Plaster matters more than ever
This is our annual plaster edition of PoolPro. Since I started attending the National Plasterers Council Conference in 2019, the world of pool finishes has evolved quickly — from new additives and cement formulations to shifting opinions on start-up methods. Even if you aren’t a plasterer, builders and servicers are deeply affected by the quality of a surface, so it’s worth staying up-to-date.
I deeply respect plaster companies. They are the last line of defense on a pool build, require a high level of tradecraft and are usually the first to be blamed if something goes wrong.
That respect is why we dedicate an issue each year to the craft. Great finishes don’t happen by accident — they’re the result of material science, jobsite discipline, cross-trade teamwork and skilled hands.
On the materials side, our Equipment story breaks down one of the biggest changes many builders may not even realize is underway: the shift to new limestone-rich white cement formulations aimed at reducing cement’s carbon footprint.
We also spotlight the mixer — the crew member who can make or break a finish before anyone touches a trowel.
Great material and a great mix still depend on great people, which is why “The Way of the Trowel” focuses on training the next generation of plasterers. Hands-on mentorship, safety-first onboarding and standardized best practices are the only way we keep raising the bar.
And because even the best finish can be undermined after the fill, we spoke directly to builders and service pros too. “Start Smart” goes beyond chemistry and into the logistics of scheduling, documentation, homeowner communication and the daily discipline required in those first critical weeks.
That’s what this issue is about: staying sharp in a fast-evolving part of the industry. Thanks for reading PoolPro, and thanks for doing the work that keeps our standards moving forward.
Best,
Megan Kendrick, publisher, CPO
