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Sealing Travertine Outside around a pool

Article Number: 54 | Rating: 5/5 from 2 votes | Last Updated: Tue, May 29, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Hi Maurizio-I just installed a pool and spa and used copious amounts of antique gold tumbled travertine on the back wall of the pool, framing of the spa, and on the seat walls around the yard...there is also a travertine deck as well...question--do we seal it or not? It is a salt water pool and all the travertine gets wet...Thanks--Henry

Dear Henry:

Let me see... The Coliseum in Rome is, give or take a few, some 2000-year-old. Is made mostly of travertine. It's been exposed to the weather all these years... Hmmm... I'm wondering if the Romans ever sealed it... you know, all the blood stains from them gladiators?... LOL

Joking aside, it is never a good idea to seal any stone outdoors.

Travertine is typically an excellent material for your application. Just leave it alone and ... enjoy it!

To make sure the salty water will "attack" its surface a little bit and accelerate the formation of the patina (which is a very good thing). Not only wouldn't a sealer for stone do the first thing to protect the surface of the stone (impregnators, a.k.a. sealers are all below surface poducts), but, more importantly, you do not want to tamper with Mother Nature's natural course of action! She did the heck of a job so far; let's not try to "improve" on that!

If you live in a humid climate area, you may experience the formation of mold and mildew from time to time. A light power-wash with a solution of water and MB-9 is all you will need to take care of your stone if the need will ever arise.

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm? :-)

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!