For tiling, coping, and decking, the process is not as impacted by pool construction delays as the rest of the pool building process. However, the process requires dry dirt to complete, so if it rains, you have to wait a few days or weeks for the ground to dry, which applies to tiling and coping, as well.
Porcelain slab tiles are strong, frost-proof, non-slip, fade resistant and will not discolour – the perfect low maintenance solution for your patio or terrace. This type of tile certainly can deal with rain and water, and even things like hail and snow.
Tile Bed Preparation
Fill in any holes to create a flat, even surface for the new tile. Allow any patches to dry for 24-48 hours before continuing.
Q: What happens if it rains? A: Rain causes delays on the job. We cannot excavate, gunite, pour concrete, install tile or coping, or plaster a pool during the rain. In most cases, we will not work during rain days.
While the rain can harm the chlorination process, it can also create issues with the plastering process too. Rain will cause streaks, discoloration, and curing mistakes once the plastering has begun.
For instance, rain often affects pool installation. It delays the construction process and can interfere with the structure of the pool. So, before you begin constructing your pool, check the weather forecast.
Pebble Tec®
While it is more expensive than plaster, it is the highest quality pool resurfacing material available due to its longevity and ability to hide chemical residue.
The best thing to do is spray the gunite with a hose 2-3 times a day for a week or so after it is shot. Helps keep shrinkage cracks to a minimum... so a light rain a few hours after it is shot is actually good for it.
Shotcrete needs to be protected from rain until it obtains its final set, usually 4 or 5 hours. Following final set, it should be wet cured for at least 4 days, preferably 7 days if possible. The exposure to rain would prove beneficial as the rain would assure the presence of moisture for continued curing.
Pouring concrete in the rain can compromise its strength, increasing the tendency for dusting and scaling to develop. Once the damage is done, it can be hard to rectify and will often ruin the appearance of the finished surface. Don't let it rain on your parade.
Standard grout - which can be very fast to apply, which is why it's used - will last maybe 5+ years, but is slowly attacked (dissolved) by the mildly acid water in the pool. This is exacerbated by regularly adding acid to the pool, if pH is over-corrected.
It's usually recommended to seal pool tile grout every three to five years. This extra protection for your grout will help your tile to look its best, not to mention staying in place.
Freezing weather causes a surface to contract and hot weather causes it to expand. Apply that concept to the area where your tiles are applied and you have a solution. This problem most often presents itself when ice builds up underneath the pool.
If water makes it's way under the tile (which it will, if it rains) it becomes trapped and is almost impossible to remove. You then grout the tiles trapping the water underneath. When winter comes, trapped water freezes and that's when your problems start.
Both also need about 72 hours for the initial cure and may need up to seven days to cure fully. During this time, the tile area must be fully protected from the rain. Rain protection must allow for adequate airflow to ensure proper curing. Grout sealer also must remain dry as it cures.
Ceramic floor tiles are not harmed by standing water, but, it can damage the grout between the tiles, and detach the adhesive. The damage may not become noticeable for many weeks or even months, until after flood waters have diminished.
Gunite generally lasts longer and maintains a higher quality than shotcrete. For instance, gunite tends to dry faster than shotcrete, leading to a much smoother surface and avoiding significant cracks from shrinking. Gunite can also withstand up to 9500 psi, a much higher psi than shotcrete.
Gunite: 1 day + curing process time
While gunite only takes a day on average to install, this process needs three to four weeks for sufficient curing. During this curing process, several other phases of the project will ensue.
Concrete, when applied using the shotcrete process, or cast-in-place, needs to cure for 7 days. Water is the best curing method (7 continuous days).
Gunite dries and gets hard very quickly. As a matter of fact, it can dry too quickly. It is necessary for you to water cure your Gunite to slow the drying time down. In the summer, wet the pool down at least 5 times a day, more if you can get to it.
Curing plaster refers to a maturation process of the new plaster finish when it strengthens and seals. The pool finish will start to cure immediately after mixing. Sixty percent of the curing process occurs in the first 4 weeks and will continue over the next 8 to 10 months.
Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last. The versatility of gunite swimming pools means more than the ability to create an unlimited array of shapes.
On Average, Replastering is Every 10 Years
So how often do you need to replaster a pool? The short answer is about every 10 years. However, it's important to consider the factors mentioned above, as they are typical signs that your pool needs to be replastered.
Durability: A Pebble Tec surface should last 20+ years with the proper care and maintenance. A plaster pool should be re-plastered approximately every 5 years.
DO. allow time (approx. 28 days) before assessing your final water and finish colors. The start-up and balance will allow the water and finish color to change over this period.