GENESIS C201 Concrete Pools Complete Practice Test 2026

Moisture management of a shotcrete shell is essential before plastering. Shotcrete is very porous, so it tends to draw moisture out of anything applied on top. If the surface is too dry, the plaster can experience excessive suction, leading to poor bonding, surface- hairline cracking, and an uneven cure. Water curing the shell helps keep the concrete moist during early hardening and reduces internal stresses. Then, right before plaster application, the surface should be dampened (not ponding), so it becomes saturated surface dry. This damp prep minimizes suction and allows the plaster to hydrate properly and bond firmly to the shell. Skipping this step can compromise adhesion and long-term durability of the plaster coat.