Quartz pool finishes are an important part of the pool’s construction. They’re a hard, nonporous material that’s often used to cover the surface of pools.
The problem with this type of finish is that it can become clogged with debris and algae, causing water quality and appearance problems.
Getting a perfect quartz pool finish is not an easy task. Quartz pool finishes often get mottled and blotchy, but that’s just one of the many problems people face with them.
This problem is typically caused by a lack of maintenance or a change in water chemistry. A variety of factors causes quartz pool finish problems, and they are not always easy to find.
The problems are most common in new swimming pools and can be caused by a number of factors. The most common causes are the use of a poor-quality builder and poor installation.
Quartz Pool Finish Problems And Their Solutions
A common problem for pools with a quartz finish is that the finish does not always look smooth. It can be hard to tell what the issue is if this happens.
This article will give you some solutions for these problems so that you can avoid the headache of having to replace your pool finish in the future.
1. Problems With Fading
Pool finishes fade over time due to exposure to chemicals, ice, heat, and other environmental factors. The main reason why your pool’s color changes over time is an incorrect chemical balance.
Since I have seen this issue with other expensive brands, I would not attribute it exclusively to Quartz finishes. Take Pebble Tec, for example.
The quick fix for this problem is acid washing, but you already know how problematic it is, right? So, a better solution is to sanitize the entire system with bleach.
2. Splotchy/Blotchy Appearance
The problem seems to be affecting a lot of people. Some forum threads devoted to it show how it has affected people.
You might be thinking about acid washes after you see the blotchy appearance for the first couple of weeks, as several forums suggest.
It is great when it comes to acid wash, but sometimes it won’t be uniform. Also, long brushing schedules are required.
The issue has been reported by many people who have used Quartz finishes in their pools. You should contact your PB about this. Let a professional have a look at your pool.
3. Issues With Spalling
Plaster may fall from the trowel over time if troweling is done improperly. This causes the plaster to peel, leaving plaster residue behind. Pool finishes are less likely to last longer if they are spalled.
When your PB rushes or doesn’t have proper troweling experience, this will happen. Your pool will suffer as a result. There have been instances where people have expressed concern about their Quartz pool finishes spalling.
Quartz is not at fault here; you just chose the wrong pool builder. A professional pool builder is needed to flatten and smooth your pool before plastering.
4. Surfaces That Are Porous and Etched
If you use muriatic acid to rejuvenate the appearance of plaster, it will erode the top layer of the plaster, leaving behind a porous and etched surface.
That’s what acid wash does!
To see this clearly, you will need magnification, but it certainly is happening. Because of this, you are more likely to see blotches and stains on your pool finish.
It’s safe to assume that if the surface appears blotchy after a few months of acid treatment, it was likely caused by the treatment itself.
You’ll make your pool finish look like new, but you’ll also reduce its lifespan at the same time. So, think of acid washing as a double-edged sword.
Is Quartz A Good Pool Finish?
Quartz pool finishes are becoming more popular because they’re easy on the eyes and less expensive than other options. However, the most important thing about quartz is how it creates a strong, nonporous finish.
This means that it won’t absorb water or release chemical residue into the water. It also means that it’s easy to clean since you don’t have to scrub quartz that frequently.
How Long Does Quartz Pool Finish Last?
There is no set rule on how long a quartz pool will last. The lifespan of a quartz pool depends on the quality of the pool and the care that it gets.
If you are looking for a swimming pool, you should consider quartz pools because they can last for up to 12 years with proper maintenance.
Which Pool Finish Is Cheaper? Pebble Tec Or Quartz?
Quartz is a much cheaper surface than the Pebble Tec finish. The price difference between these two finishes can be substantial, but quartz is durable and will last a long time if taken care of properly.
Can You Acid Wash A Quartz Pool?
Yes, quartz is a tough material and can withstand acid washing. It is also very hard to scratch.
However, it’s still possible to scrape off the surface of a quartz pool if you use enough force. Acid washing is a process that can help to remove dirt, stains, and algae from the pool.
That’s the key part of finishing your pool. The entire surface must be washed with diluted muriatic acid and neutralized with soda ash. Make sure you follow the instructions provided by your pool builder.
Do Quartz Pool Finishes Have A Rough Texture?
It is not rough, but it is tough. This material has a very tough finish, which places it on the higher end of the Moh Mineral Hardness Scale.
Final Words
Was the pool guy telling you that it would be uniform within a week? And yet, two times a day, brushing the pool isn’t helping? Unfortunately, you’re not the only one.
There are a lot of drawbacks to Quartz pool finishes, but the most common complaint is about color blotchiness. The problem is accelerated by acid treatment, as many experienced pool builders and pool owners agree.
Some of these problems do not pertain to any particular brand; they can affect any. For example, Pebble Tec’s finishes. suffer from some of the same disadvantages.
Whenever you decide to acid wash your pool, I always recommend speaking to your pool contractor first. Then, make sure that you talk to your PB about this issue, even if your PB recommends acid washing.
