On average, gunite swimming pools last 7 to 10 years before they need to be resurfaced. When that time comes, it's important to know what options are available so that you can pick the best choice for your backyard space.
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.
Concrete (gunite & shotcrete) is a very strong material but not flexible. Just as soil movement causes a house foundation to crack, it can cause a pool to crack or shift.
Gunite pools are incredibly durable and do not require a liner. This allows the pool to look better and retain its shape over time. One of the main disadvantages of a gunite pool is the time it takes to install the pool from start to finish.
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.
Soil expands and contracts depending on its moisture content, and this expansion and contraction can cause the foundation of a pool or a home to shift and become cracked or damaged. If you are having foundation problems or worry that your home might have foundation damage due to a swimming pool, we can help.
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.
“When we see a structurally cracked pool, it's usually pretty obvious. It's a crack running either down the side of a pool from the tile or through the bottom coping down the walls, across the floor, in corners, and very often, it's opened up enough that it can leak and bring water in.
When you are swimming, you would get scratched or roughened when you step out of the pool. Also, you could get scratched or your swimsuit could get torn with the jagged plaster. If it's unpleasant to run your hand along the side of the pool or climb up the stairs then its because your plaster is wearing thin.
You could refer to gunite as concrete's cousin because they are both in the same family, but have their differences. Gunite is the dry mixed form of sprayed concrete. Gunite typically only contains fine particles in its mix while concrete contains both large and small particles.
Patch and repair all crack, breaks, or holes in the pool surface with an mixture of gray Portland cement sand and a high latex acrylic bonding agent. Use a trowel or putty knife to apply the repair mixture. Fill the hole or crack and smooth the surface. Allow repairs to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
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.
One of the most important steps in gunite or concrete swimming pool construction is selecting the right type of waterproofing. Concrete is a porous substrate prone to water penetration; therefore, it has to be sealed to keep water in the pool, in addition to keeping ground water out, which is often forgotten.
While they are easier to install, fiberglass pools are nowhere near as durable as a gunite inground pool. The inside surface of this type pool is a gel coat on which the fiberglass has been laminated. The walls of the pool are only ½ to ⅜ inch thick compared to the 8 to 10 inch thickness of a gunite pool.
For an unpainted fiberglass or gunite pool, epoxy is recommended. For pools previously painted with synthetic rubber or acrylic paint, your best options are premium acrylic or water-based acrylic. If the surface was painted with chlorinated rubber, premium acrylic would be recommended.
Most pools are constructed of Gunite or Shotcrete, tough concrete-like substances that form the structural support of the basin. The plaster over the top acts as a waterproof layer and provides visual appeal, so when you start to see patches of darker structural materials showing through, it's time to replaster.
Pool Plaster Spalling
For example, if your plaster is over troweled or if the troweling is improperly timed, a thin layer of plaster (about one-eighth of an inch) can begin to flake and peel off, which can set your project back another month. This can also occur as a result of adding too much water while troweling.
National and Local Requirements. There is a national standard that requires that all swimming pools must be at least 10 feet away from the house walls. As mentioned, this will protect electrical wiring from leaks, floods, and splashes.
Check the waste or backwash line for water consistently running. One inch of your pool water can equal 500 gallons. Check downhill from a pool, looking for weepers where underground leakage is surfacing. Check for soft or wet spots in the yard, on the side of the pool where the plumbing returns water to the pool.
Standing water or corrosion at the pump or around pipes is a sure sign of a leak. Equipment leaks can often be found with just visual inspection. If air or dirt is being pulled into the plumbing system through a leak, you may see that air or dirt being blown into the pool from the returns.
A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.
It is necessary for you to water cure your Gunite to slow the drying time down. In the summer, wet the pool down at least 5 times a day, more if you can get to it. In cooler months (temperatures below 80 degrees F), 2 to 3 times a day is fine.
When faced with a leaking gunite pool crack, you and your customer are faced with several options for repair: simple topical repairs that can be made while the pool is filled, more permanent crack injections, or extensive concrete removal and structural re- engineering.