in the pool. If you find any metals in the pool, use the right chemicals to eliminate them.

Unhealthy water chemistry

Unbalanced pool chemistry can also lead to pigment loss in pool and spa finish materials. What happens is that harsh pool chemicals react with the pool finish material and lead to leaching. More often than not, colors from organic components are more vulnerable. This is because organic pigments have tinier particles that are lost easily. Pool experts recommend using inorganic pigments; they are more resistant to the effects of harsh pool chemicals.

How do you foster a successful pool and spa finish application?

The technique used to apply the pool and spa finish material influences the durability of the pigment. Nevertheless, most pool contractors say that you have to get a pool finish material with a quality pigment.

So, buy the pool finish from a dependable manufacturer. As mentioned earlier, it would help if you settled for inorganic pigments. Also, allow the manufacturer to address all your queries, doubts, and fears. Ensure that the material is compatible with your pool.

Moreover, pool designers and contractors should ensure the product has been in the industry for more than two years. During application, ensure you mix the pigment thoroughly such that it dissolves into the material. After application, refill the pool immediately to avoid any cracks and shrinkage.

Fixing concrete patches

Pool contractors should be extra careful when patching colored concrete. President and owner of Olympic Pool Plastering, Shawn Still, says, “It is difficult to patch colored concrete, especially when you don’t know what took place during the original application.”

Nonetheless, you can always find the nearest match by cleaning the surface with an acid solution before patching. “This helps in knowing the original colors,” Shawn says. Besides, doing this helps you identify almost all the conditions that were present during the initial application. Once you do this, start adding color to the surface until it matches the original. In case the color becomes too light, continue adding pigment. On the flip side, if the color is too dark, apply cement to lighten the surface.

At the end of the day, you will have fixed the patch correctly. Shawn says that he is keen to observe and take notes on the exact pigment amount he used.