Follow the instructions below to ensure impressive results with MicroGlass...
MicroGlass works on NEW PLASTER installations (for new pools and existing pools) as well as EXISTING PLASTER. The application procedures are similar for both, but there are some differences in surface prep, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully for your particular situation.
APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
NEW OR RE-PLASTERED POOLS & SPAS
PREPARE SURFACE
STEP 1: Follow Section A, B, C or D depending on new finish type below:
A: NEW EXPOSED WHITE OR COLORED QUARTZ OR PEBBLE FINISH (WITH OR WITHOUT CALCIUM CHLORIDE)
A1. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installing the quartz/pebble finish.
A2. Choose your preferred exposure method for the surface.
A3. If using an acid-based exposure method, neutralize surface with a sodium bicarbonate wash (Neutralize Tip Below). Note: Non-acid cleaners may also be used to prep the surface if desired.
A4. Remove sodium bicarbonate wash by pressure washing the pool.
A5. Ensure pool finish is dry to touch dry (using fans/blowers if needed). Surface must be debris and sand-free.
Continue to Step 2.
C: NEW SMOOTH TROWLED WHITE PLASTER
OR NON-EXPOSED WHITE QUARTZ FINISH
(WITH OR WITHOUT CALCIUM CHLORIDE)
C1. Allow Plaster to reach final set (meaning once you can walk on the plaster and not leave indentations).
C2. Ensure pool finish is dry to touch dry (using fans/blowers if needed). Surface must be debris and sand-free.
Continue to Step 2.
B: NEW POLISHED WHITE OR COLORED FINISH
(WITH OR WITHOUT CALCIUM CHLORIDE)
B1. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and polishing.
B2. Perform a gentle acid-wash (20-parts water to 1-part acid) after polishing.
B3. Neutralize surface with a sodium bicarbonate wash, then pressure rinse walls and floors with clean water and drain(See Neutralize Tip Below). Note: Non-acid cleaners may also be used to prep the surface if desired.
B4. Ensure pool finish is dry to touch dry (using fans/blowers if needed). Surface must be debris and sand-free.
Continue to Step 2.
D: NEW SMOOTH TROWLED COLORED PLASTER OR COLORED SMOOTH TROWELED QUARTZ FINISH
(WITH CALCIUM CHLORIDE SET ACCELERATOR):
D1. For colored smooth-troweled (non-exposed) plaster or colored quartz containing Calcium Chloride accelerators, water-cure the finish for 24 hours.
D2. Drain pool, ensure finish is dry to touch (using fans/blowers if needed). Test color stability by spraying a small amount of MicroGlass. If no whitening occurs, continue to Step 2. If whitening occurs, additional water cure required.
Note: 24-hour water cure not required for colored exposed pebble, polished, or quartz finishes with Calcium Chloride that undergo acid-wash exposure.
MICROGLASS APPLICATION
STEP 2: Gently agitate MicroGlass. Do not dilute. Apply with low-pressure sprayer using fine mist fan-nozzle.
STEP 3: Apply at least two fine-mist coats of MicroGlass (Coverage: 300-400 sq. ft. per 1 Gal.). Let product penetrate on each coat. Once surface is dry to touch, complete second coat. A third spot-coat may be applied to quickly absorbed areas only. Avoid over-applying to ensure absorption and prevent surface whitening or glazing (which is correctable with light underwater sanding or acid wash).
STEP 4: Before MicroGlass dries, use a 1.5” absorbent roller to back-roll the area. This ensures even application, reduces runs and glazing. For low-lying spots, spread pooled product with the roller. Absorb excess MicroGlass with a dry sponge or roller and dispose.
STEP 5: Use a clean cloth to wipe tile, fittings, lights, or any metal before MicroGlass dries. If the cloth becomes soaked with MicroGlass, rinse it well with water. Squeeze out the excess water and continue wiping the surfaces.
DRYING, FILLING AND CLEANING EQUIPMENT
STEP 6: Allow surface to adequately dry according to drying table below.
Drying Note 1: High humidity areas add 25% drying time.
Drying Note 2: With smooth troweled plaster or quartz pools, extended MicroGlass drying minimizes plaster dust. MicroGlass reduces craze cracking yet balance dry time with pool empty duration and craze cracking risk, especially in windy conditions.
| Temp (ºF) | Drying Time |
|---|---|
| 44ºF and under | N/A Do Not Apply |
| 45 - 60 ºF | 12 Hours |
| 61 - 79ºF | 6 Hours |
| 80 – 90ºF | 2-6 Hours |
| 91ºF and above | 2-4 Hours |
STEP 7: Rinse Sprayer, Roller, and Rags with clean water.
STEP 8: Ensure surface is dry before filling begins. Startup pool and balance water chemistry.
NOTE: With smooth troweled plaster or quartz pools, extended MicroGlass drying minimizes plaster dust. Consider letting the finish dry overnight. MicroGlass reduces craze cracking yet balance dry time with pool empty duration and craze cracking risk, especially in windy conditions.
TIP #1 APPLICATION
Working in 5 ft. wide sections, lightly spray in left/right and right/left motion while working down the wall. Slightly overlapping spray pattern is permissible. After back-rolling the pool finish and wiping tile and fittings, proceed to the next 5 ft. wide section until all walls and stairs receive the first coat. Next, apply a first coat to pool floors. Once the pool finish is dry to touch, apply a second coat to pool walls, stairs, and floor as described above. On average, two thin coats of MicroGlass is sufficient, however a more porous finish may require additional coats. For larger Commercial or Residential projects, it is advised that one applicator sprays the MicroGlass while one or more follow with rollers and clean cloth for wiping tile and fittings.
TIP #2 – SURFACE NEUTRALIZATION
The pool surface must be neutralized following any acid wash, acid exposure, or use of muriatic acid-free cement remover. Failure to the neutralize the surface will result in poor MicroGlass performance and surface whitening.
To neutralize surface:
1) Place first pump in bottom of clean 32–45-gallon trash can. Place trash can on pool slope.
2) Place second pump in main drain to discharge water from the pool.
3) Add 9 pounds sodium bicarbonate to the trash can while filling with fresh water. Use the discharge hose to recirculate the sodium bicarbonate solution into the trash can until mixed.
4) Discharge sodium bicarbonate solution from the trash can onto the pool walls, steps, floors, and shelves starting from above the tile.
5) Once water level in trash can is 20% full, repeat step 3 to make more neutralization solution.
6) Make sure all walls and floors are covered with the solution 2-3 times.
7) You must pressure wash tile, walls, steps, shelves and floors to remove bicarbonate film.
8) Discharge all remaining liquid from bottom of pool with sump pump.
FOR EXISTING POOL FINISHES
SURFACE PREPARATION FOR EXISTING POOLS & SPAS
A. Drain and prepare surface to remove stains, calcium deposits/scale, calcium nodules (if any).
B. For scale or deposits, use acid wash, neutralization, or polishing/sanding. Polishing can also smooth rough pool finishes before MicroGlass application. After any acid wash, a sodium bicarbonate rinse and pressure wash are essential (See How To Neutralize Tip Below)
C. Fix open cracks or cosmetic damage (chips, spalling) before applying MicroGlass.
D. Return to Step 2 Above for MicroGlass Application.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pool finishes significantly compromised (porous, soft, flaking, excessive rock loss) might not benefit from MicroGlass. In such cases, resurfacing may be preferable. Apply MicroGlass on replastered surface.
PRECAUTIONS: Do not apply below 45ºF (7.22ºC). MicroGlass may be slippery while drying. For new smooth colored plaster treated with calcium chloride, see Note in STEP 1. Ensure all tile, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, lights etc. are wiped with a dry cloth before product dries. Always test MicroGlass on a small section of pool surface for application rate/ penetration and ensure desired effect of finish and color.
A note on Color Finishes & Chloride-Based Set Accelerators
What you need to know:
- Calcium chloride is a set accelerator that is commonly used in pool industry.
- Calcium chloride used to expedite the final set, particularly on new colored pool finishes in colder climates.
- Calcium chloride contains an active Chloride ion.
- When this chloride ion is active (aka has not been neutralized with enough water or drying time), this chloride ion causes MicroGlass to whiten on the pool finish.
What you need to do when applying MicroGlass when Calcium Chloride has been used:
- New Smooth Troweled Colored Plaster: Water cure new smooth troweled colored plaster for 24 hours and drain. Allow plaster to dry for at least 4 hours before applying MicroGlass.
- For New Exposed Aggregate (Quartz or Pebble): The chloride ion is naturally neutralized during the standard water and acid exposure process. MicroGlass can be used on these types of finishes after the final acid wash, neutralization, and when the surface is dry.
- For Existing Finishes that once Contained Calcium Chloride Set Accelerators: The chloride ion has long been neutralized. Apply MicroGlass following normal instructions.