After the hole for pool was first excavated, it rained hard and the hole with rebar framing filled with muddy water - about five feet deep - and didn't lower naturally for more than a week. The hole didn't drain until manually pumped out. The gunite was then installed that same day the water was pumped out. The gunite shell has always had some water at the bottom, a couple inches standing water never dries all the way. I suspect ground water infiltrates continually, and can be watched coming through multiple points right after a rain, especially by the steps and bench where there are no openings.
I'm new to pools... In hindsight, I would've asked for a gravel surround and french drain, and an external waterproof membrane and/or additive in the concrete to resist the ground water. This is a new house near the top of a slope, but not at the top, thus ground water is coming downhill along the modest slope and pressing against the uphill-sides of the pool.
My PB didn't mention waterproofing before construction begun, and hasn't commented on the water or efflorescence other than stating everything is normal, no need to worry. PB, lawyers, and doctors... You need to be your own self-advocate.
I don't want to worry... The Internet has some articles that show how to waterproof a pool using construction techniques, and how this is recommended or required in some areas. My pool is in the free state of Texas and there are no permits or building requirements in my area. If gunite sprayed into a muddy hole and then covered in plaster is _Good to Go_ for a pool and this is truly par for the course, great. But, the ground water infiltration makes me think of rebar corrosion, plaster delamination, and other nightmares. My goal is to enjoy this pool for many, many years...
Before the plaster is added, should anything be done about the ground water infiltration?
EnduroSeal and RadonSeal have concrete sealers that claim to harden and waterproof concrete, penetrating 4 to 6 inches. Can these be used on the gunite? What effect would this have when the plaster is added?
I've got QuartzScape Barbados Blue selected for the plaster/quartz to finish the pool, probably after the holidays.
Endur-o-Seal HyraLoc manufacturer response (from the office manager):
"Yes, this is perfectly ok to apply before the plaster. It’s penetrating so it will penetrate into the concrete to help stop the efflorescence. There will be no problem with adhesion."
Anybody at TFP used a sealer inside the pool on the gunite before the plaster was applied?