What is Plaster Dust and Why is it in Your Fiberglass Pool?
Unsure About That Dust in Your Pool? You Should Definitely Clean It
If you’re a pool owner, you may have heard about plaster dust, especially when discussing pool maintenance. But what exactly is this weird and elusive substance, and why does it seem to appear in pools—especially fiberglass ones? Plaster dust can directly impact not only the aesthetics of your pool but also its longevity and your overall enjoyment.
The pool experts at Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas dive deep into what plaster dust is, its effects on fiberglass pools, and, most importantly, how to prevent and address it.
What Is Plaster Dust?
Plaster dust is a fine, white, powdery residue that often appears on the bottom of newly plastered pools. It consists largely of calcium carbonate that is released from the plaster surface, typically during or shortly after the pool is filled with water.
The release of this residue occurs because of an imbalance in the water’s chemical composition. Specifically, if your water has a low Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), it’s classified as “aggressive” water, meaning it “pulls” calcium from the plaster, creating a dusty appearance on the pool floor.
Key Triggers of Plaster Dust
- Chemical Imbalance: Low pH, low calcium hardness, and improper alkalinity levels can lead to a lower LSI, which accelerates calcium leaching.
- Improper Water Balancing: This issue is most common when a pool is brand new or has just been replastered, particularly if water parameters are not adjusted before filling.
Relationship Between Plaster Dust and Water Chemistry
Water chemistry plays a vital role in preventing plaster dust. If your water is too aggressive (low LSI), it essentially tries to rebalance itself by pulling calcium from the plaster of the pool. You can think of LSI as a score that indicates whether your water is balanced, corrosive, or scaling. Striking the right balance ensures that water won’t erode the pool plaster or create excess buildup like dust or calcium scaling.
Impact on Fiberglass Pools and Pool Owners
Fiberglass pools are often advertised as low-maintenance—and they are! One of the benefits of having a fiberglass pool is that you can’t get plaster dust since your pool is not made of plaster! Protect yourself and your family from itchy redness with a pool that doesn’t develop this dust.
Tips to Prevent Plaster Dust in Non-Fiberglass Pools
The good news? Most cases of plaster dust can be avoided with the right preventative measures. Here’s how to keep it at bay from day one.
- Balance Water Chemistry Before Filling: Test your water before filling a newly plastered pool. Ensure a proper pH (7.4–7.6), calcium hardness (200–400 ppm), and total alkalinity (80–120 ppm) for a balanced LSI. This reduces the chances of aggressive water triggering plaster dust.
- Use Sequestering Agents: Sequestering agents can help prevent calcium from precipitating out of the water in the form of dust or scaling.
- Brush Frequently in the First Few Weeks: Regular brushing of your pool walls and floor ensures that any residual plaster or calcium carbonate doesn’t settle and becomes easier to filter out.
How to Remove Plaster Dust
If plaster dust is already present in your pool, don’t panic. Here’s a quick plan to eliminate it efficiently.
- Brush the Pool Regularly: Brushing helps loosen and disperse plaster dust, allowing your filtration system to take care of the rest.
- Monitor and Adjust Water Chemistry: Test your water regularly with a pool test kit to ensure your pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity levels are balanced. Correct any discrepancies.
- Use a Vacuum: For excessive dust, consider using a manual or automatic pool vacuum to remove residues from the bottom of your pool.
- Consider Flocculants or Clarifiers: If the dust clouds your water, chemicals like flocculants and clarifiers can bind small particles together, making them easier to filter out.
Maintaining a Dust-Free Fiberglass Pool
Plaster dust may sound like a hassle, but with the right preventive measures and maintenance routine, it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on balanced water chemistry and using the preventive strategies discussed, you’ll keep your fiberglass pool spotless and ready for relaxation.
Want to avoid this altogether? Get a fiberglass pool from Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas. Connect with our team of pool experts for personalized advice and maintenance services. Contact us today!
Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools