Concrete Pool Maintenance: How to Keep Your Pool Pristine and Long-Lasting

Concrete pools are the epitome of outdoor luxury, combining durability with endless design possibilities. However, their porous nature demands meticulous care to preserve their beauty.

Unlike vinyl or fiberglass, concrete pools are susceptible to stains, cracks, and algae. To keep your concrete pool sparkling and inviting, understanding and addressing these challenges is essential.

This guide provides practical tips for optimal concrete pool maintenance.

How Concrete Pools Are Constructed

Concrete pools blend durability with endless design possibilities. Explore the artistry and engineering behind their construction to understand why they’re a backyard classic.

Features of Concrete Pools

Concrete pools stand out because of their robust structure and customizable aesthetics.

Unlike their pre-fabricated counterparts, concrete pools are built on-site, which allows for an almost limitless variety of shapes, sizes, and designs.

This means you can have a pool that perfectly matches your space and style. The possibilities are endless, from sleek, modern lines to natural, lagoon-like curves.

Beyond beauty, concrete pools are built to last. Reinforced with steel, they’re tough enough to withstand significant external pressures and environmental factors.

With various finishes, you can add the perfect finishing touch to complement your personal style and preferences.

Construction Process

The construction of a concrete pool is a meticulous, multi-step process that ensures the final product is both beautiful and built to last.

1. Design and Planning: Your pool is designed and permits secured.
2. Excavation: The pool’s shape is dug out using heavy machinery.
3. Steel Reinforcement: A steel framework is added for strength and durability.
4. Plumbing and Electrical: The pool’s systems for water circulation, lighting, and other features are installed.
5. Concrete Application: Concrete is sprayed onto the steel frame to form the pool’s shell, using a technique called “shotcrete” or “gunite.”
6. Curing: The concrete hardens and strengthens over several weeks.
7. Finishing: Once the concrete is fully cured, the surface is smoothed and finished with a chosen material, such as plaster, tile, or pebble.
8. Completion: The pool is filled with water, and the water chemistry is balanced for safe swimming.

Knowing this process helps you appreciate the skill and effort behind your custom pool.

Why Choose Concrete Pools? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Like any big purchase, consider the pros and cons of concrete pools before deciding.

What Makes Concrete Pools a Great Option?

Concrete pools can be long-lasting investments. They have several compelling advantages, including:

• Customization: Concrete pools offer unlimited design flexibility in terms of shape, size, depth, and features.
• Durability: Concrete pools are hard to beat when it comes to longevity and resistance to damage. Properly maintained concrete pools can last for decades, thanks to their robust concrete and steel structure.
• Enhanced Features: Accommodate various additions like waterfalls, swim-up bars, built-in spas, lagoon, and custom lighting.
• Aesthetic Versatility: Diverse finish choices (plaster, tile, pebble) allow pool owners more customization options to match their different styles.

The Potential Downsides of Concrete Pools?

While concrete pools have many advantages, they also come with some potential downsides, such as:

• Surface Texture: Concrete surfaces can feel rough, though finishes can mitigate this.
• Maintenance: Requires more frequent cleaning, chemical balancing, and resurfacing than other pool types.
• Construction Time: Longer installation process due to complex steps, such as excavation and finishing touches.
• Initial Cost: Higher upfront cost due to materials and labor required.

Understanding these variables helps set realistic expectations for the timeline and budget of your pool project.

Solving Common Problems with Your Concrete Pool

Early issue detection is necessary to preserve your concrete pool.

This section covers solutions for common issues like rough surfaces, saltwater damage, and cracks.

Dealing with Rough Pool Surfaces

Concrete pool surfaces can become rough over time due to wear, chemical imbalances, or poor maintenance. These rough spots can irritate swimmers and even cause minor injuries, so it’s important to address them promptly.

You can sand rough surfaces with specialized tools, apply a diluted acid solution, or use specific pool products for hard-to-handle surfaces. Make sure to follow product instructions carefully.

Smoothing rough surfaces improves swimmer comfort and extends the pool’s finish life.

Managing Saltwater Conflicts in Concrete Pools

Saltwater systems offer a softer feel, require fewer chemicals, and can damage concrete pools. Surface wear and metal corrosion are common issues.

To protect your pool, apply a high-quality sealant to the pool’s surface and maintain a strict care routine. Regular checks of water chemistry–and balancing salt levels, pH, and Alkalinity–are essential. These steps help preserve your concrete pool while enjoying the benefits of a saltwater system.

Fixing Cracks and Repairs in Your Concrete Pool

Concrete pool cracks can result from ground movement, freezing, or structural stress. Ignoring cracks can lead to leaks or structural damage.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to repairing cracks:

• Determine the cause – soil movement, poor construction, or environmental factors.
• Assess the crack’s size and depth; small cracks are easier to fix.
• Clean the crack thoroughly before applying a high-quality pool repair epoxy or hydraulic cement.
• Follow product instructions and allow ample curing time.
• Regularly inspect the repair and maintain proper pool chemistry.

Fixing cracks preserves your pool’s structure and ensures safe, enjoyable swimming.

Your Essential Pool Maintenance Routine: Daily and Weekly Tasks

Concrete pools cannot stay pristine without a proper maintenance routine.

Here are daily and weekly tasks to include in your pool upkeep schedule:

Simple Steps to Keep Your Pool Clean

Maintaining a clean pool involves regular brushing and skimming.

How to Brush Your Pool the Right Way

Brushing your pool surfaces keeps your pool clean and appealing.

Regularly brushing the pool’s surface removes stains and prevents the accumulation of dirt, debris, and algae.

For optimal results, employ a stainless steel or combination brush on the pool’s walls, floor, and steps at least twice weekly.

Begin brushing at the waterline and methodically cover the entire surface, paying close attention to corners, steps, and fixtures where algae thrive.

Consistent brushing dislodges dirt and algae, preventing staining and maintaining a clean, inviting swimming environment.

Effective Skimming and Debris Removal Tips

Daily skimming removes leaves, bugs, and other debris, improving water clarity and chemistry.

Use a durable, fine-mesh net to skim the pool’s entire surface daily, focusing on thorough coverage.

Regularly empty skimmer baskets and promptly remove large debris to prevent clogs and maintain water circulation.

Keeping Your Pool Water Perfectly Balanced

Balanced water chemistry ensures safe swimming and prevents damage to algae, scaling, and equipment.

How to Test Your Pool Water Correctly

Test your pool water at least twice weekly, increasing frequency during heavy use or after storms.

• Use a reliable test kit to measure pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels.
• Carefully follow the kit’s instructions and record the results.
• Adjust chemicals as needed to maintain balance.

Ensure you keep a log of your pool’s water chemistry to track changes.

Managing Chlorine and Other Chemicals

Chlorine and other chemicals keep your concrete pool clean and swim-safe. Here’s how to manage them effectively:

• Proper Chlorine levels–between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million–sanitize the pool water.
• Balanced pH levels (between 7.2 and 7.6) are essential. An imbalanced pH can cause skin irritation and reduce chlorine efficiency. Use pH increasers or decreasers as needed.
• Proper Alkalinity (between 80 and 120 ppm) levels prevent drastic pH fluctuations.

If your pool faces algae blooms, add algaecides during heavy pool use or warmer climates. You can also shock the pool with a higher dose of chlorine to break down contaminants and keep the water crystal clear.

Special Care for Concrete Pools

Beyond basic cleaning, concrete pools need additional care practices like acid washing and resurfacing.

All About Acid Washing Your Pool

Acid washing is a cleaning process that involves using a diluted acid solution to remove a thin layer of the pool’s surface. It is done to eliminate stubborn stains, tough algae buildup, and discoloration that cannot be solved with regular cleaning.

This method mainly benefits concrete pools because it revitalizes their appearance and enhances their longevity.

When to Acid Wash

Maintaining your pool’s appearance and health requires timely acid washing. Several signs indicate it’s time for this treatment:

• Persistent stains: Metal, algae, or dirt stains that resist regular cleaning.
• Algae buildup: Excessive algae growth that doesn’t respond to brushing or chemicals.
• Discoloration: A faded or uneven pool surface that looks old and unappealing.

Acid washing is generally recommended every 3 to 5 years. However, the exact frequency depends on pool usage and water quality.

Regular acid washing isn’t just a superficial process to preserve the pool’s pristine look–it also prevents long-term damage to your pool equipment.

When and How to Resurface Your Pool

Over time, concrete pool surfaces become rough, discolored, or cracked.

Resurfacing can restore your pool to its former glory and maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Timing and Costs

The need for resurfacing depends on factors like pool usage, climate, and the original finish. Concrete pools require resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, but heavy use or harsh weather may accelerate this timeline.

Resurfacing costs vary based on:

• Materials: Plaster is budget-friendly, while tile and pebble finishes are more expensive.
• Labor: Costs depend on pool size and complexity. Hiring professionals ensures quality and typically ranges from a few thousand to several thousand dollars.
• Additional expenses: Consider potential costs for crack repairs, plumbing, or lighting upgrades.

To avoid surprises, budget for resurfacing as part of your pool’s long-term maintenance plan.

Regular acid washing and timely resurfacing are key to preserving your pool’s beauty and structural soundness. These maintenance tasks ensure a clean, inviting, and long-lasting swimming environment.

Protect Your Concrete Pool by Hiring a Pro

Concrete pools are fantastic but need extra care compared to other pool types.

Because of their makeup, they’re more prone to issues like staining and cracking if not properly cared for.

Regular cleaning and chemical balancing keep your pool in good shape. But maintenance has to be done right and consistently. For some pool owners, this can be a pain… and this is where the pros come in.

Pool service experts know the ins and outs of concrete pool care. They can spot potential problems early on and fix them before they become big headaches.

By teaming up with a pro, you can relax by the pool, knowing it’s in good hands.

Let’s Make Your Pool Care Effortless

Are you seeking a pool service that genuinely listens and understands your needs? We’re here to help!

Please fill out the form below to start a friendly conversation with one of our Poolie team members.

Share your challenges with your concrete pool and what you’ve been missing from other pool service providers.

At Poolie, we’re all about creating the perfect pool care plan tailored just for you.

Let’s work together to ensure your pool is always at its best. We can’t wait to hear from you!