Hello From Music City

[Lukew615]

We have a 1960's Gunite pool that had not held water for at least 10 years before we purchased in 2015. It was modified several times over the years and is currently 20' x 60'. After multiple 6 figure bids to restore/resurface the Gunite shell, we opted to convert to a liner. 5 years later, we absolutely love the pool but are considering converting it back to Gunite. I'm a big DIYer and am looking at the Supreme Paints and coatings "Platinum Ultra" product. The 20 year warranty is seems pretty good but I'm trying to find someone on this forum who has used these or similar products on an older pool.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP!

 

[Newdude]

I'm trying to find someone on this forum who has used these or similar products on an older pool.

So are we. For the few that had success like @Household6 there are many who had to redo it every year or two.

A 20 year warranty is laughable no matter the finish or liner. Even if they didn't find a way to weasel out of the warranty, it would be for the epoxy only. Not the draining, labor, fill and rebalancing. Because it says 'pool' it's probably marked up several times it's actual cost. They can afford to replace a few cans here and there. Can you afford to do it yearly ?

Some products used to work to the point they were worth the effort. The formulas changed when the VOCs were banned in favor of the environment. Paints and epoxies haven't held well underwater since.

With 6 figure estimates to restore it, that sounds like there are some pretty big issues with your shell that are more than cosmetic. Can you give us more details about the previous scope of repair work ?

What don't you like about the liner ? Is something wrong with it, or just looking for a change ?

No matter which way you go, we'll tell you what's been reported or what we've seen ourselves, and root you on for the process. Keep us posted.

(Pics would be great, both of the now and especially of the before of you have any of those)

 

[Lukew615]

My understanding is that the pool was originally a 20x40 diving pool with a separate "kiddie" pool that was partially filled in and expanded to contain the kiddie pool. Hance it is now 20x60 with a Very shallow end and a deep end of just over 5'. There is a crack at the 40' mark that is likely where the original pool ended. I think the quotes were based on A- not a lot of contractors in the Nashville area and B- most of them specializing in New pool construction, not repairing an older project.
At this point our vinyl is pretty faded and has a few wrinkles that I wasn't able to get out. My thinking is that even if I did three coats of the coating (they only require 2 for the warranty), it would cost less that the liner itself and would hopefully last longer than 5 years. Worst case scenario, the product fails early and I pop another liner in. I noticed on the manufacturer's site that there is a large commercial pool in Nashville and I will try to go see it if they will get me in touch with the customer

 

[Newdude]

My thinking is that even if I did three coats of the coating (they only require 2 for the warranty), it would cost less that the liner itself and would hopefully last longer than 5 years

5 years was average back in the day lasting just long enough to kick the can down the road. These days it would be incredibly rare with the modern applications. (Although nothing is impossible).

Worst case scenario, the product fails early and I pop another liner in

Like I said, we're going to root for you either way. Just wanted to make sure you knew the risks and likliehoods.

Keep us posted. We LOVE diamonds in the rough transformations.

 

[Newdude]

*also, just in case the obvious isn't..... Any structural issues need to be properly addressed first. The applications can fill cosmetic imperfections but are topical only and not structural.