Best Maintenance Products for Gunite Pools: What Every Owner Should Know

Gunite pools are built to last, but they won’t stay beautiful or problem-free without proper care. Unlike fiberglass or vinyl-lined pools, gunite pools have a porous plaster or quartz surface that demands consistent attention to water chemistry, cleaning, and surface integrity.

If you own a gunite pool, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the best products that help you protect your investment and avoid costly resurfacing down the road.

What Makes Gunite Pools Different?

Gunite pools are made by spraying a mix of concrete and sand over a rebar framework. They’re often finished with plaster, quartz, or pebble-based coatings. Their major strengths are customization, strength, and longevity.

But gunite pools also have quirks:

• Their surfaces are more porous, making them vulnerable to algae and calcium buildup
• Poor chemistry control can lead to etching, pitting, and premature surface wear
• They often need acid washing or even replastering if ignored too long

The right products can help prevent all of that.

1. Water Balancers

Gunite pool chemistry is all about stability. If your pH or alkalinity swings too far, your plaster surface takes the hit. Maintain:

• pH between 7.4 and 7.6
• Total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm
• Calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm

Best Products:

• AquaDoc pH Increaser and Reducer
• Alkalinity Increaser
• Calcium Hardness Increaser

2. Surface-Safe Pool Brushes

Gunite surfaces aren’t smooth, so algae loves to hide in the tiny pores and crevices. A good brush keeps it from gaining ground.

What to Look For:

• 18 inch or larger curved brushes
• Stainless steel bristles for older surfaces (not for fresh plaster)
• Nylon bristles for regular use

Brush the walls and floor at least once a week. Twice in summer is even better.

3. Robotic Cleaners

Manual vacuuming works, but robotic cleaners save time and clean more thoroughly. They’re ideal for the rougher, more irregular contours of gunite pools. Browse our collection of robotic cleaners here.

Best Features:

• Soft tracks instead of hard wheels
• Smart navigation for uneven surfaces
• Gunite-safe labeling or strong user reviews

4. High-Strength Shock Treatments

Gunite pools often require more aggressive oxidizing due to algae buildup and heavier organic load from hot climates or trees nearby.

Top Picks:

• Non-chlorine shock for weekly maintenance
• Calcium-free chlorine shock for post-party cleanup or cloudy water
• Avoid shocks with fillers that leave residue on porous surfaces

5. Metal and Stain Control

Iron, copper, and manganese can leave permanent stains on plaster or quartz finishes. You may not see them right away, but they build up over time, especially with well water.

Use:

• AquaDoc Metal Remover or Stain and Scale Preventer
• Apply after shocking and every time you top off the pool

6. Enzyme-Based Clarifiers

Gunite surfaces tend to release small amounts of plaster dust and trap fine organic material. A good enzyme clarifier breaks down oils, lotions, and scum before it clogs your filter or clouds your water.

Why It Works:

• Targets film that floats or sticks to textured surfaces
• Helps maintain filter efficiency
• Pairs well with shock treatments

Look for non-foaming products that work with chlorine systems.

7. Acid Wash Alternatives

You don’t need to wait for your pool to turn yellow before acting. If your surface is dull, stained, or splotchy, there are gentler surface treatment products available that don’t require full draining.

Consider:

• Surface prep and conditioning kits
• Ascorbic acid stain removers
• Spot stain treatment kits for steps and shallow ends

These won’t replace a full acid wash but can extend the life of your finish by years.

Pro Tip: Treat It Like It’s Fragile

Yes, gunite is tough. But a neglected surface will show its age fast, and resurfacing costs thousands. The best way to stretch the life of your gunite finish is to treat your pool like it’s fragile, even if it’s not.

With the right products and a little consistency, you’ll get that clean, blue water look without scrubbing stains or calling in a sandblaster.

Need help choosing the right gear for your gunite pool?
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