Quote Originally Posted by SPitz View Post
Hello All,
1. Tool/Trowel marks in the plaster. Builder says that some marks are always going to show, particularly when the lights are on in the evening.

2. White substance on the grout around the spa only that looks like crystals. Builder says thats normal with salt systems.

3. Spa spillway drips constantly to the point that the front of the spa is constantly wet. The wet part is not the big deal. The problem is the film that is left on the flagstone that looks like sand. I can wipe it off and it feels like sand.

4. There is something on some of the tiles. Looks white but is hard and is not removed by scrubbing or with any type of remover.
#1. Trowel Marks - I have a few in my pool as well. As your PB stated, they are more prevelant when the lights are on at night. Shadows are cast across the imperfections. Can you capture some of them on camera? Would they show up well enough?

#2 and #3 - Salt Crystals - Sounds to me like you have salt crystals forming. How often do you circulate the pool? How often do you brush down your pool. How often does your pool get used? I was informed by my builder up front that I would need to pay a little more attention to detail with the maintenance of the pool. My fountain bubbler (in the pool) plays a double roll... Not only does it keep my tanning ledge free of dirt, etc. it also provides agitation in the pool so I do not have a constant waterline around my tile. My build up of salt is substantially less.

#4. Visit your local pool supply store and ask them for a scrubbing stone. It is not actually a stone but a very had piece of rubber used to remove exactly what you are mentioning. It works in the same respect as an eraser does on a pencil.

I hope that helps. I too am fairly new when it comes to pool ownership. The more I read, the more I learn. I am sure others on the site will provide some other ideas as well. Good Luck and keep us posted.