Gunite Pools Maintenance

Being Owner of a Gunite Swimming Pool

A gunite pool can be in any shape or size. These pools are lined with concrete or brick instead of vinyl and therefore are much more customizable.
Many consumers choose gunite pools for its beauty and durability.
The maintenance and cleaning, however, differ greatly and are factors to consider when choosing the right gunite pool to install.

Why choose a gunite pool?

All gunite pools are installed in holes previously excavated and can typically cost 50% more than a fiberglass pool. The gunite pool has, however, several advantages. The main advantage is that these pools in particular lend themselves well to customization. The vinyl flooring in a pool has limitations on the shape and design of the pool, whereas the gunite has no such limitations. For this reason, many are hampered by gunite pools with very elaborate shapes and special features such as waterfalls.

The gunite pools are built to last. Owners do not need to worry about stains or cracks in the coating and the mixing of concrete/sand used in construction of the pool is less prone to leakage than a vinyl coating.
Many owners opt for a ceramic coating the bottom or the edges of their gunite pools for them to add even more beauty. Because of its durability, gunite pools are usually chosen by apartment complexes and hotel chains.

Care and Maintenance of a Gunite Pool

The walls and bottom are coated with gunite tile, these surfaces must be brushed regularly, in order to loosen the dirt and algae that they hold. The process of brushing and sweeping should begin from the less deep towards the deep end of the pool. After the debris settled, may be aspirated with a normal pool cleaner.

Unfortunately, just brush and clean a gunite pool is not enough to keep it clean. Periodically, the pool must be drained and the parts (if any) should be cleaned. The tiles can be cleaned with any cleaning product for tiles. Unlike vinyl pools, built in the gunite can be completely drained, without fear of collapse. This makes thorough cleaning easy for the owners.

If the concrete is stained, apply granular chlorine directly on the stain, let soak and then wash, is a good method of removing stains. If chlorine is not sufficient, gunite pool owner can choose one acid wash to brighten the concrete and thus get rid of the spots.

Dangers in Maintaining Gunite Pools

Gunite swimming pools should never be washed under pressure. Washing under pressure, while effective, can make a concrete base "peeling". The result is an uneven surface, for which compensation can be costly.

An acid wash is a very common and effective treatment to give a new luster to a concrete pool, which was getting dirty over time, or not properly maintained.
The acid washes, however, should be done by professionals. The acid used to treat gunite swimming pools is extremely caustic and dangerous. Additionally, professionals have an appropriate way to package the waste from the washing chemicals, in most cases can not be simply thrown down the drain of the pool.

Gunite swimming pools should be rinsed thoroughly after receiving a wash treatment with acid to prevent acid contaminate water when the pool is refiled.