Backyard Gunite Pool Installation

While conducting your research as an aspiring pool owner, you will most likely receive gunite pools recommendations. What are gunite pools? How do they differ from concrete pools? Are they similar to shotcrete pools? Undeniably, gunite pools offer a wide range of designs due to their versatility. Pools made from gunite are also aesthetically pleasing and of a high standard. But first, let’s understand the definition of gunite and the gunite pool construction process.

Three key elements unique to gunite pool construction

Gunite is a combination of cement, sand, and water delivered by a high-velocity hose pipe. The material is famous for its robustness, and upon drying, it forms a compact and robust structure.

Over the years, gunite has become overly popular among pool builders. Typically, it’s coupled with steel and uses plaster during the finishing process.

Upon construction, after excavation occurs, our expert pool builders fix a mesh of steel bars called rebar. The steel bars are thoroughly fixed in regular spacing, and they create a cage-like structure that prolongs to the whole pool in progress. Builders position extra steel in areas that need excessive augmentation like deep ends and free-standing raised walls.

Pool builders position the cage-like structure is on concrete and put it up slightly away from the soil. As a result, there’s enough space left for the new gunite. Gunite pool builders spritz the gunite at high speed across the whole pool, forming a thick pool surface. Luckily, gunite is highly versatile. Thus, it can create a wide range of shapes, contours, and flowing lines to build a tacky, aesthetically pleasing feature.

Once the curing of gunite takes place, gunite pool builders incorporate plaster as the finishing material. Plaster is a mixture made from cement, and marble dust; thus, it leaves an even pool surface. Plaster may also contain colored quartz to promote longevity and attractiveness. The finishing material makes the pool waterproof while creating a visually appealing structure for end users. 

Moreover, plumbing, tiling, and fixing electrics are also part of the gunite pool construction process. Even so, gunite, plaster, and steel are the materials that differentiate gunite pools from other pools since they provide longevity and flexibility.

What’s shotcrete—and what’s the difference between it and gunite? 

First, it is essential to comprehend that both shotcrete and gunite are forms of concrete. Although it’s a type of shotcrete, gunite is mostly used when referring to swimming pools.

In simple terms, gunite is a form of concrete. The difference between the two materials come in during the preparation process. Gunite, popularly referred to as the dry mix, is a mixture of sand, cement, and water added to it at the nozzle of the delivery equipment onsite. 

On the flip side, shotcrete is a combination of sand, water, and cement that is thoroughly mixed before insertion into the delivery apparatus. Another distinction is that gunite does not have gravel while shotcrete does.

Building a pool with gunite

First, builders transport dry loads of cement and sand to the worksite using a truck. Upon arrival, a vessel known as a hopper, stores both the sand and cement. The materials are then mixed with a system called an auger.

The auger inserts the mixture, (now known as dry gunite) into the delivery equipment. At this point, a gunite expert known as a nozzleman controls the high-pressure hose. He uses a distinct tube that leads to the end of the hose to add water to the dry mixture. Afterwards, the dry gunite becomes wet at the nozzle and ready for application to construct the pool.

Building a pool with shotcrete

A large truck containing a revolving barrel with water carries the dry materials forming shotcrete. Here, sand, cement, tiny gravel particles, and water create a uniform mixture that will be ready for application at the job site. During the application process, gunite pool contractors use a high-pressure hose to spray the mix across the pool to form a compact structure.

Both shotcrete and gunite provide durable pools. All you have to do is find a reliable pool builder to build your preferred pool. Today, well-established pool builders construct pools using either of the materials. Also, both pools are available in almost all geographical areas. 

But, in the United States, gunite pools are widespread compared to shotcrete. On the other hand, shotcrete is popular in a few different markets. Even so, both materials create durable, versatile, and artistic pool structures. 

Why gunite pools are so popular: 

Some of the reasons why gunite pools are so popular are:

• Gunite offers a steady, steel compact structure that locks up water and is highly resistant to damage.
• The pools are durable and have minimum maintenance procedures.
• Gunite pools offer flexibility hence allowing for homeowners to build their tailor-made pool designs.
• With gunite pools, you can include various water features such as waterfalls and spas, to promote your home’s aesthetics.

All these benefits explain why most commercial pools are gunite pools. Most hotels, resorts and public facilities install gunite pools since they offer maximum value.

Gunite pools offer lasting beauty! 

As seen in this article, a gunite pool undeniably provides immense value and incorporates a simple construction process. You now have detailed information on the basics of gunite pools. Maybe it’s time you allow Southern Poolscapes to upgrade your home by installing this pool in your backyard!

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