Is your marble plaster pool suffering from water loss?  It could be that the pitting of the porous marble plaster structure has caused small holes where water is leaking through. Pitting, caused by severe algae growth and overdose of chemicals, might have softened the softer spots of the pool, allowing algae to penetrate deeper and deeper.
  

Pitting is a result of adding too much chemicals over a long period of time and the subsequent softening of the marble plaster. Another factor is aggressive water conditions due to LOW CALCIUM or "Total Hardness". If left untreated for too long, your pool can be permanently damaged and caused to leak. Swimming pool repairs can become an expensive exercise.  The pool below was repaired from severe pitting deterioration in 2000 and coated with our specialised epoxy pool paint.

In 1997, our first epoxy pool paint product was applied on an old neglected pool. We re-visited the swimming pool in 2000, 2005, and 2008 to see how it was performing. After ten years, the swimming pool paint was still performing well. Look at how algae, accumulated on the steps and sides over a long period of time on spots where the pool cleaner never passes, could easily be wiped away by hand:

Before spending your hard-earned money on just any off-the-shelf pool paint or so-called swimming pool epoxy, at least do a little bit of homework.

The following are typical problems related to some of the non-specialised swimming pool paints available:

• Lack of proper pentration and bond-strength typically related to epoxies/paints advertised as an easy-to-apply one- or two-layer solution. Some substrates are too dense to allow proper penetration by a top-coat-only solution. One-layer solutions (no primer) must found a compromise between coating thickness (higher-viscosity) and penetration ability (lower-viscosity). These generalised one- or two-layer solutions just can't offer the best of both worlds.
  
  
• Extensive chalking and cracking after a few months due to lack of chemical- and UV-resistance. Some products originates from the floor epoxy industry and are sold as a swimming pool coating. These products will start to get powdery within 6 months and will eventually blister or crack, get plucked from the sides and deposited small chip pieces into the weir and pump filter, causing flow restrictions for years.
  
  
• Fast colour fading and/or staining by water, chemicals and UV-radiation. If the product datasheet indicates that the product might suffer pigment-wash and discolouring by water, even after days of hardening, be aware! A product specifically developed for submerged conditions and for outdoor use should offer rain-resistance within hours. If the datasheet indicates the product can be discoloured by rain even after days of drying, the product is clearly not suitable for submerged conditions. Early water-resistance should be one of the main design qualities of the product. Chermical resistance may then also suspect to be weak.
  

Here are a few tips on how to make sure you buy a good product from a company that has stood the test of time:

• First, ensure that you are dealing with a pool paint supplier that has a track record, offers a guarantee with long-term references up front, and has been operating under the same name (manufacturing epoxy paints for swimming pools, of course) for many years. As we have experienced with disgruntled customers contacting us, many will offer you ridiculous guarantees, but in three or five years’ time they will leave the market (as is the case with a widely advertised pool paint supplier with a 10 year untested warranty who has left the market in September 2019). Some pool paint suppliers claim that they have been in the market for 25 years plus, yet they cannot offer swimming pool client references older than 3 years. If their existing company name is less than five years old and they offer long warranties, the warranty period is cearly a marketing scam.
  
  
• Obtain references that are at least as old as their advertised warranty period.
  
  Hot tip: Go check out the creation date of local website domains here: http://co.za/whois.shtml for .co.za domains. Enter the name of the website e.g., "poolsolutions" (the .co.za part will automatically be added, do not enter "www" at the front of the name). Search down the list and find the field "creationdate".
  For international .com domains, you can follow this link: http://whois.net. 
  If a website advertising pool paint is not as old as their warranty period, be careful!
  
  
• Many swimming pool paint formulations have been inherited from traditional indoor floor coating formulations. In most cases these epoxy formulations have never been upgraded with better curing agents and protectors to provide a longer lifespan in the harsh environment of the permanently submerged and chemically-rich conditions of a swimming pool. See our UV and chemical tests on differnt product on our technical page.
  
  
• If a supplier is reluctant to supply technical data relating to his product, they are probably not in control of the testing and development of the product and may not have the technical skills to develop it further or keep up to date with the latest technology.

We developed and finalised our own product formulation specifically for swimming pools by 2003, phasing out the traditionally-used curing agents and replacing it with the latest technology in chemical-resistant and water resistant curing agents. This has greatly improved stain resistance, early waterspot resistance (no staining or pigment wash by rain after 3 hours of drying at 25 °C; 8-10 hours during colder winter conditions) and non-yellowing qualities as you can see on our Technical page. In 2007, we upgraded to the latest high-grade Rutile Titanium Dioxide base pigments that offer 3-5 times the protection against UV-light radiation as well as chemical-resistant and UV-resistant liquid colourants. In 2014 we again upgraded to the latest curing agents targeted for application in submerged conditions. In September 2017 we introduced new curing agent technology to offer even better UV-resistance and colour stability even under adverse conditions. In September 2019 we further improved UV and chalk-resistance. We are constantly testing and improving our product with the latest technology as it becomes available.

• We don't claim to have an indestructible product. It has limitations and an expected lifespan of 8-10 years (with a few customers reporting up to 15 years), depending on how it was applied and how the customer maintains his swimming pool water. We will compare our product to fiberglass linings and marble plaster, and tell you honestly what are the advantages and shortcomings of each. We will give you the facts – the choice is up to you, the customer. Each product type has its marketplace at a certain price level. Read the next section for a comparison.

Here we answer some common questions: FAQ

You can read more about our tests and developments on the Technical Page.

If you ask your local swimming pool shop owner about pool paints or epoxies, he/she might advise you to rather re-apply marble plaster or fibreglass.

First of all, we don't blame them! Many have had a bad experience with a DIY, one or two-layer, off-the-shelve paint product from a local hardware shop. There is, however, a huge difference between a single element paint and a two-part, specialised epoxy pool paint system. Our epoxy formulations are specialised combinations, consisting of no less than 15 different ingredients, carefully selected and measured to provide specific qualities specifically formulated for submerged surfaces. The final product consists of resin and hardener main components that chemically react and bind to form a hard, enamel finish.

Marble plaster

Marble plaster also referred to as mabelite is a thick strenghened cement type finish that is stong and can offer years of functional service.

The draw-back of marbelite is the commaon problems related the long-term appearance. The reason your pool got stained and lost its colour in the first place is due to the fact that marble plaster pools are, and always will be, prone to algae infestation. The more algae you see, the more you tend to add acid and other deterrents, softening and eating into the marble plaster to create even more microscopic space for the algae to settle and grow. It is an ever-increasing cycle that will keep on repeating itself. 

Applying marble plaster again will not solve the staining and colour loss problems in the longer term. It is a costly exercise for a temporary solution. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass, like an epoxy coat, is not prone to algae infestation. Although quite expensive, it can be a quality solution that can last for many years if installed by experienced and reputable fiberglass pool builders. It is recommended for good appearance, less water-maintenance problems and where possible structural movement might be a problem.

There are sometimes problems related to fiberglass linings, i.e., the accumulation of moist behind the fiberglass lining, especially where fiberglass is installed on existing structures, causing lifting of the lining from the base structure, in turn causing bubbles, cracking, and eventually leaks. This is a problem we have encountered many times. Considering the price tag on fiberglass linings, it can also be a costly exercise should it result in the total loss of the lining within a few years. When fiberglass is applied later on as an upgrade, the possibility of the top edge underneath the coping stone pulling away and allowing water to enter behind the lining also becomes a reality, posing the same problems mentioned above.

Epoxy paint

Epoxy paint coatings have the advantage that they cost far less to apply, are easy to repair, and can even be applied as a very cost-effective DIY solution. Epoxy coatings can easily be refurbished by re-applying two new top layers at 50% or less compared to the original full installation cost; even less (approx. 25% of original installation cost) if you re-apply it yourself as a DIY job.

General maintenance on an epoxy-coated pool is a breeze, with reduced algae growth requiring less chemicals to maintain water clarity. For best results and a longer lifespan, the swimming pool water should generally be kept within balance and should be tested at least once a month.

Limitations: the ageing process on the epoxy coating is a gradual thinning of the coating. After a normal life expectancy of 8-10 years of service, you will notice the substrate or primer layer starting to show through in certain spots; then it is time to re-apply two new and thick top-coats. Re-application if you do it yourself can be done for approximately 25% of the original installation cost.

Although our product is well-tested and performs very well when the recommended chemicals are used to maintain the water, it is subject to damage by certain aggressive products that might reduce the lifespan or appearance. See our FAQ page for more information. As with all types of pool surfaces, attention should be given to test the Calcium Hardness (Total Hardness) after filling the pool. Total Hardness (Calcium content) readings below 350ppm might increase chalking of the paint and will reduce the lifespan. CAlcium Chloride flakes can be obtained from us and other outets and should be checked every 6 - 12 months.

A common enemy

A swimming pool enemy not many pool owners are aware of is low alkalinity and especially low Total Hardness (low Calcium Hardness). Staining and pitting on marble plastered pools, severe chalking of epoxy coatings, or discolouring and deterioration of fibreglass linings are often caused by low calcium levels. If this condition is not corrected and tested once in every 6 months, it will cause damage and even your epoxy-coated pool will be severely affected, reducing the lifespan of the product.

Testing the water every 6 months for "Total Hardness" will prevent the calcium levels to fall too low and the water to become aggressive towards the epoxy paint layer. Total hardness is also indicated on some water test strips (see picture below) and must be kept well between 350-550ppm regardless of swimming pool shops' recommendations. Ideal levels indicated on print-outs by water test machines are too low and not on par with the latest research findings. This is not a fluctuating condition and only needs to be checked after filling the swimming pool with fresh water.

The type of test strips shown below can test for "Total Hardness" and are available from Pool Solutions. The Insta Test 6 Plus test strips can be ordered to be included with your DIY epoxy paint package from Pool Solutions.

Visit our Calcium Chloride requirement calculator:

A well-developed epoxy paint system consists of two main elements, namely an EPOXY RESIN and a CATALYST (HARDENER), as well as many other additives.  Our own product consists of no less than 14 different elements.  The combination of the two main binding elements does not rely on the evaporation of solvents or water to air-dry like most single element paint products.

Paints do not chemically form the molecular ring-bound structures that resist foreign element penetration into the coating. A true epoxy system will normally have an A- to B-part ratio of between 2:1 and 4:1. Our product has been tested on concrete and marbelite and offer bond-strengths of up to 400 psi (2.8 MPA), resulting in concrete substrate breakage under test.

It is a scientifically proven fact that large percentages of solvents or water in the formulation will adversely affect qualities like bonding capability, colour stability and penetration resistance to water and chemicals. These products are commonly found in normal paints or watered-down epoxy products. In a specialised epoxy system, chemical binding of the Catalyst molecules exactly weighted to match the molecular mass of the Resin part causes a chemical reaction which forms microscopic circular structures almost like a honeycomb structure. This circular formation is a thousand times stronger and thus less prone to penetration by water and chemicals, and, in our case, 100% immune to algae infestation. We offer a high-solids (90%) formulation with zero or very low solvent content (0-10%) in the top-coat.

Except for the enjoyment you and your family will get from of an aesthetically pleasing swimming pool, a well-looked-after swimming pool has also proved to be an important asset to any private property owner. 


Any estate agent will confirm that a swimming pool that is in bad shape is not an asset to your property value but, instead, a definite turn-off. Fact is, it will turn away many prospective buyers who just aren't ready for the hassles of owning a swimming pool that is in bad shape, or they might use it as a bargaining chip against you. 


A sparkling clean pool with crystal-clear water will tend to have that positive emotional influence on any potential buyer, especially if you tell them how it is possible to own a swimming pool without the normal frustrations. Use this to your advantage as a seller.


You need a quality pool paint epoxy to stop the ongoing deterioration of your pool. Don’t allow your investment to reduce in value. The money you spent to enhance the appearance of your swimming pool will be an investment that will return 300% or even a 500% of the amount invested in a quality epoxy coat. 

For instance, if your pool is stained and looks like it is in need of constant attention, it might have an adverse effect on the price offered for the property. This is because a swimming pool is a high point-of-interest to any potential buyer.  On a property valued at R1.5m, your well-kept garden and good-looking pool contributes approximately R50 000 to the value.

But let's be very conservative: If your pool draws negative attention you can expect to loose R50 000 on the offer! If your pool will cost you R 8 000 to epoxy-coat (depending on the size, this is a general average), and you can get the full R1.5m for your property because you have a beautiful garden and the pool that looks inviting, the amount spent to refurbish your pool yielded a huge return on investment.

Whether you choose a contractor/dealer to do the full installation or decide to make use of our DIY packages, you can save money:


TO SEE OUR PRICELIST OR TO REQUEST A QUOTE - CLICK HERE


We have already shown you:

• How you can save thousands compared to fiberglass
• How new marble plaster will not solve the problem; it is money wasted!
• How you can increase your property value
• How you will further save up to 50% on swimming pool chemicals
• How easy it is to maintain your pool in an excellent condition without the frustrations and frequent maintenance
• How algae infestation is prevented with our 100% immune epoxy coat
• How you can easily apply the product yourself and save even more

You can spend hours walking from pool shop to pool shop trying to find the magic chemicals that will transform your pool into a crystal-clear sparkling pool. But doesn't it make a lot more sense to skip the learning curve and get to the root of the problem?

Click here to order a DIY package or to request an Email quotation.

I trust we will hear from you soon and I hope you have enjoyed our web site.
Remember to visit our other pages for even more information.

Sincerely,

ONLINE quotations - For quotation request - Click here

aANLYN KWOTASIES - Vir kwotasie versoek - Klik hier

083 227 6663 (Celéne), 072 603 8895 (Gerhard), 083 455 9632 (Philip)
(Mon - Fri, 08h30 -17h00)  
packaged per order only, contact us to arrange for collection in The Willows, Pretoria.
Fax:  0866 572412


Email:

Visit our online information request form: Click here

P.O.Box 74170
Lynnwood Ridge
Pretoria, South Africa
0040

Internet Banking Details

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Acc Name:         Pool Solutions Epoxy Coatings Pty Ltd
Bank:                FNB (Menlyn)
Branch code:    250655
Acc. No:            62799042909
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WEB SITE TERMS & CONDITIONS

DISCLAIMER

Dynamic Solutions 111 Trust (t/a Pool Solutions), the owners, affiliates, agents or employees will not be liable for any claim whatsoever relating to injuries, health conditions or loss of life under any circumstances during the use of any product supplied, during application, thereafter and during the use of the swimming pool.

Pool Solutions supplies the product to listed applicators at a dealer's price level and minimum profit gain, we are not
involved in the application, nor have we profited directly from the installation. The guarantee offered by the contractor is
therefore solely the responsibility of the contractor who is legally bound by written undertaking with us and the client.
We have a back-to-back product replacement agreement (at factory cost level) with dealers and DIY customers in case
of a repair, regardless of the cause of failure or damage. Contractors reported to us with negative feedback repeatedly
will be de-listed from our reference list.