Is it a Gunite Pool or Is it Concrete?
Did you know a gunite pool is the most popular type of pool in high-end American homes? It’s the gold standard in pool construction, bringing a touch of resort-style luxury to any backyard.
But what exactly is gunite and how is it different from a concrete or shotcrete pool?
If you’ve been pondering on this question, this article will explain everything you need to know.
What Is Gunite?
Gunite is a type of concrete. You make concrete by mixing cement and water plus some kind of aggregate like sand, stone, or gravel. Gunite typically has only fine particles in its mix, while concrete contains both fine and coarse particles.
The crews apply gunite by spraying it through a high-pressure hose. What’s unique about gunite is that it’s a dry concrete mix. The crew loads the pre-mixed dry concrete into the delivery equipment and it is only combined with water as it exits the nozzle of the hose.
In contrast, wet concrete is already pre-mixed in the cement truck before use.
You may have heard of the term ‘shotcrete’ while doing research on swimming pool construction. Shotcrete is delivered the same way as gunite i.e. through a high-pressure spray but instead of being a dry-mix, shotcrete is a wet-mix concrete.
Gunite vs. Concrete Pool
Traditional concrete swimming pool construction involves building a wooden framework, then pouring concrete over that framework to hold the pool’s shape while the concrete dries.
You build gunite pools, on the other hand, using a steel rebar framework to hold the pool’s shape. The crew then spray layers of gunite over the rebar.
The gunite surface is then smoothed and allowed to sit for one to two weeks to dry. After this, a smooth finish is applied over the rough surface. The most popular finish is plaster, however, you can select many other finishes like pebble, tile, and even fiberglass.
Benefits of Gunite Pools
The method of constructing gunite pools has many benefits.
Firstly, it makes for a very durable swimming pool, thanks to the steel frame and the compact layers of pressurized concrete. There are no seams, as you would normally find in traditionally poured concrete, so there is less risk of stress cracks and weakened points.
Secondly, gunite pools allow for an infinite array of designs and customizations, so you are free to put your personal touch on your pool. Gunite pools can be built into any shape or size and allow for a wide array of finishes and design features like beach entries, waterfalls, or elevated spas.
Is a Gunite Pool Right for You?
Gunite pools are high-quality, durable, and very customizable. They are the gold standard for homeowners looking for a resort-style pool in their backyard.
If you’re in the Houston area and would like to find out if a gunite pool might be right for you, or if you have further questions about gunite vs concrete pools, we are here to help. We have more than 40 years of combined experience in designing and building custom pools.
Call us at 281-315-3956 or book a free consultation today.