Just looking for some insight into our pool situation. We bought a foreclosed home with a huge Gunite pool in 2011. We are just now getting around to trying to open it. Because it has sat (properly closed) for so long we have to drain it. How long can a Gunite pool stay empty for before it could crack?
Help! Fixing Gunite pool
- Thread starter Lisacraig38
- Start date
I don't know the max time, but the less time the better. Is there a reason to leave it empty for an extended time after draining?
Welcome to TFP!!!Depending on your ground water level, draining it completely could let the pool float out of the ground and ruin it.
Why do you think you need to drain it?
Its not good for a gunite / plaster pool to remain empty any longer that you just have to.
Plaster is formulated to be underwater, it NEEDS to be underwater.
A couple days max, and the sunnier it is, the more ill effects on the plaster. If you have to leave it empty a few days, put a water sprinkler on it for a couple or 3 hrs a day to keep it wet.
Also, be aware of the possibility of ground water under the pool. If you have a high water table, or saturated ground, the hydrostatic pressure under the pool can pop the whole pool out of the ground, ruining it. Lots of pools are installed with Hydrostatic vavles located in the main drain. If your pool has one, open it before you get more than about 1/2 of the pool water drained out of the pool.
Plaster is formulated to be underwater, it NEEDS to be underwater.
A couple days max, and the sunnier it is, the more ill effects on the plaster. If you have to leave it empty a few days, put a water sprinkler on it for a couple or 3 hrs a day to keep it wet.
Also, be aware of the possibility of ground water under the pool. If you have a high water table, or saturated ground, the hydrostatic pressure under the pool can pop the whole pool out of the ground, ruining it. Lots of pools are installed with Hydrostatic vavles located in the main drain. If your pool has one, open it before you get more than about 1/2 of the pool water drained out of the pool.