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 Marcite Actually Is
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 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 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.
What Gunite Actually Is
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.
How 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.
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 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.
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