buildup on polished plaster pool

[binetca]

We recently replastered our pool and paid extra in order to have the pool polished. The process was impressive with five guys in rain suits using pneumatic polishing grinders. The outcome was like marble and we were very pleased.

The issue is that soon after, a scaling started to develop on the plaster, especially on the floor of the pool and the spa floor and seat. The contractor is offering to re-polish the pool but I believe that we will have the same issue. The contractor said that he was starting up his pool maintenance business and wanted the job so we went with him. He has actually only referred the job out but we pay him.

The pool guy says the chemistry is good and showed me test strips to prove it. I have lurked around here a while and I know that test kits are recommended. My question is what do you think it is, alkalinity? If so, why can't I get my guy to come up with a plan to address this? I guess I am considering changing services but I don't know if the next guy I blindly choose will be better.

[PoolDoc]

I really have no idea.

Scaling from high alkalinity + high calcium would normally start at the waterline, not on underwater areas.

The source of plaster problems is an area of HUGE debate within the pool industry, with everybody pointing fingers at someone else. (It's the chemistry! No, it's the plaster materials! No, it's the workmanship! No, it's the ______ !) I don't have an iron in that fire, nor the experience to offer an informed judgement.

Ben

[vinper]

can you tell me about your polishing, what type plaster did you have

[binetca]

The plaster has quartz added to it and is tinted grey, giving it a somewhat deep blue quality. The contractor used pneumatic buffers with diamond cutting disks. there were five guys working on it for a couple of days. the final product was very smooth; like marble. The issue has been after that point. I am not sure what I will do next to fix it. I guess I will try to adjust the chemistry.

[vinper]

Not trying to steal thread .I have french grey quartz also, what made you want to polish . I want to even out the color. Thanks

[binetca]

the idea of an extremely smooth finish was appealing. our pool plaster contractor offered it as an option.