"Dick Keats" wrote in message
Permit me to alert you to something before you start.
I drained my 20' X 40' gunite a few years ago to make some repairs.
Well, it was July and I didn't move very fast to do the work.
In a matter of just a few days I had a number of "bubbles" that were 18"
or more in diameter.
If any pressure was applied to them they would break up.
Ended up getting PebbleTec ($$$).
In short, gunite has to be repaired within a day or two and filled with
water to avoid my problems.
Check with Dolphin or Leslie's before you drain.
Good luck to you.
Dick in Dallas

Were the bubbles from the plaster layer? I've had the pool drained for a
couple weeks so far and the gunite seems to be holding up pretty well. I
need to peel off any of the loose plaster anyway. The plaster is so old, I
don't think ours has been replastered for 30 years, so whatever could wear
off has pretty much worn off by now. The rest needs a chisel.