Concrete Pool owners often hear that their pools are “built to last,” but longevity doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of simple, consistent habits that protect the shell, the plaster, and the water chemistry. With the right routine, your backyard centerpiece looks better, feels smoother underfoot, and resists costly repairs. This guide distills what matters most so you can spend more time swimming and less time troubleshooting.
Why concrete and gunite stand out
– Strength and shape: A Gunite Pool (a type of concrete applied pneumatically) offers exceptional structural strength and design flexibility for curves, tanning ledges, benches, and deep ends.
– Finish options: Most are topped with plaster (standard white, colored quartz, or pebble blends). That surface is what you see and touch, and it deserves dedicated care.
– Longevity: Properly maintained, the shell can last decades; the interior finish can last 7–15 years or more depending on water balance and use.
Concrete Pool maintenance essentials
– Circulation: Run the pump 8–12 hours daily in season (or enough to turn over the pool volume 1–2 times). Good circulation reduces scale, stains, and algae.
– Filtration: Backwash sand/DE filters when pressure rises 8–10 psi over clean baseline; clean cartridge filters when pressure rises 8–10 psi.
– Skimming and brushing: Skim daily in leaf season. Brush walls, steps, and the waterline 2–3 times weekly to prevent biofilm and calcium nodules.
– Vacuuming: Manual or robotic vacuum weekly; more often under heavy debris loads.
Plaster Care: keep the surface smooth and bright
– Balance from day one: New plaster leaches calcium for 28–30 days. During this curing window, brush daily, keep the pH on the low end of the safe range, and avoid heavy use or aggressive vacuum wheels.
– Prevent etching: Low calcium hardness or low total alkalinity makes water “hungry” and can dissolve plaster, causing roughness and mottling. Keep calcium 200–400 ppm (higher end in hot, dry climates).
– Prevent scaling: High pH, high alkalinity, and high calcium cause scale deposits that feel like sandpaper and cloud the water. Target a balanced Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) near 0.0 to +0.3.
– Stain vigilance: Organic stains from leaves and metals can set into plaster. Remove debris promptly; use a sequestering agent if metals are present and consult a pro for stain ID before treatment.
Gunite Pool specifics you shouldn’t ignore
– Structural checks: Look for hairline cracks, hollow-sounding spots when tapped, or shifting around fittings and tile lines. Small issues are normal; spreading or leaking cracks deserve professional evaluation.
– Expansion and movement: Seasonal soil movement and temperature swings can stress interfaces (tile, skimmers, lights). Keep expansion joints clean and flexible with proper sealant.
– Hydraulics and returns: Adjust eyeball fittings to create a gentle circular flow pattern that sweeps debris to the skimmer and keeps chemistry even across the plaster.
Water chemistry targets for concrete surfaces
– Free chlorine: 2–4 ppm (higher during heavy use or heat)
– pH: 7.4–7.6 (check 2–3 times weekly; concrete pools tend to drift up)
– Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm (lower—70–90—if using a saltwater chlorine generator)
– Calcium hardness: 250–350 ppm (up to ~400–450 in hot climates)
– Cyanuric acid (stabilizer): 30–50 ppm for liquid/bleach chlorination; 60–80 ppm for salt systems
– Salt (if SWG): 3000–3500 ppm or per manufacturer
Weekly, monthly, and seasonal checklist
Weekly
– Test pH and chlorine; adjust promptly
– Brush walls, steps, benches, and waterline
– Empty skimmer and pump baskets; inspect filter pressure
– Quick visual for stains, scale, or plaster roughness
Monthly
– Test alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer
– Inspect tile line and expansion joints
– Verify salt and cell output if you have a salt system
– Shock after heavy bather loads or storms
Seasonal
– Deep clean filters and inspect equipment seals
– Check for efflorescence or cracks in coping/grout
– Balance water carefully before opening/closing to prevent winter etching or scale
Avoid these common pitfalls
– Chasing pH with extremes: Add chemicals in small increments, retest after circulation, and avoid big swings that punish plaster.
– Overusing stabilized tabs: They add cyanuric acid; when CYA climbs too high, chlorine is less effective and algae thrives. Rotate to liquid chlorine or a salt system to control CYA.
– Ignoring hardness: Many new owners track pH and chlorine but forget calcium. It’s a primary driver of plaster health.
Smart tools and products
– A reliable drop-based test kit gives accurate readings; strips are fine for quick checks but confirm with drops.
– A quality brush (nylon for most surfaces; combo nylon/stainless for pebble or older plaster—avoid stainless on fresh plaster).
– Sequestering agents if your fill water is high in calcium or metals.
– A robotic cleaner gentle on plaster but strong on fine debris.
When to call a pro
– Persistent stains that don’t respond to basic treatment
– Rapid water loss suggesting a leak (perform a bucket test to confirm)
– Surface delamination, popcorn blistering, or widespread etching
– Planning an acid wash or any aggressive treatment—these remove surface material and can shorten plaster life if overdone
Resurfacing expectations and lifespan
– Standard plaster: 7–10 years with good care; quartz and pebble finishes may exceed 12–15 years.
– Signs it’s time: Chronic roughness, exposed aggregate, spider cracking, or stains embedded beyond the top layer.
– Prep matters: Proper start-up chemistry after resurfacing is critical—follow the builder’s start-up plan for the first 30 days.
Energy, safety, and sustainability tips
– Use a variable-speed pump to improve circulation and cut energy use.
– Maintain proper water level; running the pump dry can damage seals and introduce air that stains surfaces via oxidation.
– Keep a fitted cover during off-season to limit debris and reduce chemical demand.
– Store chemicals cool and dry; add one at a time with the pump running; never mix.
Quick-start routine for new owners
– Brush 2–3 times a week
– Test pH and chlorine twice weekly; full panel monthly
– Keep calcium and alkalinity in range to protect plaster
– Vacuum weekly; clean filters by pressure rise
– Adjust circulation for a gentle, consistent swirl
With a thoughtful routine, a Concrete Pool stays silky, sparkling, and structurally sound. Pair attentive Plaster Care with periodic inspections of your Gunite Pool shell and equipment, and you’ll lock in that resort-grade look and feel for years while avoiding preventable repairs.