Plaster Care Bulletin
Expert tips to protect your pool investment and extend the life of your plaster finish. Serving Las Vegas & Henderson since 2008.
Why Plaster Care Matters
Your pool's plaster finish is a significant investment. Proper care extends the life of your plaster by years, maintains beautiful appearance, prevents costly repairs, and protects the underlying pool structure.
New Plaster Start-Up (First 30 Days)
The first month is critical for new plaster. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper curing and long-lasting results.
Filling Your Pool
- Use a pre-filter on your hose
- Fill continuously without stopping
- Do not let water level drop during curing
Brushing Schedule
- Brush entire pool surface twice daily for first 2 weeks
- Use a nylon brush (never wire on new plaster)
- Brush toward the drain
Water Chemistry
- Test water daily during start-up period
- Maintain pH between 7.2-7.6
- Keep alkalinity at 80-120 ppm
- Do not add salt for at least 30 days
No Vacuuming
Do not vacuum for first 2 weeks. Debris can be carefully removed with a leaf net.
Ongoing Maintenance
Weekly Tasks
- Brush pool walls and floor
- Test and balance water chemistry
- Empty skimmer and pump baskets
- Check filter pressure
Monthly Tasks
- Inspect plaster for stains or damage
- Clean tile line
- Check and clean salt cell (if applicable)
- Lubricate o-rings on equipment
Water Chemistry Basics
Proper balance prevents etching (from low pH/calcium), scaling (from high pH/calcium), staining (from metals), and algae growth.
Recommended Levels
- pH: 7.4-7.6
- Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid: 30-50 ppm
Common Issues & Solutions
Scale Buildup
White, chalky deposits on plaster surface. Cause: High calcium hardness, high pH. Solution: Lower pH, consider sequestering agent.
Metal Stains
Brown, green, or black discoloration. Cause: Metals in water (copper, iron, manganese). Solution: Metal sequestrant, identify metal source.
Algae Stains
Green or black spots that don't brush off. Cause: Algae embedded in plaster pores. Solution: Aggressive brushing, algaecide, shock treatment.
Etching
Rough, pitted areas on plaster. Cause: Low pH, aggressive water chemistry. Solution: Adjust chemistry, professional assessment if severe.
Seasonal Care (Las Vegas Climate)
Summer (High Heat, Heavy Use)
- Test water 2-3 times per week
- Maintain chlorine levels (sun depletes faster)
- Watch for scaling from evaporation
- Run pump longer hours if needed
Winter (Cooler Temperatures)
- Reduce pump run time
- Maintain chemistry (still test weekly)
- Clean equipment before storage
- Address any plaster issues before spring
When to Call a Professional
Contact Fix-A-Pool if you notice:
- Cracks in plaster surface
- Significant staining that won't clean
- Plaster delamination (hollow sound when tapped)
- Structural leaks
- Major surface roughness
Plaster Lifespan Expectations
With proper care, you can expect:
- White Plaster: 7-10 years
- Quartz Plaster: 10-15 years
- Pebble Finish: 15-20+ years
Neglect can cut these lifespans in half. Consistent maintenance is the best investment you can make.
Questions About Your Plaster?
Call 702.409.8955 for expert advice or to schedule service. Fix-A-Pool provides plaster repair, resurfacing, and expert maintenance advice for Las Vegas and Henderson homeowners.