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How long does an inground gunnite pool last in Las Vegas or other desert climate before it typically needs plaster resurfacing?
Depends on the surface material you use to plaster the pool with initially. To keep you from having to write back with more information here are some general rules of thumb that perhaps will answer your question.
Gunite pool with conventional marcite plaster with proper chemical maintenance will last apx 6 to 10 years. Again I emphasize proper pool care.
Gunite pool with exposed aggregate finish with proper chemical maintenance will last apx 10 to 12 years, perhaps 15 with a good quality product and excellent maintenance habits.
Gunite pools with cementatious finishes are more apt to be damaged by the lack of proper pool chemistry as opposed to the actual environment itself. In your case the environment the pool is located simple means it is in a climate where the pool will be maintained 12 monthe out of the year without draining or winterizing.
Hope this answer your questions
Harry Gordon, State Certified Pool Contractor Florida
What else can I help you with?
Is there any risk of premature corrosion of the steel reinforcing rods if salt water is used in a gunite pool?
No, a pool using a salt water sanitization system will not cause premature corrosion of the steel reinforcing rods within the gunnite. The steel reinforcing rods are fully encased in gunnite and are not exposed to any water at all. The only way water could corrode the steel rods would be if the gunnite cracked allowing water to leak out and into the gunnite. Hope this helps ...
Can you apply gunnite mix with hand tools on new pond instead of using a gunite machine?
From what I have read is that gunnite can be worked into the soil. I would presume this to be done by either shovel or rototiller with appropriate breathing protection.
Can you build a swimming pool on fill?
Not gunnite. Plastic lined MIGHT be OK
How do you remove the gunnite surface from around a pool that has been filled in?
You have to remove the water or the land fill in order to work on the walls of the vessel.
What is a concrete mud slab for a crawl space?
A mud slab is a thin layer of concrete covering the soil. It can be spray applied with gunnite, similar to a concrete pool lining.
Are vinyl pools pretty good or are they nightmares?
Vinyl pools are generally "pretty good"! Tens of thousands of people have vinyl-lined pools (both above and below ground) and enjoy them completely. There are pros and cons of both vinyl and gunnite lined pools. I would suggest that you talk to several pool builders and pool owners of each kind to get an idea of the relative merits of both. I have a vinyl pool and wouldn't have any other. The bottom is so soft on your feet. The kids can play in the pool for hours and hours and have no problem with their feet. It is slightly less expensive to build and to replace the liner (maybe about 10 years) is not nearly as expensive as replastering/repairing gunnite. The only reason I see that people I know get gunnite is there seems to be more prestige to it than vinyl. One woman said to me once about one of her neighbors that had gunnite, "Oh she has a real pool". Don't listen to her, vinyl is great, my liner is beautiful and it's less expensive. Live in Texas and have had inground vinyl pool for 19 years - have replaced liner twice - cost about $ 1500 8 years ago to replace. Now need some work done on coping (pulling loose)and fiberglass steps need refurbishing. If I can find someone to do repairs at reasonable cost will keep pool. Received quote of $30 + a few days ago to replace with gunite pool. Have enjoyed our vinyl pool. We winterize and shut it down in Sept and open back up May or June and therefore do not have the cost of running the pump during that time. The water is crystal clear when we remove the cover to reopen. My brother has owned a vinyl pool for 20 years and never had any problem with it. It is just as beautiful as any "supposedly real" pool. I've only had my liner for 4 years and it's doing quite well.
How do you tell the difference between gunnite and shotcrete?
Gunite was first used in early 1900's and this process is mostly used for pneumatical application of mortar of less thickness.Shotcrete is recent development on the similar principle of guniting for achieving greater thickness with small coarse aggregates.
How many bags of cement to make one ton of gunite?
A LOT! Gunnite is make by mixing cement, sand, and water in an approximate ratio of 1 part cement to 4-6 parts sand with 1 part water using a high pressure spraying mechanism. Please note that the major component in gunnite is SAND and not cement. With this as a guideline, a 50 pound bag of cement would be mixed with at least 200 pounds of cement (approximate total mixture weight of 250 pounds). Thus,it would require approximately 8 such mixtures to equal 2000 pounds (2000 divided by 250 = 8) and since there is one bag of cement per mixture, it would require around 8 bags or 400 pounds of cement. Furthermore, one 250 pound mixture (containing one bag of cement) will cover approximately 5 square feet at a depth of 1 inch. So, to build a pool of any decent size, you will need MANY TONS of gunnite. Hope this helps ...
Did gunnite contain asbestos in 1964?
It's hard to say for certain, but most of the research that I've done indicates that gunite probably did contain asbestos in 1964, since it was used for internal insulation in many places (ships, shipyards, factories, etc.) until the mid-70s. You might find more helpful material at www.asbestosnews.com, so definitely check it out!
Does the age of the gunnite pool affect algae growth?
The age of the gunite pool itself does not directly affect algae growth. Algae growth is more influenced by factors such as improper water chemistry balance, insufficient circulation or filtration, and sunlight exposure. Regular maintenance and proper water management can help prevent algae growth regardless of the pool's age.
Are brown stains or marks common in a newly plastered pools?
Crappy plaster job. The gunnite is probably showing through. It's all in the water generally not craftsmanship, When you add water to your pool you need to add metal which lock up particulates and allow the filter to clean them out. Also make sure your main drain is pulling most the water from the pool not the skimmers so particles do not settle out and stain
How do you correct a cracked and delaminated first-time plaster job on a new gunnite pool which covers about half the pool surface that has never been acid washed or filled with water after 5 days?
You don't you start over the plaster needs water to dry, After 5 days it is just grout and will fall off when you add water, You need to add water immediately On extremely hot days we start filling the pool before we are finished smoothing the plaster
