Articles

Are NPC leaders really trying to resolve plaster problems, or will they continue to ignore and/or misrepresent the research studies that have already provided the answers? The NPC says that there has been decades of debate regarding plaster problems.

With a lot of publicity and fanfare, the National Plasterers Council (NPC) recently invited the onBalance group to participate in new test pool studies to determine the cause of plaster spotting, which they claim is caused by aggressive pool water.

Th

FACT and REALITY

Longstanding cement and concrete science has established that calcium chloride-in acceptable quantities-is a primary cause of discoloration in cementitious surfaces, particularly when steel troweled. Further, the Portland Cement Assoc

Are you familiar with popular palm sized water balls on the market that repel water and bounce on the water surface? We at RipperBall.com Sports are interested in industry input and critical review of this world selling sports water bag, The WaterRip

It is understood that muriatic acid can dissolve and etch a plaster surface.  Therefore, why, after working hard to achieve a smooth, brand-new, hand-crafted, quartz pool-finish, would anyone immediately perform an “acid wash” on that pool?  Yes, tha

It’s been quite the hot topic of late, this idea of promoting the excitement of the aquatic experience. As many in our industry have pointed out, other recreation-based industries have done a much better job than we

Aquaview frameless glass pool fencing is a modern innovation in architectural design and pool safety. Frameless glass enclosures provide an elegant appearance to pools and landscapes increasing the aesthetic nature of the property. Our systems are bu

There are proper steps to follow for the making of quality pool plaster, including color, quartz, and pebble finishes.  There are also improper practices that can lead to early deterioration and discoloration. Following is a ten-point checklist that

For as long as I can remember, the pool and spa industry has generally behaved as though pools and spas exist in a vacuum, as if they have little or nothing to do with the surrounding environment. 

Fortunately, that’s changed for many forward-thinking

I’ve always liked to think that with age comes wisdom, that as we grow older we become more of who we are.  For those of us entering our, shall we say, more wizened years, we can take comfort knowing that our experience affords us hard-won perspectiv

It’s almost here — another season of industry trade shows in which we gather and do our best to train our sights on the future.

For nearly five decades, I’ve been attending these events and have had countless positive experiences both professionally

By Vance Gillette

Looking at the state of our industry with an eye toward improving what we do and how we do it, I believe we are suffering from a deficit of effective leadership and have been for a long time.  I see it at all levels of the industry,

 By Vance Gillette

Long ago, way back in the 1960s during my early days working in the pool and spa industry, I adopted what you might call a professional and even personal manifesto — an approach to doing business that has served me and others very w

California is currently experiencing the most severe drought conditions in 500 years according to some sources, and certainly the worst in our lifetimes. How bad is it? 

As we enter the fourth straight year of below-normal precipita

Economics is all about perception. If you doubt that’s true just talk to any stockbroker. For better or worse, buying and selling decisions in our financial world are largely based on perception — perception of current conditions a

Good things are happening in the pool industry.  At the Western Pool & Spa Show in Long Beach last month, several knowledgeable pool plasterers publicly stated that improper plastering practices will lead to various discolorations and poor quality po

"Everything we do, at NSPF, we believe will help more people live healthier lives," says Tom Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of National Swimming Pool Foundation. One thing NSPF does is fund research and invite leading scientists to present their findings at th

Contrary to some misinformation that has lately been floating around, high cyanuric acid (stabilizer) levels do not cause gray discoloration, or white spotting (“spot etching” as some incorrectly call it) in plaster swimming pools, no matter what.  A

Hi all, this is CJ.  I work for the City of Blair, in Nebraska.  I have about 16 years pool experience.  My current project is the ageing pool that the city has, it was originally built in the 1930's.  With a patchwork of renovations since then, I ha

Both white pool plaster coupons below have been in water for one year. Sometimes the water was slightly aggressive (negative LSI), and sometimes the water was slightly scale forming (positive LSI).

The top coupon was formed with only one percent calci