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As pool surface materials are a cementitious product not liquid product the color pigment is absorbed differently from place to place. The pool surface will never have an evenly distributed, uniform color as wall paint would have. However, there is what the industry calls normal discoloration, abnormal discoloration and staining. Discolorations are typically within the surface of a coating, while stains are typically on the surface of a coating.
*1) Normal discoloration or normal mottling has a uniform shading, blotchy or cloudy appearance across the surface of the cementitious surface. This is a result of the moisture content and/or rate of hydration within the matrix of the surface coating. This is not considered a failure or defect but is a normal characteristic of most cementitious products, not needing remedy.
*2) Abnormal discoloration is sporadic shading areas or excessive blotchiness, and smaller discolored spots. These can be the result of various conditions. The remedy for this situation could involve lightly sanding or grinding the areas, acid washing or bleaching the surface or by removing and patching the affected area. Consult your local pool professional if abnormal discoloration is on your pool surface for the recommended treatment you will need.
*3) Staining can be precipitated - solid material which is formed out of solution by chemica or physical reaction such as minerals and metals-, rusted, leached
or absorbed onto a surface material. The remedy for this situation could involve acid washing or bleaching the surface, use of stain removers or chemical treatment. Consult your local pool professional if abnormal discoloration is on your pool surface for the recommended treatment you will need. In many cases you can reduce the pH level to 7.0 until the mineral stain dissolves. You will need to daily brush the pool to aid in the removal of the stain. Do not swim in the pool with the pH level this low. Always bring the pH level back to 7.2 before getting into the water. Use soda ash to bring the pH level back up to the correct level.
*Content taken from the National Plasterers Council "Technical Manual, Fifth Edition" 2005.
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