robert1312

I am hoping that all of the wisdom on this forum can help guide me in the right direction regarding a water issue. We have made the commitment to install a liner pool and began to dig today only to hit water at about 7'. It's obvious that a liner is not a viable option at this point and our pool builder has assured me that although there is no way around the water table issue the option of a gunite pool is still a viable option. A lttle more background: 1. 18x36 2. auto cover (this is a must for us so a rectagle style vs a free form was our best alternative cost wise. 3. 8' 6" deep. (We have two boys, 11 and 16, and feel that at this point in our lives a swimming pool without a diving board simply isn't a pool) 4. Salt system 5. heated According to the pool builder, the installation of a drain rock bed along with hydrostatic drains in the bottom of a gunite pool will cure all of the water table issues, but I am still concerned. Because a liner pool requires a 2' overdig, the pool buildier will have to form up a template around the areas that have already been overdug for the gunite form. (pool is about half way dug) So I am absorbing as much as I can about gunite pools in a short period here becuase we need to make a decision. What is the life expectancy of a gunite versus a liner? I have heard that a salt system is extremely hard on a gunite pool but I know at least 3 pools in the area that have this set up. What kind of maintenence are we to expect with a gunite pool? What are the "downside" aspects of a gunite versus a liner system? I can't help but feel a bit like we've gotten ourselves in way over our head with this unexpected issue and we should fill the hole in and forget the whole idea. My kid will be disappointed. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated! thanks in advance