Gunite Swimming Pool Maintenance: What Every Owner Should Know

If you have a gunite pool, you’re already ahead with one of the strongest and most customizable swimming pools around. But keeping it in great shape takes regular attention. 

Gunite swimming pool maintenance isn’t overly complicated, but it does require a routine—from managing algae and keeping your water balanced to resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.

At Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, we’ve been building and maintaining pools across Massachusetts for decades, so we know what works in our climate. In this guide, you’ll get practical tips for daily care, seasonal prep, water chemistry, surface upkeep, and when it’s time to call in a pro.

Key Takeaways

• Consistent care and routine maintenance keep a gunite pool looking great and lasting for decades in New England weather.

• Balanced water chemistry and clean filtration are essential to protect the surface and prevent algae growth.

• Investing in seasonal service and timely repairs saves money and extends the life of your pool.

Why Gunite Pools Stand Out

A gunite pool is built using a gunite mixture of cement and sand, sprayed over a steel rebar framework to create a solid, custom-shaped shell. This method offers more flexibility than other construction styles, making it ideal for unique layouts, custom features, or properties with challenging terrain.

With proper maintenance, gunite pools typically last between 30 and 50 years, making them a smart long-term investment. While the upfront cost is higher than vinyl or fiberglass options, the durability and design versatility are hard to match.

Though people often refer to gunite and concrete interchangeably, there’s a technical difference. Concrete is usually poured from a pre-mixed batch, while gunite is applied on-site using high-pressure hoses. This application method allows for better structural cohesion and fewer weak points.

The Basics of Gunite Swimming Pool Maintenance

The durability of gunite doesn’t mean it’s hands-off. Its plaster surface is more porous than fiberglass or vinyl, which makes it more prone to algae growth, staining, and general wear.

Still, it’s not high-maintenance. It just requires a consistent routine. Skimming, brushing, testing the chemical levels, and keeping your water circulation strong are essential parts of weekly care. Then there are the periodic tasks like acid washes and resurfacing that help extend the pool’s lifespan.

Some pool owners worry that gunite is hard to maintain, but it’s really just about consistency. With a good rhythm, your pool stays clean, safe, and swim-ready all season long.

Daily & Weekly Tasks to Keep Your Pool Pristine

Here’s what should be part of your regular routine to keep your gunite pool looking its best:

• Use a long-handled net to clear out leaves, insects, and other debris

• Brush the pool walls and floor weekly to remove dirt and disrupt algae spores

• Vacuum the floor with a manual or robotic cleaner

• Empty your skimmer and pump baskets to keep water flowing freely

• Check your water level and top off as needed, especially during hot weeks

This routine keeps your pool water clean, helps you prevent algae, and avoids strain on your filtration system.

Mastering the Chemical Balance of Your Pool Water

Good water chemistry is what keeps your pool water safe and your plaster finish intact. Let the levels drift, and you’ll notice cloudy water, skin irritation, and faster surface wear.

Your goal should be:

• Chlorine: 2.0–4.0 ppm

• pH: 7.4–7.6

• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm

• Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm

Check your water at least once a week using reliable test strips or a liquid test kit. If you’ve had heavy rain, a pool party, or the water just looks off, it’s time for a pool shock. Add it at night so the sun doesn’t burn it off before it works.

How Your Filtration System Keeps Your Gunite Pool Clean

No amount of brushing or balancing helps if your pool filter isn’t pulling its weight. Filtration is what keeps the water moving, clean, and free from floating debris or bacteria.

We recommend running your pump for 8 to 12 hours a day during swim season. If you have a sand, DE, or cartridge filter, make sure you're cleaning or backwashing it as needed. A dirty filter leads to circulation issues and can overwhelm your system over time.

One thing to keep an eye on: the pressure gauge. If it spikes above normal, it’s probably time to clean your filter.

How to Prevent and Treat Algae Growth in Gunite Pools

Because the surface of a gunite pool is more porous, it gives algae a little more room to latch on, especially if you let brushing or chlorine levels slide.

To prevent algae buildup, stay ahead of it:

• Brush weekly, especially in shaded areas

• Maintain steady chlorine levels

• Run your filter long enough to promote strong circulation

• Use a phosphate remover to cut off the algae's food source

If algae appear, act quickly. Use a quality algaecide, shock the pool, and brush thoroughly. Most blooms can be cleared up in a day or two with proper treatment.

Seasonal Gunite Pool Maintenance Checklist

Each season in Massachusetts calls for different steps to protect your investment and keep your pool in peak condition.

Spring

Remove the cover, reconnect your equipment, test the water, and give the pool a full clean before opening. Check the plaster surface, tile, and lights for any signs of damage from winter.

Summer

Increase filter run times, watch the water level, and test chemical levels more frequently as use increases.

Fall

Keep up with leaf removal, start reducing pump time, and prep for closing with balanced water and cleaner baskets.

Winter

Lower the water level, blow out the lines, apply a winter chemical kit, and secure your pool cover. These steps help you avoid spring cracks and algae problems.

Long-Term Care for Your Gunite Pool

Even the best-maintained gunite pools need occasional deeper care.

An acid wash every 3 to 5 years removes mineral buildup and algae stains that regular brushing can’t. It also gives your pool a clean, fresh finish.

Over time, all gunite pools need to be resurfaced. The average is every 10 to 15 years, depending on use and how well the pool is cared for. If you notice rough spots, discoloration, or plaster peeling, it’s probably time.

A standard plaster resurfacing is cost-effective, but pebble finishes last longer and can give your pool a more refined texture.

Have a crack, chipped tile, or rust spot? Don’t ignore it. Small problems lead to big ones if left too long.

The Role of Professional Maintenance Services

Not every pool owner has the time or desire to handle every aspect of pool maintenance. Professional maintenance services can take on the routine tasks that keep a gunite pool in peak condition, from regular cleaning and water testing to equipment inspections and chemical adjustments.

A weekly or biweekly service can:

• Maintain proper chemical balance to protect the plaster surface and equipment

• Address potential issues before they become costly repairs

• Keep the pool water clean and safe throughout the swim season

For many, having trained technicians handle these responsibilities means less time managing the pool and more time enjoying it.

How Maintenance Affects Gunite Pool Longevity

A gunite pool can last up to 50 years, but not without regular care. The cost of skipping maintenance adds up fast, from surface damage to broken pumps and inefficient filtration.

Stay consistent with cleaning, invest in the right tools, and don’t skip the seasonal prep. Smart additions like automatic cleaners, upgraded pool filters, or a routine check from your pool company can make a noticeable difference in how your pool holds up.

Think of it this way: a little care now saves you thousands later.

Keep Your Gunite Pool in Peak Condition Year-Round

A well-built gunite pool can last decades with the right care. Consistent gunite pool maintenance protects the plaster surface, helps prevent algae growth, keeps water chemistry balanced for efficient operation, and catches cracks or leaks early.

Since 1966, Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living has serviced pools across Boston and New England. We provide weekly care, seasonal openings and closings, leak detection, equipment replacement, and repairs—everything needed to maintain your pool through every season and keep it ready for fun.

Contact us today to schedule your next service and keep your pool in top shape year-round.

Conclusion

Gunite pools are built to last, but they don’t run on autopilot. A consistent care routine, the right tools, and expert help when you need it can keep your pool clean, safe, and beautiful for decades.

Want help keeping things on track? We’re just a call away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What maintenance does a gunite pool need?

A gunite pool needs steady care. Weekly tasks include skimming debris, brushing to prevent algae growth, vacuuming, checking proper water levels, and balancing water chemistry. Keep the filter clean and schedule seasonal service to catch cracks or other issues early. An acid wash every few years refreshes the surface.

How often should a gunite pool be resurfaced?

Most need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, depending on regular maintenance and the original construction process. Rough spots, peeling plaster, or stains mean it’s time. Resurfacing protects the cement shell and restores the pool’s look.

What are the downsides of a gunite pool?

Gunite pools need more upkeep than fiberglass to control algae growth, take longer to build, and have higher resurfacing costs. The concrete surface can also feel rough. Still, the benefits—custom design, waterfalls and other features, and long life—make them a popular choice in Massachusetts.