Building and servicing pools in the Northeast, and other cold weather climates, presents unique challenges. The industry shares wide ranging opinions on admixtures for cementitious products, winterization, winter management and opening procedures. An even wider array of opinions exists concerning what may be causing scaling and crystallization on cementitious surfaces at a significantly higher rate than in the past.

The Northeast Spa & PoolAssociation (NESPA), along with industry partners the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly APSP) and National Plasterers Council (NPC), are investing in research to better understand these issues. A Task Force has been created to support members at every level of the industry. The end goal is for members to have the information that will enable them to provide better service and a higher quality product to their customers.

The plan is to scientifically decipher the actual causes of these issues to creat a protocol that will allow prevention and/or curing.

For too long the different factions of the industry have pointed fingers at each other regarding the cause of these problems; it is now time to come together and truly understand what is happening.

This task force was created earlier this year and began with some preliminary sampling and engagement of an independent research lab to not only test samples of deposits, water and construction materials, but also to work with NESPA’s associations to develop protocols for identification and sampling of pools that exhibit these cold weather phenomena.

The Winter Effects Task Force is comprised of industry experts from service companies, builders, plasterers and manufacturers from across the country, with a strong leadership based in the Northeast. This is an exciting and needed effort that shows great cooperation from varied organizations. However, like so many other projects and programs, feedback and participation from folks on the front lines of the industry is essential to success.

When encountering crystal deposits on opening a pool, helping the industry grow through research is easy! NESPA suggests the following procedures: 1. Scrape a sample into a bag and seal. Send it in, along with the following:

• Make a sketch of the pool showing the exact areas of concern.

For example, mark an area with a number or symbol, then write a brief footnote explaining the concern/issue for each number or symbol.

• Photograph the overall pool from multiple angles and take close-ups photos of the concerns/issues.

• Write down any information that might be helpful regarding specific jobsite, for example: type and age of finish, type of sanitizer and water chemistry readings.

2. Complete the pool survey form at www.nespapool.org and mail to: NESPA 6B South Gold Dr. Hamilton NJ 08691