How to Remodel Swimming Pools

Resurface the pool for a renewed look.

After years of use and exposure to chemicals, swimming pool surfaces often need remodeling. Adding new plaster to the entire surface of the pool renews the appearance as well as seals up any surface cracks or chips. Drain the pool. If the pool has been subjected to algae, start the remodeling process with an acid wash, as suggested by Pool Center.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Hammer
• Plastic gloves
• Face mask
• Bucket
• Muriatic acid
• Water
• Hose with misting attachment
• Scrub brush
• Soda ash
• Pool brush
• White Portland cement
• White sand
• Acrylic bonding agent
• Pool trowel

Instructions

Acid Wash

1. Chip away any rough spots on the plaster with a chisel and hammer. This procedure will reduce occurrence of chips or cracks after you apply new plaster.

2. Turn on the hose and drag it into the pool so it is readily available. Put on your plastic gloves and face mask. Pour 1 gallon of muriatic acid into a bucket filled with 1 gallon of water.

3. Spray down the walls of the pool with the misting attachment on the hose. In 10-foot sections, pour the acid solution down the pool walls, starting at the top. Allow the acid wash to sit on the pool wall for no more than 30 seconds as you scrub the walls in a circular motion with a scrub brush to remove built-up algae. Rinse with the hose. Work your way around the pool in the same manner.

4. Add 2 lbs. of soda ash to the bottom of the pool for each gallon of acid wash used. Sprinkle the ash over the top of the puddle on the bottom of the pool. Mix it into the acid wash with a long pool brush. Pump the water out to a safe area.

Remodeling the Pool

1. Mix 1/3 Portland cement with 2/3 sand in a mixing tub. Add water and acrylic bonding agent as directed by the manufacturer's instructions. Mix it to the consistency of peanut butter.

2. Apply the plaster mixture to the pool walls with a pool trowel. Spray with the hose and mister attachment to keep the plaster moist as you work around the pool. Apply the plaster to any cracks or chips to ensure a smooth surface.

3. Fill the pool with water as soon as you are finished to keep the plaster from drying out and cracking.

References

• Pool Center: Acid Washing
• Pool Center: Concrete Swimming Pool Repair