How to Plaster Pools

Patching the plaster in your pool will keep it in good condition.

Plastering a pool requires preparation and attention to detail, but it can be a do-it-yourself job. Plastering damaged and weak areas will increase the lifespan of your pool and keep it looking good. Before you begin the plastering process, drain and clean the pool. Sweep out any leaves and scrub any stained areas with a stiff bristled brush. If you find that some of the stains do not come off with scrubbing, you can acid wash those spots, as well the areas you'll patch.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Hammer
• Bucket or garbage bag
• Heavy chain
• Muriatic acid
• Watering can
• Scrub brush
• Soda ash
• Pool broom
• Submersible pump
• Pool patch powder or Portland cement and white sand
• Acrylic bonding agent
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Remove any loose plaster with a chisel and hammer. Put the plaster you remove in a bucket or garbage bag to keep the bottom of the pool neat.

2. Drag a heavy chain across the surface of the pool. Any hollow spots will be noticeable by the change in tone. Pinpoint the exact areas where there are voids in the plaster by tapping lightly with a hammer.

3. Chisel up the hollowed out plaster, again, placing it in a bucket or garbage bag.

4. Create divots in the areas you'll be patching, using your chisel or hammer. Roughing up the surface will help the plaster bond better than if you apply the plaster to a smooth surface.

5. Acid wash the areas you plan to patch, along with any stained areas. Add 1 gallon of muriatic acid to 1 gallon of water. Pour this mixture over the areas. Mixing the solution in a watering can makes it easier to treat the walls of the pool.

6. Soak the areas for 30 seconds, then use a brush to scrub each area. Rinse with clear water.

7. Neutralize the acid wash by adding 2 pounds of soda ash to the acid wash solution. Stir the mixture with a pool broom, then pump the solution out of the pool.

8. Mix the plaster material. You can purchase commercial pool patch powder or make your own by combining one part white Portland cement to two parts white sand. Add any coloring necessary to match your pool. Combine the pool patch with enough acrylic bonding agent until it has the texture of peanut butter.

9. Apply the plaster to the damaged areas. Use a trowel to press the mixture into the cracks, forcing out any air bubbles. Smooth the edges so it blends into the surrounding area. After letting the plaster set for 15 minutes, smooth the surface and edges again.

10. Refill the pool.

Tips & Warnings

• Always add the muriatic acid to the water, do not add the water to the muriatic acid. This reduces the risk that the acid could splash back in your face.

• Wear protective clothing, goggles and rubber boots while acid washing.

• When rinsing the acid wash, use a hose without a nozzle. High pressure rinsing can send the acid wash back at you or at other people.

References

• Pool Center: Surface Repairs
• Pool Repair: Pool Prep and Surface Protection
• Pool Center: Acid Washing