How Long Will a Concrete Pool Last? A concrete pool should last decades (we're talking 50 years or more) if it is properly maintained. While the shell of the pool can become damaged if the building was not done correctly, a well-constructed concrete swimming pool should last a lifetime.
Maintenance
Without question, concrete pools require the most maintenance of any type of inground pool. For example, with vinyl and fiberglass pools you don't have to worry so much about your calcium levels in the water.
Custom Gunite pools are very durable. Among the different types of in-ground pools available today, Gunite pools last the longest and have the best warranties. This should be taken into account when considering the higher cost of Gunite pools. You'll get many more years of use from a Gunite swimming pool.
Pros and cons of concrete pools
Concrete pools are extremely durable and allow for a highly customized size and shape. The disadvantages include more effort to maintain, more chemical usage, highest cost of ownership, a rough interior surface, and a slow installation time.
Concrete Curing
The shell will need to cure for around 30 days, during which time you will be asked to water it regularly to keep the outer layers of concrete cool to avoid cracking.
Additionally, a lack of water means there's a lack of moisture on the pool walls. If left exposed to long periods under the hot sun, pool finishes will dry out, creating cracks and flaking.
Unlike concrete, when building gunite pools, you can stop and start without any problems, which will help give a smoother finish. With a skilled nozzleman, the mix of cement and water can be adjusted at the point of delivery as required, while it is also less prone to cracking than concrete.
Concrete pools can be made of either shotcrete or gunite. The difference is when the concrete mixes with the water. Shotcrete refers to wet concrete that's already fully mixed before it's shot out of a hose. Gunite is dry concrete mix that only mixes with water at the nozzle when it's sprayed.
Yes, it is safe to put salt in a concrete pool, there is just more to watch with concrete pools than with other pool types. If you don't have anything in between your water and your concrete, your concrete can erode faster, but it does not affect the quality of the water or your health.
The first consideration to think of here is the material your pool is made from. Concrete pools generally need more effective pool heating systems, as concrete is a naturally cold material which is not particularly efficient at retaining heat.
However, when chlorine is present in a water-based solution, it can permeate through concrete and reach the steel bars giving the concrete structural support. The chlorides corrode the metal framework, endangering the skeleton of your concrete floor.
The main advantage of a concrete pool is its design flexibility. Concrete is practically limitless as a pool construction material – you can easily design a custom concrete pool in any shape and style, totally unique to your backyard.
Affordable: Fibreglass pools cost around 20% less to install than a concrete pool. Ongoing costs are also lower due to less maintenance, chemicals and energy consumption.
Special Care for Concrete Pools
Besides maintaining a constant balance of chemicals in your water, you will need to keep the concrete itself clean. The best way to do that is by simply brushing the walls. You can use a hard bristled brush attached to a telescopic pole to brush the walls and floor of your pool.
A common cause with pool cracks is from too-thin gunite used during the installation process. During the construction process, the gunite might not adhere properly to the steel framework. When this occurs, the gunite “rebounds,” or bounces back after application. Rebound gunite should be removed and thrown away.
If you're looking for a simple answer, the answer is yes. Saltwater chlorinators are perfectly safe for gunite pools. The biggest issues reported when using saltwater chlorinators with gunite pools have to do with the tendency of the plaster to stain over time when coming into contact with salt.
Generally, the pool walls need to be between three and four inches thick. Smooth the pool walls with your trowel, as you did for the base. Now the concrete has to cure properly before you can fill it with water. The concrete curing process allows the concrete to reach maximum strength and takes approximately 28 days.
Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture rather than being poured like regular cement. This makes gunite highly durable and flexible in that it can be made into many different shapes when it comes to in-ground pools.
The use of gunite or shotcrete is typically your pool builder's choice.
On Average, Replastering is Every 10 Years
So how often do you need to replaster a pool? The short answer is about every 10 years. However, it's important to consider the factors mentioned above, as they are typical signs that your pool needs to be replastered.
Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed, but there'll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.
In general, draining this type of pool is the trickiest. Inground pools made of concrete or gunite are susceptible to popping out of the ground if drainage is not done properly. If there has been a surplus of rain recently or your pool is located in a wet area, it is best not to try and drain the pool yourself at all.
Generally, pool water needs to be replaced once every five to seven years. This should be done during mild weather so that your pool surface is not at risk from strong sunlight and heat. Your pool maintenance company can recommend when it is time to drain your pool.