Plaster now or wait till Spring

16 years ago

Our SWG pool build is in the final stages and we have been approached about waiting till Spring to plaster. The supervisor is not pushing us either way. Actually, he is a bit indecisive about it as well advising us on the pros/cons of both. I am leaning toward plastering now, but have been told that the pool would have to run for two months. I live in Northern VA, so the winters aren't too bad. I also have a gas heater and wouldn't mind swimming this year if I can. My only concern about waiting is it maybe late Spring before they get to it, thus prolonging the finish. I think I would rather do it now and make sure all is working and know for sure that I can open in the Spring. Thoughts?? Thanks for the input.

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Comments (5)

kardut
16 years ago
rodx4--Who is your pool builder? We've been debating the same thing (also in NoVa)...hubby wants to get it done this fall, I'm thinking maybe we should just wait til spring so we're not out in Nov/Dec freezing while we're brushing plaster (plus hopefully this drought will be over with by then...I feel kinda guilty filling up a pool when the water level is so low). Haven't approached our own PB with our thoughts yet, but would be interested in hearing what yours had to say about the pros/cons
pooldazed
16 years ago
We just had our pool finished this spring and we debated the same things last fall. We ended up waiting till this spring to get our plaster and we're happy we did. We got plastered and filled, I believe, May 5th. At first you say that brushing in May can't be that bad, but let me tell you, it's COLD! We had water trucked in on a beautiful warm day, it looked beautiful. The water was about 53 degrees. Then you start brushing and the water starts running down your arms, your fingers start getting numb,and you feel colder and colder. Then we were brushing twice a day so we'd get out there in the morning, in the dark before going to work, and again when we got home from work, usually finishing up in the dark. It is a big investment of time and energy but at least we knew that every day it was a little warmer and we had a few more minutes of daylight. We also have a polaris which we were emptying so don't forget, again your reaching into the water. Now, with all that said as soon an the PB said it was Ok, about a week later, my kids jumped right in, water temp 55. Ouch it was cold, I went in up to my knees.

We have friends that have plastered in the fall and have nearly frozen to death while brushing. Don't forget that in the fall you have to fish all the leaves out or they'll stain the plaster.

We love our pool, and haven't wanted to close it yet. With as warm as its been my daughters were swimming this weekend, Water 67, Air 75.
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rodx4
Original Author
16 years ago
We are getting our pool built by Blue Haven. So far it has been a good experience. Here is the pro/con list:

Pros - Warranty on pool won't start until the pool is finished. So if we wait then it starts in the Spring.

Won't need a cover until next year.

Don't have to worry about closing pool this year and water will be nice and clear when they fill in Spring.

More time to landscape and get things looking nice.

Opening this year:

We will have peace of mind knowing everything works the way it should.

May even have a chance to jump in (gas heater installed)

Cons

Depending on the weather, it could take longer to finish in the Spring. Best Friend had his built in the same time frame and wasn't finished until mid-June.

Equipment may not work properly so now we have to wait for service at the busiest time of the year.

Spending more money to get things done this year. At least with waiting till Spring I can plan things out better as far as landscaping and layout of fencing.

Dirt and stuff getting in the pool since getting a cover takes a bit longer to get at this point in time.

The supervisor, left it up to us and he did at one point say that if it were him he would probably open this year. I had mentioned before he was a bit indecisive because after he said that he went into pros of waiting till Spring.

The supervisor seems to be very knowledgeable about pools so I get a good feel from him. In the end it is a personal preference, but I want to get some opinions. Thanks again to all and I hope this helps someone else in the same situation.
thejimbar
16 years ago
WTS
ethiojazz
16 years ago
Ditto.....

Points you mentioned in your email should convince you clearly..We have a similar situation, with Gunite going in this week. The decision has already been made to delay till spring for plaster. In fact I am going to stop at Gunite and concentrate on getting the grading completed, prepping for the decking etc...