jewelscape vs pebble tec

[dixiemartin]

is jewelscape good fir pools?
So expensive so I need to know it does't come off in the pool.
Dixiemartin

[PoolDoc]

Not the best time of year to be asking. Also, over the last few years, pool finish companies have been trying to 'differentiate' their products, not by actually making them significantly different, but by giving them different sounding names coupled with vague descriptions. Of course, many years ago, "Marcite" was the 'special' name for plain pool plaster. However, there a couple of important rules that apply to all finish types:

1. Pool finish contractor skill and dedication is at least as important -- and often, more important -- than pool finish product type or brand. This applies to paints, fiberglassing, epoxies, and all sorts of concrete based finishes, like plaster, Pebble Tec and Jewelscape.

2. If your preferred product -- OR contractor -- has been actively used in YOUR area for less than five years, then YOU become a guinea pit (test subject). If you like taking risks, and can afford to replace the finish at YOUR cost if it doesn't work out like you hope, have at it. Otherwise, pick a finish that experienced contractors in YOUR area have been using for MORE than 5 years.

3. Pool finish warranties mean less than you thing, usually much, MUCH less. Most pool owners who pursue warranty claims against pool finish products end up feeling very ripped off. Even if you read the fine print, you probably won't really understand what the warranty promises, but believe me, EVERY warranty I've ever seen (even on GOOD products) protects the manufacturer much more than it does you.

[dixiemartin]

thanks Pool Doc.
We really needed to do our pool as the plaster is peeling after 30 some on years and has "Never been done since they put in the pool. So far we have put in a new heater as ours was so old.. We have checked around and had a few come out with their bids then looked them up to see if any complaints. One that we have but haven't signed yet sounds good and seems to know what he is talking about. We are taking down the plaster all the way then redoing it as my husband doesn't want it to peel and felt it should be done. Then we are planning on adding Aquamarin Jewelscape. It really looks pretty and it felt good as the pebble tec we thought might hurt the kids feet and ours. I know this is more expensive but want something to look and feel good and last.
We have never had anything to grab on to get out of the pool either so we are adding a 3 bend I think it is called. Now the one thing I heard from others is they don't like driving boards and so now am trying to decide do we leave ours or remove it.?

[PoolDoc]

Removing loose plaster is ESSENTIAL, regardless of how you re-finish.

I understand why you might not want a rough surface - it also tends to make algae more of a problem. But why have you ruled out simply replacing your old plaster ('Marcite' = marble dust + white cement) with new plaster? Properly applied, that is a very desirable surface.

Diving boards are a risk . . . but mostly if you let teenage boys (or drunk adults) use them unsupervised. Most of the broken neck / back injuries have come from a larger athletic male who was showing off. Reportedly the guy who became a paraplegic, and whose lawsuit bankrupted the NSPI (National Pool and Spa Institute) preceded his final dive with the words, "Watch me do a suicide dive!".

In my opinion, diving boards are usually safer than slides, but when diving board injuries do occur, they can be catastrophic.

You know know your pool, and your swimmers.
+ When you dive, do you have to be very careful to avoid hitting the bottom? If so, take it out.
+ Do you have unruly teens or adults using your board? Again, if so, take it out.
+ Otherwise, if it were me, I'd probably keep it.