Frequently Asked Questions

“Scale is the precipitate that forms on surfaces in contact with water when the calcium hardness, pH, or total alkalinity levels are too high. Results from chemically unbalanced pool and spa water. Scale may appear as grey, white, or dark streaks on the plaster, fiberglass or vinyl. It may also appear as a hard crust around the tile.”

IPSSA Basic Training Manual 2006, pg 188, Glossary

“DO NOT turn on pool heater until there is no plaster dust in the pool.”

National Plasterers Council, NPC Start Up Card, September 2012 edition.

Turning the pool heater on prematurely can damage the heat exchanger. Plaster dust is usually gone in approximately 5-10 days.

“No salt should be added for 28 days.” But Fortunato Pools will handle the salt for you.

National Plasterers Council, NPC Start Up Card, September 2012 edition

It is recommended that you do not swim in the pool until the water is properly balanced and sanitized.” – National Plasterers Council, NPC Start Up Card, September 2012 edition

“Cementitious surface coatings are actually semi-permeable membranes. They allow small amounts of moisture to permeate through and into the substrate, over time. However, many plaster applications that are properly placed and satisfactorily finished are improperly diagnosed or deemed wrongfully to be faulty by people who believe the coating is supposed to be ‘waterproof’ and not watertight. In fact, cementitious surface coatings are not intended to completely stop moisture penetration.”

National Plasterers Council Technical Manual, Section 1.1 Watertightness

Pool finishes are not waterproof. When needed pools are waterproofed before the pool finish is applied.

“The term curing is used in reference to the maintenance of a favorable environment for the continuation of these chemical reactions; that is, the retention of moisture within or supplying moisture to the concrete and protection against extremes of temperature. It is through early curing that the internal structure of the plaster is built up to provide strength and water tightness.”

“Curing is typically done by immersing the cementitious coating in water as soon as possible after final set. The hydration of the cementitious compounds will continue underwater.”

“By immersion or “ponding” curing of a swimming pool’s cementitious surface, the hydration process is allowed to proceed without the accelerated loss of moisture from evaporation, wind, and other factors. This “ponding” curing will also greatly reduce the tendency of the surface to develop shrinkage cracking.”

National Plasterers Council Technical Bulletin Number 2, January 2010

Renovation work, which applies to tile, coping and resurfacing. We will also do patio work, inclusive of concrete (regular and stamped), pavers, and porcelain application.

By phone or through our website.

We will always remove the cover (if needed) and drain the pool upon our arrival. Tile and coping projects take five days start to finish before the pool can be refilled with water. Plaster project takes two days of active work, followed by refilling the pool, before the fourteen day exposure process begins.

Yes, we install pool coping and tile frequently. Our scope of work will always include replacing the bond beam and installing a flexible joint behind the coping on the pool to ensure longevity against the elements of the northeast winters.

Resurfacing takes one day to drain and prep the pool, one day to apply the plaster, approximately two days to refill the pool with a hose (water delivery is quicker), and we always include the fourteen day start up service to ensure proper exposure.

We offer the entire SGM product line, including DiamondBrite, RiverRok, and Durazzo, and NPT Jewelscapes.

Of course. Sometimes clients want to modify their pool space without breaking the bank. We have been able to configure pool interiors to include adding a family-friendly sunshelf, bringing up deep pools to a more shallow space to expand social space for all, and even adding sitting benches with therapeutic spa jets for the ultimate relaxation.

Tile and coping renovation work has a warranty of three years. Plaster resurfacing has also a three year warranty provided water chemistry has been maintained. We will always encourage customers to protect their investment by hiring certified pool maintenance companies to monitor their water on a consistent basis and service the entire pool to perform optimally during its usage for the summer season.

We will service all of Monmouth county and parts of Northern Ocean county. We like to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to our clients, so keeping a localized service net helps us achieve maximum working hours and minimal driving hours.

Please call us at 732-994-7665 or head to our website to fill out an inquiry!