I purchased a home 5 years ago with a 20 year old pool. The liner had just been replaced before closing.

Over the years I pretty much became an expert in my pool’s maintenance. I replaced both the pump and sand filter myself, and could keep the water crystal clear.

Last year a huge branch from a neighbor’s tree fell into our pool and damaged the lining. Our insurance company paid to have the lining repaired. Right after the repair another branch fell into our pool and punctured the lining again. This time it needed a new lining.

Our insurance company this time would not pay for a new liner because of the previous claim. So we put the cover over the pool while fighting the insurance company and our neighbor’s insurance company. The neighbor’s insurance wouldn’t pay because it was considered an “Act of God”, and our claim was denied again.

Then we were hit with a flood that caused part of our empty pool’s walls to collapse.

Here is what our pool now looks like after a year of fighting with the insurance company:



Our pool is in need of some serious work.

I plan to repair the walls myself using 80 lb bags of Quikrete #1800 pool finish. I’ve heard that this product may have been discounted. If that’s the case, I read that I can use one bag vermiculite to one sack portland cement.

After the walls are repaired I was wondering if there are other options to a vinyl liner? Could I resurface the walls with gunite?

I’ve worked construction before so (I think) I have the skills to repair the pool myself, but I have some knowledge gaps that I need to fill before starting.

Any advice is appreciated.