To determine if your pool is made of gunite, check for custom, irregular shapes and a hard, concrete-like interior finish (like plaster). Gunite is a type of concrete sprayed over a steel rebar framework, and these pools are rigid, not lined with vinyl or made of a single-piece plastic shell.
Gunite IS a type of concrete pool. The term "concrete pool" is the broad category, while "gunite" refers to a specific method of applying that concrete pneumatically (spraying a dry mix through a hose) rather than pouring it into wooden frames.
The average cost of a 15×30 gunite pool ranges from $45,000 to $112,500. This range reflects the base package without additional features or upgrades. The final price can vary based on factors such as location, design complexity, and any custom features you choose to add.
If you don't water newly applied gunite (or shotcrete), the concrete loses moisture too rapidly, preventing proper curing. This significantly weakens the structural integrity of the pool shell and invites shrinkage cracks, making the pool prone to leaks and future failures.
Stainless Steel Brushes: Ideal for concrete and gunite pools, these brushes are tougher and can handle stubborn algae and dirt. The rigid bristles are designed to scrub away the most persistent grime.
Yes, you can power wash a gunite pool, but you must do so with extreme caution. High pressure can severely damage or etch the plaster and grout. If you are not careful, you can accidentally sand down the plaster or expose the underlying concrete.
To achieve a crystal-clear pool, follow a four-step process: balance your water chemistry, shock the pool, use a clarifier to bind microscopic particles, and run and clean your filter.
A gunite pool typically needs to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years. However, the exact timeline depends on the type of finish you use:
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) acts as a natural buffer that raises both your pool's total alkalinity and its pH. It prevents severe pH fluctuations (known as "pH bounce"), clears cloudy water, prevents equipment corrosion, and helps your chlorine sanitize more effectively.
From discounts and lower prices to faster timelines and less competition, fall might be the best time to build a pool! Take a look at these main reasons why you should consider installing your pool during this season.
A cowboy pool (also known as a stock tank pool) is a large, galvanized metal livestock watering tank that has been repurposed into an above-ground swimming or soaking pool. They offer an affordable, stylish, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional in-ground pools.
Adding vinegar (acetic acid) to a pool temporarily lowers the water's pH and helps dissolve calcium buildup. However, it is a weak acid. Because you need massive quantities to adjust pool chemistry, it introduces organic sugars that can feed bacteria and algae.
The healthiest swimming pools minimize harsh chemicals to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs. The healthiest options are Natural Swimming Pools (which use plant-based biological filtration), AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) systems, and Ozone/UV systems. These alternatives provide crystal-clear water with little to no toxic chloramine byproducts.
Coca-Cola does three main things to concrete: it slows down the curing process (acts as a retarder), etches the surface to expose decorative aggregate, and removes tough stains. This happens because of the soda's high sugar content and phosphoric acid.
Pool Resurfacing Costs: The Nitty-Gritty
Expect $6,000 to $15,000 for most pools, with $11,000 as a ballpark average. If you like to run the math, it's usually around $6.41 to $7.65 per square foot. For example, a 16-by-32-foot pool typically costs around $3,328 to resurface if you pick standard plaster.
For concrete or gunite pools, the shell is often the single most expensive component. Furthermore, it requires extensive engineering and highly specialized labor.
The term ghost pool generally refers to one of three things, depending on whether you are talking about billiards, public history, or swimming pool construction.
To clear cloudy pool water fast, clear visible debris, balance the water chemistry (aiming for a pH of 7.27.27.2 to 7.67.67.6), and shock the pool with chlorine. Once shocked, run your filter continuously 24/7, and add a Pool Clarifier or flocculant to clump suspended particles together.
Use clarifier for mild cloudiness, routine maintenance, or if you have a cartridge filter. Use flocculant (floc) only for severe cloudiness (like after an algae bloom), provided your sand/DE filter has a "Waste" setting and you are ready to manually vacuum the debris.
Many pool owners make the same rookie mistakes: forgetting to check chemicals, letting filters get lazy, or adding chlorine like it's a magic potion. Avoid these blunders, and your pool will stay sparkling, stress-free, and way more Instagram-worthy.
Diluted Dawn dish detergent provides the gentle cleansing effect needed to loosen dirt without harming the pool cover fabric. Scrub one side, and then turn the pool cover over to scrub the other. Rinse both sides with plenty of water to remove the detergent and any remaining dirt.
Yes, gunite pools can absolutely be saltwater. Gunite and its porous finishes (like plaster or pebble aggregates) are highly durable and can accommodate a saltwater chlorination system. However, it is not "zero-maintenance" and requires strict water balance to protect your investment.
Pool shock is a chemical treatment that helps break down contaminants – such as leaves, dirt and debris, even oils from your skin -- that can gradually build up in your pool water. Shocking your pool as part of your weekly pool maintenance routine will help keep your water clear and balanced.