Freestone
FREESTONE is a factory-blended mixture of white cement, naturally tumbled small pebbles and various admixtures specifically designed as a coating for the interior of swimming pools.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
- Ease of application
- Ease of maintenance
- Radiant color selection
- A non-abrasive surface
- Natural beauty provided by natures polishing process
COVERAGE
FREESTONE is packaged in 80 lb. bags and must be applied at a rate not to exceed 18-20 square feet per bag. Coverage will vary depending on the porosity of the substrate and application techniques.
SURFACE PREPARATION
Patch, level or resurface as required to provide a smooth substrate. Surface must be clean, cool, dry and free of dirt, grease, scaling paint, release agents, curing agents, special surface hardeners, efflorescence or other foreign matter that may prevent or inhibit proper bonding.
NOTE: Only the experienced applicator at poolside can make the decisions as to what surface preparation may be required.
1) On previously plastered pools it is
necessary to grind around the tile,
lights, returns, etc., to allow for a smooth transition.
2) On previously painted pools, the surface must be sandblasted to remove the old paint completely.
3) Thoroughly wash the surface with a TSP solution to remove body oils and suntan lotions. Acid wash with a 50/50 solution of muriatic acid and water, rinse with a neutralizing solution of baking soda and water, then finally rinse with clean water.
4) An application of Surebond 80 is highly recommended on previously
plastered surfaces as a bond or scratch coat to provide a uniform base for adhesion and even curing.
MIXING
Measuring equal amounts of water and mixing for equal amounts of time from batch to batch will ensure product consistency from batch to batch. Boxing different batch #'s will ensure final color uniformity. FREESTONE will require approximately 1½ - 2 gallons of potable water per bag. Start the mixing process by adding ? of the total required water to the mixer. Add the appropriate amount of FREESTONE and then add the remaining ? of the required water. Mix for approximately 5 minutes to bring the material to a workable consistency. Allow the mix to set for 5 minutes, then remix and add additional water if necessary to achieve the desired workable consistency. Do not retemper the mix after this.
FREESTONE is a complete product and requires no other additives. To avoid any complications it is highly recommended that no calcium chloride be used.
If you choose to use calcium chloride, it must be used with caution, as "more is not better". It is always best to use 94 - 97% purity at a maximum of 1/3 lb. per bag. If 77% purity is used, the maximum is ½ lb. per bag. 77% purity contains 23% filler material, which may include ingredients that could be harmful to the finished product. Always pre-dissolve calcium chloride and remove impurities by straining through cheesecloth.
APPLICATION
Prior to starting the application of FREESTONE it is critical to have the drain pump equipment ready and the slurry drain system laid out. If the pool is a re-do, it is important to use a bonding agent such as SUREBOND 80.
1) After FREESTONE has been properly mixed, it may be trowel or spray applied over a dampened substrate. The recommended thickness is ?" - ½".
2) Several trowel passes will be required to compact and level as FREESTONE finish sets.
3) ) FREESTONE finishes are designed to be monolithic coatings. Sufficient personnel should be employed to eliminate cold joints. If the pool must be completed in phases, pre-determined stopping points must be used, such as tile lane markers, etc.
4)Once the surface of the FREESTONE finish has set hard enough to allow light foot traffic, remove the "cream" or "fat" to expose the pebble aggregate by water washing with a soft bristle broom or soft sponge and water.
Note: The timing of the water wash procedure can only be determined at the jobsite taking into account the factors of heat, humidity and substrate suction.
5) After the finish has been water washed, the applicator may elect to clean the "haze" off the pebbles by washing with a 50/50 solution of muriatic acid and water. The experienced applicator will determine when an acid wash is needed.
6) It is acceptable to wait until the following day to acid wash, but the finish must be water washed the same day as application to ensure adequate pebble exposure.
7) Immediately fill the pool with water and balance to the Premix and NSPI recommended guidelines.
8) Wastewater should be pumped into a temporary slurry bin or into slurry bags that should be removed the following day after it has set.
CLEAN UP
Clean all tools and equipment with water while still wet. Cured material can be removed mechanically or chemically.
STORAGE
Turn inventory regularly and keep bagged product protected from all forms of moisture, both direct and indirect, to assure maximum product usage, uniformity and productivity.
MAINTENANCE
The long-term performance of FREESTONE will be directly proportional to the care taken during the filling process, the first ninety days of pool maintenance and consistent routine maintenance thereafter. Adjust the chemicals to the following levels in the order as recommended by Premix and NSPI.
a) pH 7.4 - 7.6
b) Alkalinity 100 - 125 ppm
c) Calcium 250 - 400 ppm
d) Chlorine gradually to 2 ppm
e) Total dissolved solids <1000 ppm
f) Cyanuric acid <50
NOTE: During the start-up phase keep the pool pump running 24 hours a day until the water clears. The pool should be brushed twice a day for the first week.
WARRANTY
The effectiveness of this product depends upon its proper application and the condition and preparation of the surface to which it is applied.
See specific terms and conditions of FREESTONE pool finish as detailed on the Warranty Application form furnished by the trained applicator.
The information contained in this bulletin conforms to the standard detail recommendations and specifications for the installation of the products manufactured by PREMIX-MARBLETITE and is presented in good faith.
PREMIX-MARBLETITE assumes no liability, expressed or implied, as to the architecture, engineering or workmanship of any project.
