A gunite pool is a luxurious and long-lasting addition to your backyard, but proper maintenance is an integral part of its longevity. Keeping up with regular care might seem overwhelming if you're new to pool ownership. However, with the right knowledge and a consistent routine, maintaining your pool will become second nature.
Deckscapes of Virginia builds beautiful gunite pools in Northern Virginia, along with just about any other backyard paradise you can dream up. We believe in supporting our clients beyond the installation process to protect their investment. Get comfy! Pool school is in session! We’re here to walk you through essential pool maintenance practices, from balancing water chemistry to cleaning best practices, ensuring your pool remains in top condition for years to come.
Your Gunite Pool’s Needs
Gunite pools are popular due to their durability, customizable designs, and elegant appearance. Like any pool, they require specific maintenance to prevent surface wear, staining, and water imbalances.
Are Gunite Pools Hard to Maintain?
Gunite pools require regular upkeep, but with the right approach, they are no more difficult to maintain than other pools. The key is consistency: staying on top of water chemistry, cleaning, and equipment care will prevent costly issues down the road.
What Is the Lifespan of a Gunite Pool?
A well-maintained gunite pool can last 50 years or more, though the interior surface should be resurfaced approximately every 10 years. Keeping the water properly balanced and addressing minor repairs promptly will extend the life of your pool.
The Essentials of Gunite Pool Maintenance
Focus on four key areas to keep your gunite pool in optimal condition.
- Water Chemistry: Ensuring balanced water prevents algae, staining, and surface degradation.
- Cleaning & Debris Removal: Regular skimming, brushing, and vacuuming keep your pool clear and prevent buildup.
- Equipment Maintenance: Pool pumps, filters, and skimmers must be cleaned and maintained for proper function.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Pool care changes with the seasons, requiring different
Your PhD in pH: Pool Water Chemistry
Balanced water chemistry is the foundation of proper pool maintenance. Poorly maintained water can damage your pool’s surface, encourage algae growth, and cause swimmers discomfort.
What Does pH Do for a Pool?
The pH level determines how acidic or basic your pool water is. A pH that is too high or too low can cause skin and eye irritation, damage pool equipment, and reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.
Pool Chemicals and Their Ideal Levels
To keep your pool water safe and balanced, test it regularly and adjust the following chemical levels as needed:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.8 (prevents irritation and protects surfaces)
- Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm (keeps water sanitized and free of bacteria)
- Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm (helps stabilize pH levels)
- Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm (prevents calcium buildup in pools and plaster erosion)
How to Maintain Pool Chemicals
- Test the Water Frequently: Use a reliable pool testing kit at least twice weekly.
- Adjust Chemicals Gradually: If levels are off, add chemicals in small amounts, allowing time for circulation before retesting.
- Shock the Pool When Necessary: After heavy use, rainstorms, or algae growth, shocking the pool with a high dose of chlorine helps restore balance.
- Use Stabilizers as Needed: Sunlight can break down chlorine quickly—cyanuric acid (CYA) helps protect chlorine levels.
- Monitor for Signs of Imbalance: Cloudy water, scaling, staining, or algae growth can indicate chemical imbalances that need immediate attention.
Cleaning Your Gunite Pool: Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Tasks
Wondering how to clean a gunite pool? We’ve got you. Keeping your gunite pool clean helps prevent algae growth, extends the life of your pool surface, and reduces strain on your filtration system.
How to Keep a Pool Clean: Daily and Weekly Maintenance
Consistent cleaning prevents debris buildup and maintains water clarity. Follow these simple routines:
Daily Pool Tasks
- Skim the Surface: Use a long-handled skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, and floating debris before they sink and cause stains.
- Check Water Levels: Ensure the water stays at the midpoint of the skimmer opening for proper circulation.
- Monitor Water Clarity: Cloudy water may indicate an issue with filtration or chemical balance.
Weekly Pool Tasks
- Brush the Pool Walls and Steps: Gunite surfaces are porous, making them prone to algae and stains. Brushing once a week helps prevent buildup.
- Vacuum the Pool: Whether using a manual or automatic pool vacuum, weekly vacuuming removes dirt and sediment from the pool floor.
- Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets: Keeping these debris-free allows for proper water circulation.
- Check and Adjust Chemicals: Even if you tested earlier in the week, give your water a second look, especially after heavy rain, high usage, or extreme temperatures.
Seasonal Cleaning Tasks for Pools
- Inspect the Pool Surface: Look for cracks, rough patches, or calcium buildup that may require resurfacing.
- Deep Clean the Filter: Depending on the type (sand, cartridge, or DE), clean or replace the filter as needed.
- Adjust Maintenance Based on the Season: Increase skimming and vacuuming in the fall due to falling leaves; shock the pool more frequently in the summer due to higher usage.
Best Automatic Pool Vacuums
Investing in an automatic pool vacuum can make maintenance much easier if you want to reduce manual labor.
- Robotic Cleaners: Ideal for deep cleaning, they scrub walls, floors, and steps while filtering debris.
- Suction-Side Cleaners: Connect to your pool’s skimmer and vacuum debris directly into the filtration system.
- Pressure-Side Cleaners: Use water pressure from the return line to propel themselves and collect debris in a separate bag.
Filter System Care
The pool filter removes dirt, oils, and fine debris from the water. Proper care depends on the type of filter.
- Sand Filters: Backwash every 4–6 weeks and replace sand every 5 years.
- Cartridge Filters: Clean cartridges with a hose every 2–3 weeks and replace annually.
- DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters: Backwash when pressure increases by 10 psi and replace DE powder as needed.
Monitoring Water Flow & Circulation
- Jets: Check that all return jets are properly directing water to promote even circulation.
- Pump: Ensure the pump is running for at least 8–12 hours per day to keep water moving and prevent stagnation.
- Flow: If you notice weak water flow, check for clogged baskets, dirty filters, or air leaks in the system.
Seasonal Pool Maintenance Guide
Each season brings unique challenges for pool maintenance. Adjusting your care routine accordingly will keep your pool in peak condition while reducing the risk of costly repairs.
Opening a Pool After Winter
When warmer temperatures return, it’s time to get your pool ready for swimming season. Here’s how to properly open a pool after winter.
- Remove and Clean the Pool Cover: If you use a cover, clean and dry it before storing it to prevent mold and mildew.
- Inspect Equipment & Plumbing: Check for leaks, cracks, or any damage caused by freezing temperatures. Ensure all components are functioning properly.
- Refill Water Levels: Add water if necessary to bring it back to the midpoint of the skimmer opening.
- Test and Balance Water Chemistry: Start by testing pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Add chemicals as needed.
- Shock the Pool: A high dose of chlorine eliminates bacteria and algae that may have developed during the winter months.
- Run the Filtration System: Allow the pump and filter to run continuously for at least 24 hours to clear out any contaminants.
- Brush and Vacuum the Pool: Remove any dirt or debris that may have settled at the bottom.
How to Close a Pool for Winter
Proper winterization prevents damage to your pool and equipment during freezing temperatures. Follow these steps to close a pool for winter.
- Deep Clean the Pool: Skim, brush, and vacuum the pool thoroughly.
- Lower Water Levels: Reduce the water level below the skimmer to prevent freezing damage.
- Balance Water Chemistry: Add winterizing chemicals to prevent algae growth and scaling.
- Drain & Store Equipment: Remove ladders, handrails, and any accessories. Store them in a dry place.
- Winterize Plumbing: Blow out the plumbing lines to remove excess water and prevent pipe damage.
- Cover the Pool: Use a secure pool cover to keep out debris and prevent evaporation.
Gunite Pool Resurfacing & Long-Term Care
Even with proper maintenance, your gunite pool will eventually need resurfacing to maintain its integrity and appearance.
How Often Do Gunite Pools Need to Be Resurfaced?
Gunite pools generally need resurfacing every 10 years, depending on the following factors.
- Water chemistry consistency (unbalanced water can degrade surfaces faster).
- Frequency of use and exposure to environmental elements.
- The type of finish (plaster may need resurfacing sooner than pebble or quartz finishes).
Signs That Your Pool Needs Resurfacing
Look for the following signs that indicate your gunite pool may need resurfacing.
- Rough or Pitted Surfaces – A coarse texture can cause discomfort and indicate surface wear.
- Stains That Won’t Scrub Off – Persistent gunite pool stains may indicate that the finish is deteriorating.
- Cracks or Chips – Visible damage to the plaster or finish layer.
- Increased Water Loss – If you notice frequent water loss unrelated to evaporation, your pool may have surface leaks.
Resurfacing Options for Gunite Pools
When it’s time to resurface, homeowners have several options.
- Plaster: The most common and affordable option but requires resurfacing sooner.
- Pebble Finish: More durable and resistant to staining.
- Quartz Finish: A mix of quartz and plaster that provides better longevity and aesthetic appeal.
- Tile or Glass Beads: Premium options that offer the longest lifespan and a luxurious look.
Pool School: Learning the Basics with Deckscapes
As a new pool owner, you might have questions about routine care, chemical balancing, and equipment maintenance. That’s where Pool School comes in. After Deckscapes builds your new gunite pool, we make sure you understand everything you need to do to care for your new investment with an educational session designed to help you confidently maintain your pool from day one.
Your Beautiful Pool in Northern Virginia Starts with Deckscapes
Deckscapes of Virginia specializes in designing and installing high-quality pools, and we want to ensure you feel confident about maintaining your investment. If you’re considering adding a custom gunite pool to your outdoor space in Fairfax, Loudoun, or Prince William County, Deckscapes of Virginia is here to bring your vision to life. Our expert team will guide you through the entire process, from design to installation, ensuring your pool is stunning and built to last.
Ready to create your dream backyard with a custom pool? Contact Deckscapes of Virginia today to start planning your outdoor oasis.