
The simple answer to that question is yes. Gunite pools are perfectly safe with saltwater. If you’re using a saltwater chlorination system like the Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System (on Amazon), that’s not going to harm the surface of your gunite pool at all.
What are the 7 problems with a gunite pool?
7 problems with Gunite pools that you need to know. 1 Incompatible with salt – That’s right folks. ... 2 Surface is a wear item, you need to replace it – Now whether or not you have salt in your water a concrete pool will need to be resurfaced. ... 3 Concrete cracks – As a NCMA certified mason I know this all too well. ... More items...
Why does salt eat the surface of a concrete pool?
Another reason salt eats the surface is because it is abrasive and with the water moving around so often that shell wears faster with salt in the water. By the way did you know that you would have to replace your concrete pool surface?
How long does it take to build a gunite pool?
A top Gunite builder will typically quote 30 days for the same project while most Gunite builders shy away from 30 days and commit to 90 days. In fact many gunite builders never actually build the pool themselves. Every portion is subbed out - Dig, Plumb, Steel, Gunnite/Shotcrete, Surface, Decking etc.
Do Not Use Plaster as Your Finishing Material #
Conclusion #

Can you have a salt water concrete pool?
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.
Does salt water damage pool plaster?
Salt water can be up to 5 times more abrasive on plaster than traditional chlorine water. Translation: you'll need to resurface the pool that much faster, which costs a pretty penny. Salt gradually wears away at the cementitious finish.
How do you add salt to a gunite pool?
1:292:17How to Add Salt to Your Swimming Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor best results add the salts around the perimeter of the pool. Let it dissolve and circulateMoreFor best results add the salts around the perimeter of the pool. Let it dissolve and circulate through the main drain. Use a pool brush to disperse the accumulated salt on the pool.
How much is a salt water gunite pool?
Concrete. Concrete or gunite saltwater pools cost from $50,000 to $100,000 and are the most expensive option to install and maintain. The higher costs come down to the amount of labor and customization you can get with a concrete pool.
What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?
Disadvantages of Saltwater Pools More complex than traditional pools, they often require experienced technicians even for minor problems. Salt can cause damage to some materials, so you may have to avoid using specific types of heaters, fixtures, underwater lighting, liners, and even some types of masonry work.
How do I protect my concrete pool from salt water?
The two main types of concrete sealers that are used to seal salt water pool decks are Silane-Silloxane water repellent sealers and acrylic sealers. Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers: Silane-Siloxane water repellents will seal the pool deck without changing the look or color of the concrete.
Can I use salt in my pool instead of chlorine?
The benefits of swimming pool salt Using swimming pool salt instead of chlorine delivers greater swimming comfort: Swimming pool salt does not give off an unpleasant odour as chlorine does. It is much less harsh on hair and skin. It does not cause your eyes to sting.
Should I convert my pool to saltwater?
Salt cells are expensive and need frequent cleaning. Saltwater that spills onto your pool deck and grassy areas can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Saltwater can corrode and damage your pool equipment. Chlorine levels are difficult to maintain in a saltwater pool.
Can you convert a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool?
You can convert your chlorine pool into a saltwater swimming pool and enjoy the benefits of salt water chlorination right in your own backyard. If your pool has a traditional chlorine sanitization system, you can easily switch to Hayward's advanced salt chlorination system.
Is it cheaper to maintain a saltwater pool?
The average annual cost to maintain a swimming pool is anywhere from $100 to $400. Saltwater pools will fall anywhere from $70 to $100 annually, as you don't need to balance the chemicals nearly as often.
Is a saltwater pool easier to maintain?
Is a salt water pool easier to maintain? Yes, a salt water pool is easier to maintain! There's no need to purchase, store and add chlorine to your pool. Simply add salt and your pool's salt chlorinator will do all the work of making chlorine.
Do you need a sand filter for a saltwater pool?
All saltwater pools need a Filter System to maintain crystal clear water. There are 3 types of filter systems you can choose from; Sand, Cartridge and D.E. Sand filters require specially graded sand to trap particles and debris.
lbridges
My research suggests the generally considered reasons for not converting do not include if the pool is gunite or not - they are
quantumchromodynamics
One of the issues with using salt in a plaster pool is that plaster needs a neutral to slightly positive CSI to get maximum longevity out of the plaster, while the salt cell needs a slightly negative CSI to get optimum results.
quantumchromodynamics
the clarity is much greater without the "chlorine tint" and many more benefits.
PoolGuyNJ
Interests:Helping to keep homeowners in control of their pool. Serving Monmouth and Ocean counties and The Princeton Route 1 corridor communities.
Why does salt eat concrete?
While this may take longer because it is dissolved, it still happens. Another reason salt eats the surface is because it is abrasive and with the water moving around so often that shell wears faster with salt in the water. By the way did you know that you would have ...
How long does it take to build a fiberglass pool?
A fiberglass pool with 4’ of concrete installed in a flat location will typically be ready in under 10 working days. A top Gunite builder will typically quote 30 days for the same project while most Gunite builders shy away from 30 days and commit to 90 days. In fact many gunite builders never actually build the pool themselves.
Can you use salt in a concrete pool?
Concrete (Gunite and Shotcrete are just concrete placing methods) pools are not compatible with salt. The concrete pool dealers will tell you they are. But this is for a reason; they will sell you a new surface sooner. Salt eats away at a concrete pool in much the same way it does a concrete driveway. While this may take longer because it is ...
Do gunite builders build pools?
In fact many gunite builders never actually build the pool themselves. Every portion is subbed out - Dig, Plumb, Steel, Gunnite/Shotcrete, Surface, Decking etc. Here at Albert Group we sub nothing. If we don't do it - we don't sell it to you.
Is a concrete pool smoother than a fiberglass pool?
The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to fiberglass.
Does concrete insulate from dirt?
Having only concrete (which is hard dirt) insulate you from the ground (dirt) does nothing to keep heat in. In our own tests between two swimming pools of similar size. One a concrete pool using a 450,000 BTU heater and a Fiberglass (what type of insulation do you have in your attic) pool using a 150,000 BTU heater.

Does Salt Water Lead to Staining in Gunite Pools? #
Use A Pure Form of Salt #
- Now that you know impurities in salt are the primary cause of pool stains, why not use salt in its pure form? Consider purchasing pure salt that you can use for your pool. Pure salt is smooth and does not have any lumps. Additionally, when adding salt to your pool, do not pour large quantities. When you do this, you increase the chances of undissolved salt settling at the pool’s bottom. Po…
Do Not Use Plaster as Your Finishing Material #
- As seen earlier, plaster finishing reacts with impurities in the salt leading to stains. Thus, consider resurfacing your poolwith another material. You can use quartz, ceramic tile, and glass tile. This way, you prevent stains from occurring in your pool. These finishing materials are more costly than plaster. Nonetheless, they cut down on your maintenance procedures.
Conclusion #
- Ultimately, gunite pools can accommodate salt water chlorinators. However, it would be best if you avoid using plaster as your finishing material. Also, invest in pure salt if the interior surface of your pool is plaster. Your gunite pool can develop stains on the plaster in the presence of salt water. So, change the finish material or use raw salt...