Pool Plaster Formula

[Duke Nukem]

Hi!
This newbie to the forum wants to hear from an expert on IG pool plaster formulas. I'm in the final stage of a 3 summer project, it started when I bought a home that had a pool with no maintenance for somewhere between 6-10 years! None the less, the new natural stone coping is set, the sand blasting is done, the pipes have been pressure tested, and the mayhem may commence.

Seems everyone (pool contractors that I have not hired) has either a different formula, or a secret one. Those with the secret ones I have secretly fired. I have been told so far a ratio of either 2:1 to 3:1 of sand to White portland. I guess this should be more of a poll question, but the truth is I might be tackling this part of the project within the week! So I need my head together with an answer post-haste.

A Bio-Medical Electronics technician Class I (retired)am I. A pool concrete salesman I am not!

Give me your hints, clues and suggestions, and the best one wins a shiny new nickel.

Thanks
Len

PS: Did some reading... Prayers to Watermom

[PoolDoc]

Hi Duke;

I can't really answer your question myself, but I want to caution you that other answers you get may not be super-reliable either. I could be mistaken, but I'm not aware of any one currently posting on the forum who is an experienced pool plaster contractor with a good track record.

And, as far as I know, there are no really reliable 'good practice' guides.

If you can find an experienced plaster contractor with a good track record in your area, I'd put a lot more weight on that, than on the formula. One thing I do know: application method and skill matters at least as much as formula!

"PoolDoc"

[Watermom]

Duke,
First off, welcome to the Pool Forum! We are really glad to have you hear. Secondly, I have no idea about plaster and can offer you absolutely no help with your question. Sorry. Lastly, and most importantly, thank you so much for your prayers. How kind of you and I really appreciate it!

Hope you enjoy being a part of the forum!

[Phillbo]

You might find some useful info in this write up ... if you have not already seen it.

http://www.truetex.com/pool.htm

[CarlD]

I also suspect that different mixtures of plaster from manufacturers have different formulations--and different ways to mix it depending on the application. But as Ben says, application of "mud" (as all kinds of masons call the sludge they use, from mortar to plaster) is a critical technique that affects adhesion, durability and appearance. Even simple spackle gets more plastic and applies nicer as you work it on the hod for a while.