Hey everyone! I recently got an estimate for remodeling my pool, and it's a whopping $45k, so I decided to take on some of the demo work myself to save cash. Hammering out the concrete deck is going smoothly, and digging the lines is straightforward. Now I'm considering tackling the plaster pool myself too, since it seems similar to chipping out tile, which I've done before. Has anyone here chipped out a plaster pool? What should I watch out for, and is there a chance I could ruin the pool shell in the process?
2 Answers
I’d advise taking it easy when chipping out the plaster. Using a Bosch chipping hammer with a 2-inch chisel works great—just be gentle. You’ll notice the grey dust from the gunite shell before you really damage it! Take your time to avoid any structural issues.
From my experience in the pool business, it’s crucial to ask why you want to chip out the plaster. Instead of removing the entire plaster, you might consider just replacing the tile and coping. If you do need to chip out the plaster, focus on areas with cracks or weak spots and be careful around the pool shell. You will want to apply a bonding coat afterward before adding new plaster. It's a methodical process for sure!
I totally agree! I’m also considering an upgrade to pebbletec, especially since my old plaster is falling apart with algae in those spots. Plus, we're adding a baja step for the kiddos.