Why you should Consider Building an Inground Gunite Pool

Undoubtedly, gunite pools are overly famous pools in the United States, especially in warm geographical regions like Texas and Oklahoma. In this article, we shall discuss gunite pools and describe the process of building a gunite pool. 

What is a Gunite Swimming Pool?

Today, most homeowners opt to construct gunite inground swimming pools in their backyard. Gunite pools are well known for their longevity and high design versatility. Consequently, these pools are popular among homeowners since they are tailor-made to fit just any shape or size.

Durability 

What explains the durability in gunite pools? Gunite pools employ a rebar structure spread across the interior of the pool. Additionally, gunite pool builders spritz gunite over the framework at high speed. This causes causing the formation of a robust, compact material.

The above technique is better than the conventional method of pouring concrete. Moreover, gunite is very strong and long lasting; thus, these pools are highly durable.

Fits to any Shape or Space

The high versatility of gunite provides homeowners with a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. Pool builders can mold a gunite swimming pool into your preferred layout. Even though you have a limited pool space, our professional pool building team will improvise the gunite pool to fit your landscape and area perfectly.

Variety of Finishes

Homeowners have the freedom to choose their preferred type of finishing to create an aesthetically pleasing gunite pool. In gunite pools, the major types of finishes include colored quartz and plaster. Also, pool owners incorporate pebbles and glass if they want a premium, distinct and artistic design.

Nonetheless, experts in the industry report that the standard of plaster has significantly reduced; thus, it is rarely used as a finishing material. Finishing made by pebbles provides the most notable appearances and value for money due to minimal maintenance costs. Gunite pools with a pebble finish can last for several decades with little or no revamping procedures. Undeniably, there is no other finish offering value for money as pebbles.

Added Features

Gunite pools allow you to improve your home’s beauty by adding a variety of water features. Some of the water features incorporated into a gunite pool includes spas, tanning ledges, underwater benches, waterfalls, jets, custom steps, and grottos.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Gunite Swimming Pool?

With a gunite pool, expect your pool to be ready within four to six weeks. The construction process involves excavation, fixing a rebar framework, plumbing, spreading out gunite across the whole pool, placing water tiles and coping, building pavers or concrete decks, fixing the filtration system, and conducting the finishing process.

Compared to other inground pool alternatives, six weeks could be a long time for the pool construction. But what prolongs gunite construction is the curing process of gunite. Note that the curing of granite is essential, thus ensure you leave it till it cures properly.

How is a Gunite Swimming Pool Made?

Even though the gunite construction process takes longer than other inground pools, gunite pools bring about the best outcomes. The construction process involves the following steps:

Excavation 

First, the professional pool contractors excavate the pool area to eliminate any unwanted materials in the space. The operation can take a day or more based on the size of the pool space and landscape.

Rebar Placement

After the excavation is complete, your pool contractor will construct a cage-like structure from steel known as rebar. The rebar placed across the entire pool before the contractor sprays out gunite. The rebar placement lays a robust, durable framework for gunite pools. 

Plumbing 

Before the experts spreads out gunite, plumbing has to occur. At this point, it is essential to confirm if the rebar is well structured.

Placement of the Shell 

When plumbing occurs, contractors spritz the gunite over the rebar using a high-pressure hose. We then shape and even out the gunite using various equipment. During this stage, you will witness the pool, starting to form its shape.

Cure Time 

Gunite curing is the essential stage of construction. During this phase, gunite molecules join and become moisturized with water. The cure time takes up to 28 days; thus, your builder will need your patience.

Coping and Tiling

Here, our experts install water tiles within the top 6 inches of the pool to retain the wet finish. Gunite pool builders can use stone or brick for coping and link the terrace or patio to the pool. But, over the years, travertine, flagstone, and leuders have replaced brick.

Installation of the Patio

During this phase, your pool builder can construct a patio based on your preference. The size of the patio depends on what you intend to do with that area. Pavers are also built at this stage and offer a variety of designs.

Plastering 

Plastering is the final step of the pool construction. The pool builder sprays a specialist mixture over the gunite shell through a hose. Afterward, they even out the combination to achieve a smooth surface.

Start-Up

After the construction process is over, the experts fill the pool with water. They then use certain chemicals to balance the water’s pH while ensuring the pool is functioning properly. Note that proper maintenance of the pool determines the life of the pool.

Gunite Vs. Shotcrete – What Are the Differences?

Gunite is a dry mix of sand and cement pumped into delivery equipment, where it combines with water at the end of the hose upon the gunite application process. 

 On the other hand, shotcrete is a full mixture of sand, cement, and water inserted to a hose before the gunite application process. Shotcrete is already wet before arriving at the hose’s nozzle. For more information on Gunite & Shotcrete read our informative article where discuss the differences between Gunite & Shotcrete.

Can you paint Gunite Pools?

Although not a wise decision, painting this pool is possible. Paint in gunite pools doesn’t last for long, and if your pool needs replastering, your builder will have to get rid of the paint. Therefore, you end up spending a lot of money in the long run. 

Ready For Your Own Dream Pool?

If you want to know more about building a gunite pool, do not hesitate to contact our expert team at Southern Poolscapes. If you have a swimming pool project you want to discuss, please contact us to get started today.

---

Schedule a FREE Estimate on a Gunite Pool