Understanding how your pool is built and finished helps you make wise choices when planning pool remodeling in Tampa Bay.
Many homeowners hear the terms “marcite” and “gunite” and assume they are mutually exclusive. In reality, they serve different roles. One forms the structure of the pool. The other creates the smooth interior surface you see and feel.
What is Marcite?
Marcite (or standard plaster finishes) typically has a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years before resurfacing is usually needed.
White cement, water, and finely ground marble are the ingredients for marcite, a classic white plaster finish. When troweled onto the prepared shell, it cures into a classic, smooth surface that gives the water a vivid blue hue when exposed to sunlight. Marcite has been in use for decades as a pool finish because it offers a clean appearance, a comfortable feel underfoot, and a recognizable aesthetic that complements almost any backyard design.
Marcite interacts with the water in a predictable way because it is plaster. Maintaining a balanced chemistry keeps the surface looking new and protects the finish. Many marcite pool finishes can last for years before needing to be resurfaced with proper maintenance and prompt cleaning. Without completely rebuilding the pool, the finish can be changed or repaired when the time comes.
Key factors affecting the lifespan of marcite:
- Water chemistry and mineral content (imbalanced water causes quicker wear)
- Usage and environmental exposure (sunlight, saline water, high use)
- Quality of the original install and curing of the plaster
What is Gunite?
A properly built and maintained gunite pool can last 40–50 years or more. Even though the shell may last many decades, the interior finish must be maintained or replaced more frequently to protect the structure.
Gunite isn’t a finish. For many concrete pools, it serves as the structural shell. Pneumatically, builders spray steel reinforcement with a dry cement and sand mixture that has been hydrated at the nozzle. After curing, the gunite shell becomes the pool’s sturdy framework, precisely sculpted to match your yard and way of life.
Various interior finishes can be applied to a gunite shell. The traditional option is marcite, but blends of quartz and pebble are also common. Consider marcite as the paint, drywall, and gunite as the house frame. They are made to cooperate.
Key factors affecting the lifespan of the gunite shell:
- Quality of construction (steel rebar, proper curing, good materials)
- Maintenance and water chemistry balance
- Environmental and site conditions (soil movement, freeze-thaw, climate)
How Pool Structure and Finish Work Together
Your pool’s shape, depth, benches, and steps are all derived from the gunite shell. The marcite finish provides the smooth, waterproof interior that shields the shell and gives it the appearance you love every day. The proper comparison between gunite and marcite lies in their respective structures and finishes. Most homeowners are choosing between finishes for their gunite shell rather than deciding on a specific finish.
Durability and Lifespan
A sturdy gunite shell is made to endure for many years. The layer that is subjected to daily wear is the marcite finish. Sunlight, water chemistry, and frequent use influence its appearance over time. With the right maintenance, many marcite surfaces last seven to ten years. Resurfacing restores the glossy texture and vivid color you remember when they start to exhibit mottling, roughness, or discoloration.
Consider using pebble aggregates or plaster enhanced with quartz if you prefer longer intervals between resurfacing projects. These choices add texture and hardness. Homeowners who enjoy a timeless, smooth texture and a vibrant, enticing watercolor continue to favor marcite.
In the Tampa Bay region, pool finishes are exposed to intense sun, high humidity, and heavy use. As a result, homeowners should plan to have their pool’s interior surface resurfaced approximately every 8–12 years if it’s traditional plaster, or every 15 years or more for high-end pebble/aggregate finishes. With proper maintenance and resurfacing at the right time, you protect your pool investment and extend shell longevity.
Appearance and Comfort in the Water
Pool water sparkles thanks to marcite’s classic white finish. Families with young swimmers will love how smooth it feels on their hands and feet. In addition to adding visual texture, pebble and aggregate finishes may feel a little more noticeable to the touch. Once the finish is applied, gunite is invisible, so the marcite layer you interact with daily is what you see.
Care, Brushing, and Water Chemistry
When the water chemistry remains within the suggested ranges for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels, plaster finishes flourish. Water that is balanced prevents etching and scaling, prolongs the smoothness of the surface, and keeps your pool looking new.
Brushing frequently during the first month following a fresh marcite application promotes an even cure. Regular filter maintenance, timely stain removal, and continuous brushing support a longer service life.
Why Brushing Matters
Brushing removes plaster dust, prevents scaling, and helps the surface cure evenly. Skipping this step can lead to rough spots, stains, or discoloration.
Pro Tip: After the first month, continue brushing your pool once or twice a week as part of your regular maintenance routine. It helps prevent algae growth and keeps the surface looking bright and smooth.
Brushing In Detail
| Use the Right Brush | Use a nylon-bristle pool brush for marcite. Avoid metal or stainless-steel bristles — they can scratch or damage the surface. A 18–24” wide brush head works best for even coverage. |
| Start Brushing 24 Hours After Filling | Once your pool is full of water (after resurfacing), begin brushing the entire surface within the first 24 hours. This helps remove plaster dust and smooth out the curing finish. |
| Brush in a Pattern | Start at the shallow end and work toward the deep end. Use long, overlapping strokes to cover all surfaces — walls, steps, and floor. Don’t forget around the main drain and corners, where dust collects. |
| Brush Twice a Day for the First Week | Brush the entire pool 2 times a day during the first 7 days. This removes plaster dust and prevents buildup that can stain or harden. You’ll notice a cloudy look in the water — that’s normal and should clear as your filtration system runs. |
| Continue Daily Brushing for 2–3 Weeks | After the first week, brush once a day for another 1–2 weeks. Continue until no more plaster dust appears when brushing. |
| Run the Filter Continuously | Keep your filtration system running 24/7 for at least the first week to help remove dust and debris. Clean or backwash your filter regularly during this time. |
| Maintain Balanced Water Chemistry | Check and balance your water chemistry daily during the curing phase. Improper pH or calcium levels can etch or stain the marcite. Follow your pool professional’s startup instructions carefully. |
Printer-Friendly Pool Brushing Schedule & Tip Sheet
Cost and Project Timing
Marcite resurfacing is frequently an inexpensive way to achieve a brand-new appearance. The procedure typically includes draining, surface preparation, light patching, applying fresh plaster, curing, and a cautious start-up to safeguard the fresh finish. Though timelines vary depending on weather and project size, most homeowners are pleasantly surprised by how quickly a skilled crew can revitalize a worn-out interior.
Which Option Fits Your Plans
Choosing a marcite finish can produce a brilliant, smooth finish that feels wonderful and looks clean and timeless if your pool currently has a sound gunite shell. You might lean toward quartz or pebble if you want more texture, different color tones, or a longer resurfacing interval. The gunite shell is always the base. The interior finish that best fits your preferences, financial situation, and upkeep schedule is up to you.
The Bottom Line
Marcite and gunite are partners, not rivals. Gunite provides the structure, and marcite offers the look and feel. When planning pool remodeling in Tampa Bay, consider gunite to be the foundation you build upon and marcite as the finishing touch that welcomes you into the water.
Are you ready to refresh your pool with a smooth, classic finish, or would you like to explore other interior options that fit your vision for Tampa Bay living? Schedule a consultation with JJB Pools and Spas to review your pool, discuss marcite and alternative finishes, and plan a resurfacing approach that suits your timeline and budget for pool remodeling.
Picture Source: JJB Pools & Spas
JJB Pools & Spas provides expert pool maintenance, repair, resurfacing, and renovation across Tampa Bay — serving Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Belleair, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, St. Pete Beach, Davis Islands & Clearwater Beach. We use only the best pool and spa industry brands, including Wet Edge Technologies, Primera Stone, Prism Matrix, Luna Quartz, Signature Matrix, and Aquabella Tile. JJB Pools is also a platinum warranty station for all Hayward brand equipment, and an expert in Variable Speed Pumps and energy-efficient pool heating. Call for a free estimate! (727) 412-4373