My new pool travertine coping was just installed.It's cream and has natural holes/grooves (which I love).I'm concerned about algae settling in if I don't seal, but have heard that sealing the travertine (w an impregnator) around the pool could eventually discolor the marble. Thoughts/advice? Thanks!

 

Dear Becky:

A sealer for stone will not discolor the stone, but it won't prevent the possibility of mold developing in your stone one single bit, either. In other words, it would be a plain dumb thing to do.

Now, do you really think that the Romans worried about that when they built the Coliseum?!... :-)

I highly-doubt that your stone will ever develop any mold, considering the kind of chemical activity typically going on with pool water, but if it ever will, what's the big deal to clean it up with a mildew stain remover rated for natural stone, like MB-9 once in a while?

Don't worry: travertine is one of the best choices as coping material, and you will enjoy it for years to come with minimal care. Just don't get sold into doing something stupid like sealing it. You do not want to seal stone outdoors and near a wet environment. And you've got both!

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

 

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