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Solera Diamond Valley February 2021

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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2021 3 By Ralph Grider, Treasurer, Board of Directors A brand-new year and three brand new pools and two spas. If only we could enjoy them. It has been a very interesting process watching them refinish the pools as well as the decking surrounding the pools. My background is formulating paint and coatings as a chemist, so having the opportunity to discuss the process of finishing the decking and the pools with their key personnel was very enlightening. Let's start with the decking process. The process Empireworks uses is Texture/Overlay System. This coating is a polymer modified resurfacing system for aged poured concrete surfaces. The first step is grinding the existing deck and removing all contaminants and delaminating material. The second step is to treat the concrete with a special primer to control efflorescence and increase the porosity of the surface. They then neutralize and rinse the surface with water. This helps in the bonding process for the topcoat. The next step is to apply a Texture/ Overlay Bondcoat. This enhances the bonding process of the coating to the concrete. Once this coating has dried for two hours, then the Texture Application process begins. This is a two-component system that promotes hardness and durability. After 15 minutes the troweling process begins to knock down the splattered texture. This creates a smooth texture appearance. This coating is allowed to dry for two hours also. The final step is the application of the sealer. This requires two coats. This Texture/Overlay System is warrantied for one year. Now let's move on to the pools themselves. This process is more detailed and lengthier. Aqua Creations has developed a coating from a high molecular weight isophthalic polyester which results in outstanding corrosion-resistant properties. All composites are formulated to resist cracking, delamination or material breakdown. The process, requiring 14 steps, is being used in many HOA's, universities, hotels, and municipalities. After the pool has been emptied, hollow areas and loose plaster are removed. That area is filled with a hydraulic cement. The surface is disk sanded to achieve a smooth solid surface. The waterline tile and all orifices are undercut with a diamond blade in preparation for a watertight sealant. A layer of Aqua-Glass bonding coat is applied to the prepared surface. Once the pool has been prepared and sanded, a pigmented Aqua-Resin coat is applied. This is sanded also to promote adhesion. The next step is the application of the Aqua-Fiber coat, which is a two-component system. This coating is then molded to the pool surface with special rollers to encapsulate the fiber glass particles. An Aqua-Resin coat is then applied to the Aqua-Fiber surface. Upon cure of the lamination coats, up to three coats, the entire surface is sanded in preparation for the final coat. Another Aqua-Resin rich fill coat is applied to the surface ensuring all fibers are fully encapsulated. The final Aqua-Finish coat is applied. This coat provides a hard finish that seals the surface permanently. An additional non-slip material is applied to the steps and the shallow area below the steps to insure a safe exit and entry to the pool/spa. The warranty on this system is 15 years. Now the downside of these projects. The cost to replace the decking indoor and outdoor is $115,000 and the cost to refinish the indoor and outdoor pools and spas is $103,700. Ouch! That is why we have a Reserve Account to cover these costs. So, let's hope for better times so we can enjoy these newly refinished areas. Our Pools & Spas Get a Facelift By Melissa Valona With the first month of a new year under our belt, it is apparent that we cannot leave all our problems in 2020. And by problems, I mean the COVID-19 restrictions. We are still looking at several more weeks of shutdowns and gathering restrictions. So, we are going to keep moving forward and get excited for brighter days. While The Lodge is mostly closed, I will continue to host the Coffee Cart outside of The Lodge from 8 until 9:30 am. Please stop by and enjoy a free cup of coffee or hot cocoa. The coffee cart will be hosted until we are able to serve coffee inside of The Lodge. I am working with the COVID-19 committee on getting vaccines out to the community as soon as possible. We have heard everyone's requests and are reaching out to all the resources we can find to make this happen. Some activities to look forward to: One will be a SDV virtual Chopped event! Check out the Food Network channel if you have not seen the show. We will be having a Mardi Gras community parade. There will be a take home kit to celebrate Valentine's Day. Speaking of Valentine's Day. Calling all love birds. Send me a photo of you and your partner and a brief story of how you met and how long you have been together. We will be sharing these stories on the Solera Diamond Valley website on a page labeled SDV Sweethearts. We want to spread the love in our community with your love story. You can send in a photo of your wedding day or then and now photos. Lifestyle Report

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