How long do in-ground pools last?
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.
How long does a pool liner last?
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.
How often should I seal my concrete pool?
This is one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items for concrete pools as it can be deceiving as to how important this little rubber joint is. New mastic joint sealer should be applied every seven to ten years, depending on where you live and the amount of harsh weather your pool is exposed to.
How much does it cost to replace a concrete shell pool?
Approximately every 25 years, you might need to resurface and re-tile the concrete shell. Replacement cost range: $2,500-$5,000 depending on the pool size For those on a budget, vinyl liners offer an affordable way to install and enjoy a pool. Like concrete shells, vinyl liners can be customized for a variety of sizes, shapes and depths.
Why is concrete bad for pools?
How are concrete pools made?
What is the rebar used to build a pool?
How to clean pool after brushing?
Why is my pool filled with bacteria?
What is gunite in pool?
Can concrete be used as a saltwater pool?
See 2 more
How often do concrete pools crack?
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. Pools can also crack when they are simply not built correctly, as shown in the list above.
What are the disadvantages of a concrete pool?
Concrete Pool DisadvantagesLong startup process.Rough surface.High maintenance.Significant time and money.Frequent refinishing.
Are concrete pools hard to maintain?
1) Surface Porosity Since concrete is a more organic material, it has more variation in its surface texture. This requires more intensive cleaning as well as resurfacing or acid washing every few years to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
Can a concrete pool collapse?
There's a misconception that due to the weight of concrete, these pools have less of a tendency to pop out of the ground. That would be incorrect, as concrete pools are just as at risk at any other inground pool.
Is a concrete pool worth it?
Concrete: Is It Worth It? Concrete pools are worth it if you are looking for an inground pool that is highly customizable and will basically last your entire lifetime as long as it's properly taken care of.
What maintenance does a concrete pool need?
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.
Do concrete pools hurt your feet?
Many swimmers and children find the rough bottom in a gunite pool to be very abrasive and uncomfortable. It is not uncommon to scrape and or irritate your feet if the swimmer is in the pool for long periods of time and sitting on the pools steps or benches will certainly snag a swim suit.
Is a concrete pool better than vinyl?
Durable: Vinyl Liner pools wall systems can last a lifetime with routine liner changes. In comparison, a well-maintained concrete or gunite pool can last for decades, but needs to be routinely resurfaced and acid washed approximately every 10 years.
Can you do salt water in 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.
Can you completely drain a concrete pool?
Draining a pool is a risky business for several reasons. Your pool is not meant to be empty. Whether you have a vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass pool, it is at its best when it's full of water. Once the water is drained, you open yourself up to all sorts of damage, so drain a pool only when there is no other option.
Should you drain a concrete pool for winter?
Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it. In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
Will a concrete pool float?
Concrete Pools, Vinyl Pools and Fiberglass alike all have the ability to float if not properly built or due to extreme weather conditions or hydrological ground changes after the pool is built. picture of a vinyl pool that floated its liner. Demonstrating that all pools can float.
Do concrete pools hurt your feet?
Many swimmers and children find the rough bottom in a gunite pool to be very abrasive and uncomfortable. It is not uncommon to scrape and or irritate your feet if the swimmer is in the pool for long periods of time and sitting on the pools steps or benches will certainly snag a swim suit.
How much more expensive is a concrete pool?
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. Fast: Installation takes only three weeks instead of three months.
Is a concrete pool better than vinyl?
Durable: Vinyl Liner pools wall systems can last a lifetime with routine liner changes. In comparison, a well-maintained concrete or gunite pool can last for decades, but needs to be routinely resurfaced and acid washed approximately every 10 years.
Can you do salt water in 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.
Whats' Your Favorite Mix for Concrete Driveway Cleaning???
I always downstream my housewash mix (pool chlorine and citracleen 70/30) onto concrete prior to cleaning with the surface cleaner. It works great to loosen dirt up, make the algae easier to remove, remove tannin stains, and brighten up the concrete.
Why is concrete bad for pools?
Because concrete is filled with microscopic pores, it can host bacteria and algae that eventually will affect the water quality in the pool. Strong chemicals can also affect the concrete or the plaster that is often put over it.
How are concrete pools made?
How Concrete Pools Are Made. Concrete pools have one major advantage over vinyl and fiberglass pools. They can be made in any size or shape you like. That’s because unlike vinyl and fiberglass, the pool is not premade. Instead a hole is dug in the desired shape and depth of the pool. After the hole is prepared, the walls are fitted with rebar.
What is the rebar used to build a pool?
Instead a hole is dug in the desired shape and depth of the pool. After the hole is prepared, the walls are fitted with rebar. The rebar will provide support for the concrete that will be poured. Once the rebar is in place, a mixture called gunite is sprayed onto the rebar to form the walls and floor of the pool.
How to clean pool after brushing?
After brushing, wait a few minutes to allow the loosened bacteria and algae to sink to the bottom of the pool. Then you can use a pool vacuum to clean along the bottom of the pool and collect the material you brushed off.
Why is my pool filled with bacteria?
This means that it is filled with tiny microscopic pores which can harbor bacteria. If the pool and its concrete walls are not cleaned regularly , these bacteria can flourish. Too much bacteria can affect the chemical balance and even visual quality of your pool water.
What is gunite in pool?
Gunite is a mixture of sand and cement. This mixture is a form of concrete. Once the gunite has cured, the walls and floor of the pool will be covered or treated in some way. One common way to smooth over the gunite is to apply a layer of plaster.
Can concrete be used as a saltwater pool?
Another feature of concrete is its reactivity. Concrete doesn’t mix well with certain chemicals . For instance, if you’re pool is concrete, you can forget about creating a saltwater pool.
How much does it cost to replace a pool?
Replacement cost range: $8,000-$15,000 depending on the pool size and design
Why do you need a pool cover?
Pool covers often serve a dual purpose. They keep your pool free of debris and can also help maintain the water temperature and minimize evaporation, which , in turn, lowers energy bills.
What is a vinyl pool liner?
For those on a budget, vinyl liners offer an affordable way to install and enjoy a pool. Like concrete shells, vinyl liners can be customized for a variety of sizes, shapes and depths. Although their lifespan is less than half of that for concrete shells, these liners have a considerably lower replacement cost, also.
What is the best way to clean pool water?
To keep your pool water clean and safe, you need an efficient filter and pump system. Filters use sand, cartridges or diatomaceous earth, also known as DE, to remove contaminants from the pool. Sand filters have traditionally been the most common filters, although DE filters are increasingly popular and are more effective at removing smaller particles from the water. Cartridge filters don't require the occasional backwashing required of sand and DE filters, but they still must be cleaned regularly.
Is concrete a lifetime shell?
While some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on concrete shells, that doesn't mean they are maintenance-free. Extra care must be taken to ensure algae doesn't grow in porous concrete.
Is a pool cheap?
However, pools aren't cheap. Whether you are considering a home purchase that comes with a pool or thinking about installing a pool on your current property, you probably want to know how much money replacement parts cost and what the life expectancy of swimming pools and all those parts might be. To help you make informed decisions ...
Can you use a water heater in a pool?
Swimming in frigid water is no fun, and a water heater is essential to ensuring you are able to stretch how long you can use your pool. Heaters use a variety of energy sources including natural gas or propane, solar power and electricity. Natural gas heaters tend to heat the water the quickest, but they may also have the highest operational cost. Solar power and electric can reduce your monthly bill but offer slower heating.
How long do in ground pools last?
Lifespan of In-Ground Pools. In-ground pools last a long time—longer than most people live in their homes, in fact. An in-ground pool that lasts 20 years is on the low end of a lifespan; most in-ground pools will last much longer.
How long does a vinyl pool liner last?
You can expect the vinyl liner of an above ground pool to last equally as long as one in an in-ground pool (about 6-12 years), and you should plan on replacing the liner at that time. The main difference in longevity for above ground pools comes from the structure.
How long does it take for a concrete pool to crack?
Most commonly a concrete pool shell will crack in the first three days after placing the shell, or at a future point in time if the pool settles, shifts or sinks not in uniform.
What is a concrete pool?
Gunite is a specific method for placing concrete, as is shotcrete. Placement of concrete simply means exactly as it sounds...the method used to put the concrete where it needs to be. The significance of this is that, for the most part, a concrete pool is a concrete pool.
What is bond shear on a pool?
In the event that a bond break and coping is not installed on a concrete pool, or installed improperly, then it is very likely the top of the pool walls will suffer damage from something called bond shear. First, on a concrete pool there is something called a bond beam.
Why do concrete pools crack?
Cracked Tiles - Tiles in concrete pools can crack from deck sheer forces, ice formation, efflorescence growth or physical impact. Since the tiles are attached to the substrate concrete with a ultra sticky thin set mortar, if the substrate cracks then the tiles are going to also crack (or pop off).
Why do swimming pools have perimeter tiles?
Perimeter tiles in a pool provide both a visual distraction from the accumulation of scum and debris on top of the water , as well as providing an easy to clean surface. When it comes to tile problems in swimming pools the most common is to have a failure of an entire section from bond sheer as described above.
Why do you need an HRV in a pool?
This is used to prevent the pool shell from lifting out of the ground during periods of high ground water around the pool (or lowered levels of water in the pool). In older concrete pools these HRV's can become corroded or seized and should be replaced when performing resurfacing of the pool.
What is the bond beam on a concrete pool?
A bond beam is a horizontal area of increased strength located at the top of the pool wall where the pool structure is the weakest. In this area of the pool there is thicker concrete and more steel than any other area in the pool.
Why is concrete bad for pools?
Because concrete is filled with microscopic pores, it can host bacteria and algae that eventually will affect the water quality in the pool. Strong chemicals can also affect the concrete or the plaster that is often put over it.
How are concrete pools made?
How Concrete Pools Are Made. Concrete pools have one major advantage over vinyl and fiberglass pools. They can be made in any size or shape you like. That’s because unlike vinyl and fiberglass, the pool is not premade. Instead a hole is dug in the desired shape and depth of the pool. After the hole is prepared, the walls are fitted with rebar.
What is the rebar used to build a pool?
Instead a hole is dug in the desired shape and depth of the pool. After the hole is prepared, the walls are fitted with rebar. The rebar will provide support for the concrete that will be poured. Once the rebar is in place, a mixture called gunite is sprayed onto the rebar to form the walls and floor of the pool.
How to clean pool after brushing?
After brushing, wait a few minutes to allow the loosened bacteria and algae to sink to the bottom of the pool. Then you can use a pool vacuum to clean along the bottom of the pool and collect the material you brushed off.
Why is my pool filled with bacteria?
This means that it is filled with tiny microscopic pores which can harbor bacteria. If the pool and its concrete walls are not cleaned regularly , these bacteria can flourish. Too much bacteria can affect the chemical balance and even visual quality of your pool water.
What is gunite in pool?
Gunite is a mixture of sand and cement. This mixture is a form of concrete. Once the gunite has cured, the walls and floor of the pool will be covered or treated in some way. One common way to smooth over the gunite is to apply a layer of plaster.
Can concrete be used as a saltwater pool?
Another feature of concrete is its reactivity. Concrete doesn’t mix well with certain chemicals . For instance, if you’re pool is concrete, you can forget about creating a saltwater pool.
