Cleaning - Old Chat forum

Do you mean the coping stones (aka capping stones) ?

Geoff

Possibly They just look like a continuous line of concrete between the edge of the pool and the surrounding tiles

Anfany,

I have always called this the Coronation,but really doesn't matter as long as you understand what you mean.

I use a mixture of Agua Fuerte and water in a ratio of 10 parts water to one part agua fuerte,in a watering can which I then put on the coronation at about 5 metres a time,then using a hard bristle broom give the coronation a quick scrub then immediately hose down with clean water,a long job but it brings up mine a treat.Hose as nuch as you can away from the pool onto the terracing.Always wear gloves and cover as much of your body as possible it may irritate your skin if it sprays onto you.(depending how in grinded the dirt is you may have to use it stronger than 1in 10).when finished for the hose down the terracing it has run onto..

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Craven

If you've done it a few times, don't you find that it's actually removing the outer layer of concrete?

Jim

I havnt really noticed any deterioration,Perhaps the section at a time,not being harsh with the bristle and washing off the agua fuerte as quickly as possible,may well be the way to go,But if anyone knows off a better way I am willing to have a try,and give my opinion afterwards,I am looking to do mine sometime in the next few months (not one of my favourite jobs,so I tend to put it off if possible)One other bit of advise is that if you hear the agua fuerte sizzle and bubble up use a weaker solution

Thanks Craven. I've kept putting off doing mine, but then I've only jet washed it so far. I'll give it a go when I can motivate myself.

Don't think you'll go far wrong with a one-in-ten solution, because the stuff you buy is only 20% anyway. You could almost drink i! (Quite nice with tonic and a slice of lemon!)

As you don't mention individual coping stones, it sounds as though you have got a continuous (cast-in-situ) coping right round the pool.

In my experience of working on pools for the last nine years, a mild solution of Salfumante (agua fuerte) followed by pressure washing is the best way to attempt to clean the coping, but if it's not applied evenly, some patches will be cleaner than others. Also, keep the acid out of the pool as much as possible, because it will lower the PH.

Oh, and whatever you do, DON'T think it's a good idea to paint the copings! Trust me on that one!!

Geoff.

Thanks, Geoff. Pity acid doesn't remove carbon, or I'd have a go at the fireplace as well.

Jim

I do have individual stones,I used the term 5 metres in case it was a continuous coronation,I do approx. two stones at a time,you are right about parts going lighter this way, but the quicker you carry on I find the more chance of getting it somewhere near right,You are right about the acid going in the pool which will change the Ph,but but if you hose down towards the outside most of acid runs onto the terrace.but of course to be on the safe side, Run the pump after and chech your chemical levels afterwards.

Thanks for all the advice everybody Just think we'll leave it