Review of "Ultraguard"

[windfix]

Thanks, Tredge for some good info on this product. I refinished our pool with the top-line 6000 product, but who knows if there is really a difference. Ken, the proprietor had good advice and was very willing to receive calls for consulting. I did not find the instructions really well organized, seemed like I had to jump around between documents, lots of which were promotionals. I do think the product is great. I have posted a series of shots here at the URL below. I also refinished our lanai with stone tile, and replaced the pool coping, so there are more photos there than just the ultraguard.

http://picasaweb.google.com/paul.mck...ey=yuOD6VLZCHI

Aside from Tredge's comments and the instructions that come with ultraguard, a few tips: Do NOT keep rolling this stuff after it starts being difficult. It seems like you're trying for max coverage, but the roller pulls up bumps that become permanent - some can be sharp. Just stop and throw the rest of the mix out, continue with the next bucket.

Another tip - count on grinding the pool surface. It was a surprise to me, but my pool surface gave off granular/dust particles when rubbed - even after an acid wash. The grinder treatment took an extra day and was a pain, but worth it.

Last tip - spend lots of time patching with acrylic/mortar mix and grind it smooth. The finish coat does not hide the surface imperfections, and you can make it look really good if you just spend some time on it.

We love the results, and I am sure its stronger and more permanent than plaster. The only disappointment I have is that somehow the last few session s with a roller dried a slightly off color, making patches visible if you look closely. Surface ripples mask this, so not the end of the world. Also, the blue has faded a bit on the steps within a few months. I am not too concerned about it, the color is still great and it looks so much better than the old surface that I can not complain. Also, I did this myself for a few thousand dollars rather than contract someone to do plaster for $9,000