How do I fix the surface on my gunite pool
Andrew White
Published Mar 18, 2026
Patch and repair all crack, breaks, or holes in the pool surface with an mixture of gray Portland cement sand and a high latex acrylic bonding agent. Use a trowel or putty knife to apply the repair mixture. Fill the hole or crack and smooth the surface. Allow repairs to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
What do you use to resurface a gunite pool?
Made of a mixture of cement, water, and marble dust (or silica sand), marcite is a standard plaster application for pool surfaces. Sometimes referred to as white plaster, this surface choice is dependable and provides a watertight seal over porous gunite.
Can you resurface a concrete pool?
It can cost $10,000–$20,000 to resurface the interior finish of a concrete pool, which usually includes replacing the waterline tile at the same time. This cost depends on many factors, such as the type of interior finish and tile, the pool size, the area of the pool, and more.
How do you fix a rough pool surface?
- Drain the pool. …
- Sand the rough areas with 80 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a sanding block. …
- Sand the areas a second time with 120 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a sanding block. …
- Sand the rough areas a third time with 240 girt wet/dry sandpaper and a sanding block.
How do you smooth out gunite?
For quick sand jobs, use a belt sander. A belt sander has a rotating pad over which you place a piece of sandpaper. This tool quickly grinds away at your gunite.
How long does a gunite pool surface last?
When comparing different types of inground pools—the most common of which are gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl—gunite is undeniably the most durable and longest lasting. When designed and built properly, gunite pools should last for 100 years or more.
How much does it cost to resurface a gunite pool?
Average Cost to Resurface a Pool Gunite and fiberglass can average up to $6,500, including labor. Depending on what you currently have, resurfacing may require completely replacing the pool surface and base. This costs between $35,000 and $65,000 and is essentially the same as the cost of building a new pool.
Why is pool surface rough?
Answer: From the description of your pool’s interior finish, it sounds as if your pool may have a buildup of scale. Scale is a deposit of calcium that leeches out of the pool water under certain conditions. It often makes the pool surface feel like sandpaper as you describe.Are gunite pools rough?
Vinyl construction will be much quicker as well with 3-5 weeks to complete the project. Many swimmers and children find the rough bottom in a gunite pool to be very abrasive and uncomfortable.
Are cracks in gunite normal?Small superficial cracks are called check cracks or crazing. This is normal due to the cement shrinking or flexing of the supporting structure, and should not be considered a deficiency. The most common cause for crazing is if the pool is finished on a hot, dry or windy day, or if it took too long to fill the pool.
Article first time published onHow often should you resurface a gunite pool?
On average, gunite swimming pools last 7 to 10 years before they need to be resurfaced. When that time comes, it’s important to know what options are available so that you can pick the best choice for your backyard space.
How do you renovate a concrete pool?
- Step 1 – Draining the pool. Depending on the size of the pool this step can take minutes to a few hours. …
- Step 2 – Resurfacing. …
- Step 3 – Tiling. …
- Step 4 – Plumbing. …
- Step 5 – Enhance The Surroundings. …
- Step 6 – Clean And Add Water. …
- Step 7 – Mixing In The Chemicals.
What does it cost to Replaster a pool?
The typical cost to have a pool replastered is between $4 and $7 per square foot. Assuming an average pool size of 16 feet by 32 feet, 4 feet deep on the shallow end and 8 feet on the deep end, that’s total of 1,088 square feet. If the cost is $5 per square foot, replastering would cost $5,440.
What causes pitting in pool plaster?
This etching or pitting can be caused by low pH or alkalinity; an acidic condition. Etching can also be the result of plaster problems, from the many plaster mix, application or curing variables. Plaster etching can also be the result of aggressive or improper acid washing.
Can pool plaster be polished?
Pool plaster polishing process It uses a specialized pad that smooths the surface. It works by spinning at a very high rpm while wet, smoothing out the affected area. This process is very safe, as long as the surfaces are good. … The pool plaster polishing process can be performed on both pools and spas.
Can you repair a gunite pool?
When Gunite Pools Need Repairs Choose from sealant kits, epoxy adhesive kits, crack injection kits and pool repair staples kits… all specially designed to fix leaks and cracks in gunite, concrete and shotcrete swimming pools and spas.
How do you know when your pool needs to be resurfaced?
- Plaster Flaking or Peeling. Maybe you’ve noticed the plaster is peeling along the steps or floor of your pool or spa. …
- Surface Stains. …
- Roughness. …
- Check Cracks. …
- Plaster Discolorations. …
- Structural Cracks. …
- Rust Stains. …
- Loss of Pebbles.
How much does it cost to resurface a 10 000 gallon pool?
Re-plastering the interior surface of an average residential in-ground pool (10,000-20,000 gallons or 14’x28′ to 16’x32′ and 3.5′-5′ deep) with standard white plaster or marble-dust plaster (marcite) typically costs $2,500-$5,500, depending on the size, depth and shape of the pool, and local rates.
Can you put a liner over a gunite pool?
Although you may stumble onto a liner that would work, it is better to have a custom liner made for your pool conversion. A custom fitted liner will cost more than a stock liner, but a better fit is worth the money. … During the pool conversion, you will attach a pad between the liner and the gunite walls.
What happens if you don't Replaster a pool?
When you are swimming, you would get scratched or roughened when you step out of the pool. Also, you could get scratched or your swimsuit could get torn with the jagged plaster. If it’s unpleasant to run your hand along the side of the pool or climb up the stairs then its because your plaster is wearing thin.
Can a gunite pool be left empty?
Your in-ground gunite pool is designed to hold water. When you remove the water from a gunite pool and leave it empty, you run a significant risk of damaging your pool. … The external pressure of water in the surrounding soil can collapse the gunite or even pop it up out of the ground.
Can gunite pools be salt water?
If you’re looking for a simple answer, the answer is yes. Saltwater chlorinators are perfectly safe for gunite pools. … As far as concerns about the gunite surfacing experiencing corrosion or pitting because of the salt in the water, rest assured salt is no more damaging to the structure of concrete than chlorine.
What causes scaling in a pool?
Scale formation and staining are caused by the presence of excess minerals in your pool water. Scale buildup is calcium carbonate that solidifies on pool walls and surfaces. … Scale build up is caused by imbalanced water, particularly from having water with high Total Hardness, high pH and/or high Total Alkalinity.
What does pool scaling look like?
Calcium scaling is an unsightly white to white-grey stain that forms on pool sides when a pool’s calcium levels and pH are imbalanced. … Although it may be difficult to do, calcium scales can be removed — and preventative steps can be taken to keep them from reforming.
What causes shotcrete to crack?
Meniscus forces in porc autor Thermal Cracking: While not moisture related, crete and 850 microstrain in solution in cumillan pores in Indrated shotcrete can crack if it is subjected to thermal wel-mix shotcrete, com- cement conse contration and shrinkage.
How do you know if your gunite pool is leaking?
- Water Level Changes. Dropping water level is the clearest sign a pool is leaking, but it’s important to determine if the water loss is due to evaporation or a leak. …
- Cracks or Falling Tile. …
- Wet Spots in Yard. …
- High Water Bills. …
- Water Under Equipment. …
- Air or Dirt Blown Into Pool. …
- Algae Growth.
Is gunite same as plaster?
Plaster is the final FINISH on top of the gunite structure. All inground gunite pools have the same structure (gunite or dry shotcrete – synonymous terms). … Plaster is also called marcite or merbelite. It is one of many types of interior finishes available for a gunite pool.
How much does it cost to resurface pool deck?
Pool Deck Resurfacing A basic resurfacing job of 750-square-foot pool deck ranges in price from $2,250 to $3,750. A decorative overlay would be about $5,250 to $9,000 while stamped concrete may range from $6,000 to $15,000.
What is Diamond Brite?
Diamond Brite® finishes are blends of selected quartz aggregates and fortified white Portland cement ideal for new or re-finished swimming pools. Diamond Brite® finishes are factory blended to provide the pool owner with an extremely durable and attractive alternative to traditional pool coatings.
How much does it cost to renovate a concrete pool?
Concrete Pool ProjectAverage Cost RangeRemodel Concrete Pool$10,000 – $60,000 and upRemove Concrete Pool$5,000 – $15,000Fill in Concrete Pool$3,500 – $5,000Replace Concrete Pool with Fiberglass Pool$55,000 – $95,000 and up
How do you update an old inground pool?
- Restoring the basics. Replace tile. …
- Increasing decorative elements around your pool. Apply mosaics. …
- Improving functionality of your backyard resort. Install slide or diving board. …
- Modernizing your pool’s technology. Change purification. …
- Addressing your patio. Replace decking.