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The Need to Refinish
Since concrete and salt do not mix, the dissolved salt in the water will shorten the lifespan of the interior finish of a concrete pool. The need to hire professionals to refinish and plaster every 8-13 years is an additional expense that comes with owning a concrete pool.
How Concrete Gunite Pools Are Made
1.Excavation
The builders will start by digging up the dirt and either hauling it away or re-use it on the property.
Depending on the size of the pool, this could take several hours to several days.
2. Steel is Added to Shape the Pool
Rebar, which is a cage of steel bars is used and then covered in a concrete shell. By creating this web of strength, the steel helps prevent the structure from failing. Adding the steel to a concrete structure increases its ability to move and flex with its environment.
3. Plumbing
The majority of the plumbing needed to navigate the pool water is installed during the steel phase before the concrete shell is laid. However, there is some plumbing that is supported by the steel therefore installed after. A cap and pressure test of the plumbing should be completed at this time before the placement of the concrete. Usually, a steel and plumbing inspection is necessary before concrete is sprayed to create the pool shell interior.
Timespan 1-2 days
4. Concrete Gunite is Shot
Concrete (either shotcrete or gunite) is shot into place using a nozzle and then shaped using Flat and straight edged trowels.
Timespan 1-2 days
5. Cure Time
When the molecules within the cement become more hydrated, the cement will increase in strength. This process is known as curing. The longer the concrete is able to cure, the stronger it gets.
6. Waterproofing
Any rough areas of the shell are smoothed out, and the surface is then cleaned. Waterproofing material is then either sprayed or rolled on the surface of the concrete.
Timespan- 1-3 days
7. Coping and Tiling
Since concrete is porous, it is necessary to install tile along the top 6 inches of the pool. This is to prevent staining at the waterline.
The stone or concrete border that runs along the perimeter is called coping. Coping is added to provide a smooth conversion from the pool to the patio.
Timespan- 3 days to 2 weeks
Image Source: Leo Marblelite
8. The Patio & Landscaping is completed
The foundation of the patio is prepared by placing and compacting stone. The Natural Stone or Pavers are then installed.
Timespan- 1-2 weeks
9. Plaster or Marblelite Colour Epoxy Finish
The surface of the pool is applied to the concrete. Plaster, which is a mixture of cement, marble dust, sand, water, and a pigment is typically used. The plaster is pumped through a hose, blasted onto the shell, and troweled to a flat finish.
Timespan 1-2 days
10. After Completion
You will need to check the chemistry of the water on a daily basis. For the first 10 days after the pool is filled, the pool will need to be brushed twice a day. This is to remove any dust from the plaster from the surface. Pool heaters should not be turned on until the plaster dust is removed from the pool. No chlorine should be added to the pool for the first 48 hours.