Concrete pools are the oldest, yet, one of the best pools that have ever been created. It’s totally one of the best options for pool owners who want a long and deep pool effect.
But in cases whereby you empty your concrete pool for some reason. Is it advisable to leave it empty? In this article, we shall understand the consequences of leaving our concrete pool empty.
Concrete pools shouldn’t be left empty for too long but as far as the groundwater level is still in the pool, then you can leave it for a while. But we hope you know that leaving your concrete pool empty can breed algae and other microbes especially when rain falls. So at most within 2 to 3 weeks, work on your pool, and get it filled with water again!
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Is Concrete Good For Pools?
Pool finishing depends on the pool owner. So if you want to go for a concrete pool, then it is probably the best option for you.
But you need to ask yourself if the concrete pool going to be a reinforced one that will be painted or tiled? Of course, concrete pools cannot be used in a plain format because they would give no inspiration or relaxation to the swimmers.
But when concrete pools are painted or tiled. With the concrete pool, you can be as dramatic as you want. You can get to design it the way you want. There is no restriction when it comes to this.
What exactly is a concrete pool?
Concrete is usually made from cement. It is a mixture of water, cement, sand, and gravel. These are the elements that makeup what is called concrete.
And it is done in such a way that, it is sprayed with water with the use of a sprayer. To make a pool with concrete means, it might take roughly 30 days for the concrete to be sprayed, and for it to harden and get dry enough to withstand water.
Concrete has a lot of strength although an average concrete strength is measured at about 4000 psi. and it is largely dependent on the quantity of cement that is added to the mixture. The equation is, that the more the cement, the stronger the concrete. However, as hard as it looks, it has a low tensile strength. That is, when a force pulls against it, the surface gets cracked.
How Much Does It Cost To Make A Concrete Pool?
Building a concrete pool isn’t expensive. But it all depends on your budget because it can be expensive for some pool owners. A concrete pool can cost about $45,000 to $100,000, but it all depends on your region.
They actually cost some more because of the accessories that will be bought, and the landscaping as well. But in the end, the average life expectancy for a concrete pool is around 1o to 20 years or even more depending on how the pool is maintained.
When it comes to maintaining the pool probably on an annual basis, it might amount up to; $20,000 or even more. So, before building a concrete pool, you should count the cost first to ensure that your budget is strong enough to accommodate the expenses.
Why should I own a concrete pool?
You may never know the significance of a thing until you come in contact with articles like this. Concrete pools have huge significance in terms of monetary value, appearance, and even durability. When you have a concrete pool, it gives you the ability to be flexible in customization.
That is, you can customize its size, shape, design, and other features. it could even be in the shape of an airplane if you wish, or your favorite sea animal. And this is quite uncommon for other swimming pools with different finishes.
Another very important reason why you should own a concrete pool is that the concrete pool is highly durable. This is unlike other pool finishes.
A sharp object can get into the pool without scratching or altering the pool’s structure. Although the pool plaster may not be as durable as the concrete itself. But you can trust your concrete pool to last up to a lifetime.
The concrete pool has a beautiful appearance. You don’t have to worry about pool liner separating, or pool scales and corrosion. If you continue to keep up with the maintenance of the pool, then you would get a fantastic result!
Does the Concrete pool have a rough surface?
Concrete pools have rough finishing. That is one of its basic features and there is nothing you can do about it even if you decide to refinish it. And this rough surface might scratch your kid’s skin just a little when they get too close to the surface. But it’s nothing to worry about.
Does Installing A Concrete Pool Require a Long Process?
If you want to build a concrete pool, you should know that it requires a bit of patience. Remember, that the concrete mixing process, and curing of the concrete pool itself, takes about a month. Unlike other pool types like latex, fiberglass, etc, which take roughly 4 to 6 weeks.
In general, concrete pool installation requires roughly 4 to 6 months. So if it is something that you have been planning to install for summer then you need to get to work early before summer comes calling.
Does The Concrete Pool Require High Maintenance?
If you want a lifetime concrete pool, then you must be ready to bear the follow-up costs for maintenance. This pool type requires quite a lot of maintenance.
For example, once algae stains are embedded on the surface of this pool, it will be extremely difficult to get the stain out.
And in fact, it has been requested by concrete pool builders to brush with hard brush or steel, on the surface of the concrete pool including the walls and the floor to remove every hidden and unhidden alga that may be stubbornly stuck to the surface of the pool.
And if you are unable to get this done, you can as well hire a concrete pool expert to get the job done however, this too, might be expensive.
What About The Water Chemistry In Concrete Pools?
The water chemistry is yet another problem with concrete pools. Because of the intrusion of algae in the pool, more chemicals need to be used and thus, causing chemical imbalance most times.
One truth you need to know about the concrete pool is that concrete is alkaline-based and as a result, the pH level of the pool increases constantly. This means the pool has to be regularly tested in order to balance the chemicals in the pool. Pools with unstable pH, tend to embrace algae growth.
Does The Concrete Pool Require Constant Finishing?
Your concrete pool needs to be refinished at least every 10 to 15 years. This is because of the plaster, and the limitations that surround concrete. But for this part, you do need the services of a professional pool expert to get this job done.
How Are Concrete Pools Built?
Have you ever heard of concrete pool excavation? Well, this is the first process. This particular process can take up to 48 hours. The earth has to be excavated that is particular area has to be excavated.
And then, something called steel placement is made. A steel placement is a cage of steel bars. They are often used to create a web of strength and also to prevent any kind of failure. This stage also takes at most 2 days.
Next, the pool builders install the pipe needed to ensure proper circulation of pool water. proper inspection of plumbing materials should be done at this stage. This particular process would take about 1 to 2 days.
And then the pool builders begin to put the concrete in place and they begin to shape the concrete into straight edges, flat, or even round edges. At this level, you will begin to see the pool taking proper shape.
This stage will also take about two days maximum. Curing follows suit. This is a process whereby the cement or concrete, is hydrated with water.
And the more hydrated or cured the concrete is, the stronger it becomes. For this part, it takes a whole 28 days to come to a state of being fully cured.
Meanwhile after curing, continue with the next step which is waterproofing the pool shell. Here, the pool surface is cleaned, and then a waterproofing material is sprayed on it. This should stay for about three days before removal.
Now you can’t just leave it at that without proper finishing. Now you need to add tiles at least along the top of the pool. the surface of the concrete itself can stain the waterline so it is best to leave it covered with tile.
The patio is installed and left to sit for about 1 to 2 weeks before plastering is done. Pool experts usually apply plaster on the interior surface of the pool.
Plasters are made up of pigment, water, cement, marble dust, and sand. It is then mixed together, and sprayed on the pool wall. Then a smoother is used to smoothen the surface. Usually, this can be completed in 24 hours.
Finally, you have your concrete pool! And don’t forget to brush the surface every week and twice per day after opening the pool. constantly check for the balance in the water chemistry too! Do not introduce chlorine to the newly opened concrete pool until after 2 days.
