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Writer's pictureVergil Garcia

The Classic- White Plaster


The Benefits of White Plaster

When choosing the right type of interior finish for your swimming pool, it can be challenging to know the right style for you and your community. There is a wide range of choices and colors available; however, in the pool industry, there are two standard options for installation and resurfacing white plaster and quartz finish.The white plater interior finish is a classic choice. The majority of commercial facilities ranging from aquatic centers, municipal, and homeowners association community pools select white plaster due to its affordability and clean, classic look.

Here at Suave Pools, our mission has always been to provide our clients with honest quality service at an affordable cost. We believe that the first step in making an effective decision is to have the proper knowledge of the topic. In this short article, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of white plaster and the difference in appearance it brings to your pool.


What is white plaster?


White plaster is one of the most popular materials for inground swimming pools. It is considered one of the original types of application within the industry, with the first pools using this material dating back to the late 1920s. The classic white plaster is a mix of white cement and white marble aggregate, which is continuously mixed with water during production. This mix of

materials creates a gorgeous finish that gives your swimming pool water an attractive color.


AFFORDABILITY


Compared to its counterparts of Quartz and Pebble Aggregate, white plaster is less expensive. This is not due to the lack of quality, but strictly due to different material types and installation methods. Being that the material is made of white cement and marble aggregate, the material cost is less compared to quartz and pebble. For this reason, this is why many large commercial facilities elect white plaster as their interior finish for their facility. The installation process is simpler than the higher-end Pebble, which has many additional steps to remove the cement from the pebble mix. White plaster is typically the least expensive option in your selection of interior finishes and still offers a quality surface for your money.


Lifespan: 8 to 10 years


White plaster is made from portland cement with small aggregate pieces of marble. White plaster provides you with that bright, sparkling blue reflect from your pool. With white plaster, there are many other color additives available that can be added to the mix to customize your facility’s look. Popular color choices are specs of blue. Although there is a wide array of color additives to choose from, make sure that the color selection is not in any violation of your local health department. Some counties might not accept specific colors due to color similarity resemble black algae. With the selection of additives, the majority of the additives lose color over time due to chemicals within the pool. For this reason, many commercial facilities opt-out of some colors due to the possibility of fading.


Color Options

White plaster is made from portland cement with small aggregate pieces of marble. White plaster provides you with that bright, sparkling blue reflect from your pool. With white plaster, there are many other color additives available that can be added to the mix to customize your facility’s look. Popular color choices are specs of blue. Although there is a wide array of color additives to choose from, make sure that the color selection is not in any violation of your local health department. Some counties might not accept specific colors due to color similarity resemble black algae. With the selection of additives, the majority of the additives lose color over time due to chemicals within the pool. For this reason, many commercial facilities opt-out of some colors due to the possibility of fading.


Recap of the benefits of White Plaster:

  • Color Options

  • Lifespan 8 to 10 years

  • Affordability

Are there any negatives?

While there are many positives to applying white plaster to your pool’s surface, there are also some negatives. Due to its soft texture, the material can be more susceptible to damage such as scaling, staining, etching, cracking, and in worst-case scenarios, even delamination. With improper mixing portions and techniques, these issues will arise much sooner than expected lifespan. As mentioned earlier, white plaster contains white portland cement and white marble.


On the Mohs Scale, a scale that measures the relative hardness of a mineral by its resistance to scratching ranges from 1(softest) to 10 (hardest). White plaster is a 3.0, which is a calcite. This material is widely used across the construction industry for its ability to easily mix, transport, and relative strength.


Common Issues

  • Greater likelihood of Chipping

  • Greater likelihood of Scaling and Etch

  • More susceptible to staining


Final Thoughts

These damages can be accelerated by imbalanced pool chemistry and organic matter, but if appropriately maintained, white plaster can last its expected lifespan of 8 to 10 years. As you select your pool plaster applicator, make sure the company uses quality materials and does not cut corners. At Suave Pools, we do both using quality materials and do not cut any corners. For your free quote, contact us.




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