Concrete pools have plenty of advantages. They can be built to any size and shape and last for 50 years or more. But they also require special care. The nature of concrete means that it is susceptible to certain issues that are not present with vinyl or fiberglass 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. Another common problem with concrete is cracking. All of these issues mean that you need to take special care when maintaining a concrete pool. But with the right care, a concrete pool can last for decades.
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. 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. 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. The plaster will form a smooth cover over the rough gunite, protecting swimmers from scrapes and other injuries. Another way to smooth over the concrete is with tile. This is a very traditional style and is found in many public pools. Sometimes the concrete is simply painted. In this case, the pool needs a thick paint that can smooth over the rough gunite surface.
Features of Concrete
Concrete as a material has some features that affect how you care for a concrete pool. One feature of concrete is that it is porous. 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 many bacteria can affect the chemical balance and even the visual quality of your pool water. The type of covering placed over the concrete can affect how significant of an issue this is. For example, a concrete pool that is completely tiled will have much less of an issue with bacteria than a pool that is plastered.
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. The salt attacks the concrete and weakens it, greatly reducing the lifetime of your pool. Even regular pool chemicals, such as chlorine, will eventually eat away at the concrete. For this reason, concrete pools eventually need to be resurfaced.
With concrete pools, it is also important to pay attention to the chemical balance in your pool water. If the pH is too low, acidic water can corrode and eat away at the concrete. This creates little pits and rough spots that can harbor bacteria and algae growth. Similarly, if the water has too little dissolved calcium, it will leach calcium out of the concrete walls. This weakens the walls and has a similar effect to corrosion, roughening the surface of the wall.
Concrete Pool FAQs
If you own or are considering building a concrete pool, these frequently asked questions -along with helpful answers- can be of great use.
How common are concrete pools?
Inground concrete pools are the most common residential pools!
How do concrete pools hold water?
Concrete is naturally porous and not waterproof. Thus, higher-density shotcrete and a sealant is needed for the pool t hold water.
What are the benefits of a concrete pool?
Concrete is the most reliable pool shell solution. Its unmatched durability and strength protect it against bad weather and heavy use. Additionally, concrete resists stains and scratches to preserve its appearance over time, extending its longevity.
What are the disadvantages of a concrete pool?
There are only a few negatives to a concrete pool, but here are the main three: Higher initial cost, longer installation timeline, and require more chemicals to maintain.
Is it difficult to clean a concrete pool?
Due to the hard texture of concrete, these kinds of pools can take hits and not show any signs of damage. Sadly though, many of the aspects that contribute to the durability of concrete pools also make them harder to maintain. The rough texture of concrete means that there are countless crevices for algae to grow in.
What is the lifespan of a concrete pool?
A well-maintained concrete pool can last upwards of 50 years!
What does it cost to install an in-ground concrete pool?
Installing a concrete (AKA gunite or shotcrete) pool may cost between $50,000 on the lower end and $100,000 or more on the upper end. A smaller concrete pool might cost you between $50,000 to $55,000 and up. Be sure to consider ongoing costs like maintenance and chlorine, as well.
Special Care for Concrete Pools
If you have a concrete pool, you will have to take special care of it in ways you might not for a vinyl or fiberglass pool. 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.
Brushing a pool is just like brushing your teeth. The goal is to remove bacteria or algae that have built up on the porous surface of the concrete, just like you would remove plaque from your teeth. 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.
No matter how well you care for your concrete, you will eventually need to resurface the pool. To do this, you will need to drain the pool. Before draining the pool, make sure that you are aware of local regulations that may regulate pool water disposal. Because pool water has chemicals in it, it may not be advisable to pour it down storm drains. If the water is too acidic, you may not even want to pour it out on your lawn since it could damage grass and plants. If your pool is large and your lawn is small, you also want to avoid flooding your lawn. Too much water could drown plants and create runoff full of dirt and mud.
Acid Washing a Concrete Pool
If a concrete pool is not adequately cleaned on a regular basis, it may be attacked by algae. If the pool has been attacked by algae or if inadequate cleaning has led to stains, it may be time to acid wash the pool. Acid washing uses a potent acid solution to burn off the outer layer of concrete or the plaster covering it. This reveals a completely fresh and clean layer beneath. If done properly, it can be a great refresh for your pool. But because this process involves harsh chemicals, it may be best to leave it to professionals. The experts at The Pool Butler are experienced in acid washing and can acid wash your pool safely.
Acid washing works by burning off a thin layer of the walls and floor of your pool. Because of this, it can only be done a limited number of times. It is best to reserve this rather extreme form of cleaning for serious damage and staining that cannot be removed otherwise.
Cracking
Because concrete is rigid, it is susceptible to cracking. Cracking usually occurs when the soil around a pool shifts. This may be due to a change in the water table or the settling of the soil. It can also be the result of seismic activity. It is important to treat cracks as soon as you find them. Small cracks can quickly become big problems if left untreated. When a crack is small, it can usually be sealed. If it grows, it can require a complete resurfacing or even larger repairs.
Potential Issues with Concrete Pools
There are a few potential issues that can arise with concrete pools.
Resurfacing
One of the most common problems is resurfacing. Concrete pools tend to lose their sheen over time and need to be resurfaced in order to look new again. This process can be expensive, and it is important to factor in the cost of resurfacing when budgeting for a concrete pool.
Conflict with salt
Another potential issue is a conflict with salt. If you live in an area with a high concentration of salt in the air, it is possible for the salt to corrode the concrete over time. This can cause the pool to develop cracks and other damage.
Rough surface
Another potential issue with concrete pools is that they can have a rough surface. This can be caused by the concrete not being smoothed properly during installation or by the pool being exposed to harsh weather conditions. If the surface of the pool is too rough, it can be difficult to clean and maintain.
High maintenance
Concrete pools require high levels of maintenance in order to keep them looking their best. They need to be cleaned regularly, and the pH level of the water needs to be monitored closely.
Installation variables
Finally, it is important to note that there are a number of variables that can affect the cost of installing a concrete pool. These include the size and shape of the pool, the type of concrete used, and the location of the pool. All of these factors should be considered when budgeting for a concrete pool.
The Importance of Regular Care
Keeping it clean, clear, and balanced protects you and your family from contaminants and pollutants. It also helps you avoid costly hardware repairs due to corrosion or mineral build-up and helps your whole pool last longer.
The key to maintaining a concrete pool is making sure to care for it regularly. If you maintain a routine of cleaning, testing, and adjusting the water balance and inspecting your pool, you can avoid some of the bigger problems. Of course, this requires a significant amount of time and energy.
Is a concrete pool worth it?
Okay, we’ve spent plenty of time going over every detail of building and maintaining a concrete pool. We’ve “pored over” (pun intended) every possible disadvantage and downside, and we’ve touted the wonderful benefits. So when it all comes down to it, is a concrete pool worth it?
We say YES! Concrete has a very long lifespan. It is this longevity that is one of the main reasons people choose it over vinyl-lined pools or fiberglass pool shells. You just can’t beat the multiple decades of use of a concrete swimming pool. So if you have a concrete pool or are considering installing one, you can feel secure with your choice.
Protect Your Concrete Pool by Hiring a Pro
If you want to enjoy your concrete pool but don’t have the time to care for it properly, you are in luck. The Pool Butler can provide the regular service your pool requires. We’ll maintain pH and chemical levels and clean the pool as necessary. Just contact us online to set up a consultation, and we will find the level of care that is right for your pool and your budget.
