History of the Coyote Hydrotorque in Pool Plaster

The origin: a water-driven solution that changed pool plaster

In the early 1990s, demand for smoother, longer-lasting exposed-aggregate finishes pushed innovators to rethink how plaster was finished. Bruce Torrance introduced the Hydrotorque in 1993, a water-driven rotary tool built to grind and polish pool surfaces cleanly and efficiently—foundational to what contractors now expect from a professional finish.

The Hydrotorque’s engineering roots appear in the patent record. A water-driven rotary tool for drilling, grinding, and polishing concrete/stoneusing water pressure to generate high torque and to lubricate/clean the surface was later patented as US 7,288,022 (filed 2005; granted 2007). This lineage underpins the Hydrotorque concept used in pool applications.

From idea to industry standard

Over three decades later, the Hydrotorque platform remains a mainstay for pool plaster contractors worldwide, frequently described as the original water-driven pool polisher associated with Bruce Torrance and Coyote.

What makes the Coyote Hydrotorque different (specs that matter)

• Water-driven design: continuously washes and cleans the abrasive while polishing—reducing dust and improving finish consistency.
• Operating window: manual specifies optimal 3,500–4000 PSI (more PSI when used underwater).
• Speed capability: up to 10,000 RPM.
• System components: tool, trigger gun, backing pad, extension rod, fittings, and diffuser—designed as a complete polishing system.

These specs translate to real-world benefits: high torque under load, cleaner surfaces while you work, and a smoother, uniform finish on pebble, quartz, and traditional plaster interiors.

Milestones and market impact

• 1993 — Hydrotorque concept introduced to address the rise of exposed-aggregate pool finishes.
• 2000s — Patent activity formalizes the high-torque, water-powered approach to grinding/polishing cementitious and stone surfaces.
• Today — The Coyote Hydrotorque remains a reference tool sold through specialty distributors and pro channels, with variants and continuous refinements (materials, ergonomics, accessories).
• Why pros still choose Hydrotorque
  1. Finish quality — Water flow clears slurry and keeps abrasives cutting cleanly, reducing swirl and burnish marks.
  2. Productivity — High torque with appropriate PSI means faster material removal and consistent shine on large surfaces.
  3. Versatility — Works across pebble, quartz, bead and marble-based finishes with dedicated pads.

  FAQs

  Is it really “the original” water-driven pool polisher?

  Yes. Industry directories and brand histories consistently credit Bruce Torrance with the original Hydrotorque water-driven polisher for pools.

  What PSI should I run?

  Guidance: 3,500–4000 PSI, adjusting for underwater use; use a PSI gauge to avoid damage and maintain performance.

  What speed does it reach?

  Up to 10,000 RPM (per operator’s manual).

  Pro tip for contractors

  Pair the Hydrotorque with purpose-built pads (pebble shine, electroplated flexible, etc.) and follow the outdoor-use, PPE, and maintenance practices from the manual to extend tool life and consistency of finish.