How long can a concrete pool last?
6 min read
Asked by: Irene Goldberg
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.
How long does concrete around pool last?
around 50 years
A well-maintained concrete pool should last around 50 years or more. And a well constructed in-ground concrete swimming pool should last a lifetime. But, a pool’s liner or finish won’t last long. And thus, an in-ground concrete pool will need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years.
What is the lifespan of an inground pool?
Pools with vinyl liners will last more than 20 years, as long as you replace your liner every 6-12 years. Concrete pools have exceptional longevity, but you need to resurface the concrete every 10 years or so. Fiberglass pools have the longest lifespans of any in-ground pool, often easily surpassing 30 years.
Is concrete good for pools?
If you need a super long or deep pool, concrete is your best option. It costs more for each square foot, of course, but you can design your pool to look as dramatic as you like. You also have more freedom to design it to suit your specific needs.
What are the pros and cons of a concrete 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.
Are concrete pools hard to maintain?
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. However, this is a must with a concrete pool.
What is the easiest type of pool to maintain?
fiberglass pools
People who have heard the buzz about fiberglass, but don’t yet have all the details will frequently ask us, “What are its advantages?” When they do, we humorously ask, “How much time do you have?” Not only are fiberglass pools the easiest type to own and maintain, there are many other benefits as well.
What are the disadvantages of a concrete pool?
Concrete Pool Disadvantages
- Long startup process.
- Rough surface.
- High maintenance.
- Significant time and money.
- Frequent refinishing.
How do you maintain a concrete pool?
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.
Which is better gunite or concrete pool?
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.
Do concrete pools crack?
In-ground concrete swimming pools are usually durable installations that last for decades. However, gunite, shotcrete, or concrete walls may develop cracks over time. Small shrinkage cracks aren’t a problem, but if the cracks grow large enough to insert a dime, the shell might be compromised.
How thick should a concrete pool be?
To be structurally sound, a concrete pool shell should generally be 6 inches thick. Depending on the engineer and the soil condition, it may be more. (On top of that, the plaster interior finish should be at least ⅜ inch thick.)
How many times can a pool be replastered?
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.
What happens if you don’t resurface pool?
If you don’t resurface the pool, which is necessary because it is always exposed to weather, cracks and an unevenness in the pool surface will occur and this could lead to algae stains, water leaking and injuries from the uneven surface.
What happens if you don’t Replaster a pool?
Either due to age, excessive acid washing, or a poorly done previous plaster job, the surface of the pool may become rough. This can cause snagged swimsuits, scraped skin, and algae that is extremely difficult to remove.
How often does a gunite pool need to be plastered?
every ten years
The guidelines for commercial pool maintenance recommend that a commercial pool be replastered every ten years on average.
Does Pebble Tec last longer than plaster?
Pebble Tec is extremely durable. Compared to plaster pools that only last between 6-8 years, Pebble Tec pool finishes can last from 10-15 years.
How often should a pool be resurfaced?
It varies depending on the type of pool, with plaster or cement pools needing to be resurfaced every 3-7 years while fiberglass pools can sometimes go as long as 15-30 years.
How do I know when to Replaster my pool?
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.
Can you paint a concrete swimming pool?
Three types of paint often applied to concrete pools are epoxy paint, chlorinated rubber paint and acrylic paint. Epoxy and chlorinated rubber paints are actually essentially matched in quality, durability and process – meaning that discerning which of the two your particular pool has can be extremely difficult.
How long do plaster pools last?
15-20 years
When it comes to durability, both plaster and pool paint are built to hold up against the chemicals in your pool and natural conditions outside of it such as harmful UV rays; however, most pool plaster lasts 15-20 years, while epoxy pool paint – the longest-lasting type of pool paint on the market – needs to be …
What causes pool plaster to crack?
The most common cause for crazing is if the pool is finished on a hot, dry or windy day, or if it took too long to fill the pool. Check cracks and crazing are quite normal and very rarely, if ever, leak. If the crazing is unacceptable or seem to be more than normal, consult the plaster company.
How do I keep my concrete pool from cracking?
Use pool caulking to keep your pool expansion joint protecting your pool from beam damage, as shown right. Although rare, and affecting less than 1% of all pools, concrete pools can crack. If it happens at all, it usually happens within the first year, as a result of shrinkage, settlement and/or subsidence.
How do you repair a crack in a concrete pool?
Pool concrete repair: How to fix a cracked pool
- Inject epoxy or polyurethane into the crack to seal it off.
- Apply hydraulic cement over the crack.
- “Staple” the crack closed with rebar staples.
- Tear out and redo the damaged area of the pool.
