How to make a rough pool plaster finish smooth

Revitalize Your Pool's Surface with Non-Corrosive Diamond Disc: A Guide to Smoothing Rough Plaster Finishes

If you’re looking for an effective way to smooth rough pool plaster without costly resurfacing, our non-corrosive Pool Plaster Discs provide a simple, easy-to-use solution for restoring a clean, smooth finish.

Pool Plaster Discs are engineered with premium diamonds bonded using a specialized non-corrosive matrix designed specifically for pool plaster correction. Unlike traditional electroplated metal-bonded abrasive pads, which can elevate sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide levels and contribute to corrosion, residue buildup, scaling, calcium nodule formation, and reduced salt cell life, our matrix bonding material remains stable and non-reactive. This protects mineral, chlorine, and saltwater systems while maintaining accurate salt generator readings and consistent chlorine production. The discs can be used in both drained pools and pools filled with properly balanced water without affecting salt cell performance.

It’s important to understand the role of pool plaster and why it can become rough over time. Pool plaster helps protect against skin irritation, swimwear damage, and the buildup of dirt and debris in the water. Surface roughness commonly develops due to imbalanced water chemistry, organic matter, foreign objects or metallic elements, and repeated use of acid-based cleaners.

Pool plaster manufacturers typically recommend an application thickness of approximately 5/8 inch to ensure durability and long-term performance. Our easy DIY surface correction process helps eliminate spot etching, calcium nodules, skin abrasions, swimwear damage, and topical staining, resulting in a more uniform surface color and a smooth, welcoming swimming environment.

Before Image

The image above shows a pool plaster surface damaged by repeated use of muriatic acid. The resulting rough, sandpaper-like texture can cause skin irritation, abrasions, and swimwear damage. If left untreated, this rough and discolored finish can lead to spot etching, staining, permanent scale buildup, and increased algae growth. Over time, these conditions may render the pool difficult to use and eventually require full replastering if not properly corrected.

Restoring your pool plaster to a smooth finish with our simple two-step process is both easy and cost-effective. Whether your pool has a colored quartz surface or traditional white plaster, achieving a sleek, attractive finish is well within reach and helps extend the life of your plaster.

This two-step resurfacing process eliminates calcium nodules, spot etching, surface roughness that causes skin abrasions, salt cell damage, and swimwear wear, resulting in a consistent, uniform plaster color and a more enjoyable swimming experience.

Drain the pool completely before beginning surface correction. This is the ideal time to repair or replace components located below the waterline, such as lights, steps, fixtures, tiles, anchors, and railings. Over time, all submerged components require maintenance, so taking care of these items now helps ensure long-term performance and prevents future issues.

Smooth rough pool plaster using our simple three-step method. Attach the 7″ non-corrosive disc to the AG7529 backer pad on a sander or polisher (maximum 3,500 RPM). Begin with the pool walls, then move to the floor and corners. The process can be done wet or dry, even while the pool is full. Let the tool’s weight do the work without applying heavy pressure. When working dry, rinse every 5 × 5 ft section to prevent overheating and protect the plaster surface.

Step 1 — Drain Your Pool and Prepare the Surface
Before resurfacing, fully drain the pool and ensure all fixtures — including lights, steps, fittings, tiles, anchors, and railings — are repaired and in proper working order.

Use the Right Tools for the Job
For best results, use a 7-inch non-corrosive diamond flexible disc attached to an AG7529 7-inch hook-and-loop backer pad on a sander or polisher (maximum 3,500 RPM). When using an electric polisher or sander, always operate with GFCI protection. A standard garden hose may be used for rinsing during dry polishing.

The AG7529 backer pad used with the 7-inch Pool Plaster Disc ensures full contact with the plaster surface for consistent, even correction. Using a smaller backer pad can cause uneven disc wear and reduce disc life early in the project. After completing all flat surfaces with the 7-inch disc, it may be trimmed to a 4-inch diameter using tin snips for tight areas. A separate 4-inch hook-and-loop backer pad will be required.

Resurface with Confidence
With the proper tools in place, you’re ready to resurface your pool effectively. Follow the steps above to restore a smooth, refreshed plaster surface with professional results.

Step 2 — Resurface the Walls and Floor

Begin by resurfacing the walls beneath the waterline tile, working downward from the top. Once the walls are complete, move on to the pool floor.

Smooth the Flat Surfaces
After completing the walls, focus on the flat field areas of the pool. When finished, proceed to the inside coves and corners for detailed correction.

Avoid Overheating
When using the Pool Plaster Disc, work in approximately 5 ft × 5 ft sections and rinse away residual plaster material with a hose between passes. This helps keep both the disc and plaster cool and prevents heat-related wear or surface damage.

Corners and Tight Areas
Finish by resurfacing the inside corners and detailed areas of the pool where roughness often collects.

Choose Your Method
The Pool Plaster Disc can be used either wet or dry, depending on preference and equipment.

Apply Even Pressure
Use light, even pressure against the plaster surface and allow the tool’s weight to do the work. Avoid pressing hard, as excessive pressure can cause premature disc wear or gouging of the plaster. As you work, the surface will become honed, smooth, and comfortable to the touch.

Selecting a Disc

We offer three high- quality non-corrosive Pool Plaster Discs designed for controlled surface correction and polishing.

Option 1: WD7050 - Pool Plaster Disc 50 Grit. Best for severely rough or over-exposed plaster surfaces. This grit removes heavy trowel marks, scale buildup, and coarse texture while preparing the surface for finer polishing.

Option 2: WD7070 - Pool Plaster Disc 70 Grit. Ideal for moderately rough plaster or for refining surfaces after initial correction. It smooths semi-coarse texture and is commonly used on newly exposed aggregate or quartz plaster finishes.

Option 3: WD7120 - Pool Plaster Disc 120 Grit.

Designed for final smoothing and polishing. This grit removes remaining fine texture and leaves the plaster surface smooth, honed, and comfortable to the touch.

Step 1 — Initial Surface Correction

Begin using the selected 50 Grit or 70 Grit to level and smooth the plaster surface. This step removes surface scaling, rough exposed aggregate, stains, and trowel marks.

Work in approximately 5 ft × 5 ft sections before stopping to inspect your progress. Apply light, even pressure and allow the disc to do the work. Excess pressure is not necessary.

After each section, run your hand across the surface. If some areas feel rougher than others, continue polishing until the plaster texture becomes consistent and uniform throughout the pool.

By removing approximately 1/16" to 1/8" of the surface layer, all surface imperfections and discoloration are eliminated. This creates the base for your newly resurfaced and polished pool finish.

Typical disc coverage ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet per disc, depending on plaster hardness and surface roughness.

When polishing dry, rinse away plaster residue between sections using a garden hose. This prevents heat buildup and protects both the disc and plaster surface. Excessive heat can cause premature disc wear and surface damage.

Step 2 — Final Refining and Polishing

Next, use the WD7120 non-corrosive Pool Plaster Disc for final surface refinement and polishing. This step removes the remaining fine texture and produces a smooth, honed finish.

Work in small sections of approximately 4 to 5 square feet at a time before stopping to check the surface. The plaster should feel consistently smooth and comfortable to the touch.

If any textured areas remain, continue polishing with the WD7120 disc until the entire surface reaches a uniform smoothness.

Typical coverage ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet per disc, depending on plaster hardness and surface condition.

Comparison of Before and After Images

Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Before refilling your pool, ensure that pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels are properly balanced. Maintaining correct water chemistry is essential to prevent etching, surface damage, and premature wear of the newly polished pool plaster.

Refill Your Pool

Once proper water chemistry has been established, begin refilling the pool with fresh water. Carefully filling the pool helps protect the newly polished plaster surface and prepares it for balanced startup conditions.

Maintaining the Pool Surface

Your pool plaster plays a critical role in both comfort and longevity. Regularly inspect the surface for changes in texture or discoloration, as early attention can prevent larger issues over time.

Follow a consistent pool maintenance routine, keep water chemistry properly balanced, and monitor chemical levels regularly. When the pool is not in use, covering it can help prevent staining from debris, leaves, and other foreign materials.