1. Etching Deterioration
The point of attack!
Presented by: Alan Smith
NPC Annual Conference
February 10, 2017

2. 1 – 3 Years After Placement

3. Cement Microstructure And Properties

4. and finished, its filled.
In The Beginning.
Its mixed,
its placed
and finished, its filled.

5. Hydration = Chemical Changes
A typical swimming pool cementitious surface consists of a mixture of white hydraulic Portland cement ASTM C150, white sand (typically limestone, quartz silica) and water. The five principle compounds that make up the cement paste  when cement and water are combined are tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A) tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) and Calcium hydroxide (CH).
Of these principle compounds, calcium hydroxide (CH) which makes up approximately 24%-27% of the new compounds, is the most soluble. Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) which makes up approximately 60% of the new compounds is the densest and strongest. When all the ingredients are mixed  together you have aggregates, cement paste, void spaces shrink cracking and interfacial transition zones (ITZ)  that make up the total cement matrix. Interfaces, shrink cracks  and transition zones are part of the basic microstructure  and properties of all cement products.

6. Portlandite
Portlandite is a rare oxide mineral, the naturally occurring form of calcium hydroxide. It is the calcium analogue of brucite.
It was named Portlandite because the chemical calcium hydroxide is a common hydrolysis product of Portland cement.
Mohs Scale Hardness: 2

7. Calcite
Calcite is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. The other polymorphs are the minerals aragonite and vaterite.
Calcite has a wide range of applications, such as soil remediation, soil stabilization and concrete repair.
Mohs Scale Hardness: 3

8. Larnite
Larnite is a calcium silicate hydrate mineral of general chemical formula.
Larnite occurs as an alteration mineral in metamorphosed limestone and. It occurs in hydrated cement paste
Mohs Scale Hardness: 6

11. Calcium Hydroxide Forming Around ITZ And Void Areas.

12. A Closer Look. Hydration Components
Notice the Calcium hydroxide compounds next to the aggregate in the ITZ .

13. The C-S-H is much denser and organized structure.
Calcium Hydroxide | Calcium Silicate Hydrate
Calcium hydroxide is a very porous unorganized large plate like structure.
The C-S-H is much denser and organized structure.

14. Cosmetic/Surface Failure
Calcium hydroxide fills in around sand aggregate and craze cracks. If on the surface, it will be the first compound etched.

15. ITZ

16. Localized Attack

17. The Importance Of The Saturation Index
Negative
Positive

18. Cal Poly Studies

19. Cal Poly Studies

20. Industry Collaboration
IPSSA, UPA, APSP, Material Manufacturers,
Builders and even a few Plasterers.

21. Going The Extra Mile
Going the extra mile repeatedly  to see if calcium chloride levels or finishing practices have an impact on etching deterioration (spot etch).

22. Going The Extra Mile

23. Materials, Technique, Or Water Environment
Etching deterioration in balanced and aggressive pools.
Same materials, same finishing technique. 

24. Most Important! Practical Solutions
MATERIALS
MAINTENANCE
Pozzolans
Quartz
Pebble
Pigments
Start-Up
Saturation Index
Cyanuric adjustment
Test Kits
HAPPY CUSTOMERS