You have made the decision, it’s time for a pool in your backyard! Congrats! Now the decisions to make moving forward will be many. There are so many different options of pool styles, colors, types, etc. Possibly somewhere along the line, you may have heard of a ‘gunite’ pool when making decisions on your concrete pool build. We are here to help explain exactly what that is so you can make an informed decision as you begin your building process.
Gunite is known for its dependable structural strength. Gunite is made of sand, water, and cement, and it’s basically the same as regular concrete, with one important exception. Unlike traditional concrete, which is poured by section into wooden frames, gunite is applied in layers using a specialized spray gun or high-pressure hose. This means that gunite surfaces don’t have seems or separation like traditional poured concrete.This means that gunite pools are seem less and extra-durable with a smooth finish. Once it cures or dries, gunite becomes rock hard, forming a thick, solid structure.
To begin the process, once a hole is dug or excavated in your backyard, Stone Edge crews begin to install a web of steel bars, also known as rebar. Carefully placed at specific intervals, these metal rods form a cage-like frame that extends throughout the entire stretch of the future pool, as well as the spa if there is one. Extra steel goes into areas requiring especially high levels of reinforcement, such as a deep end or free-standing raised wall.
The rebar is set on concrete blocks and suspended several inches in the airso it does not touch the soil beneath it. That allows for plenty of space to have gunite fill the empty areas all arrow around the rebar. Our crew then begins to spray the concrete blend at high velocity onto the steel across the entire pool, creating the compact pool floor and walls.
After the gunite properly cures, the final material, plaster, is applied to complete thegunite pool build. Composed of cement and marble dust, the smooth blend may also contain colored quartz aggregate for added durability and aesthetics. (For some pools, a high-end pebble plaster may be used.) Plaster is what actually waterproofs a gunite pool, and this final coating is what everyone sees as the pool’s gleaming interior surface.
Other critical elements go into building a gunite pool, including tile, plumbing, electric, and perimeter coping. However, what sets gunite construction apart from other types of pool is the gunite, steel, and plaster. And what sets the completed project apart is the incredible durability and design versatility that this trio provides.
Now that you are aware of the basic process of a gunite pool build, we have put together a simple list of the pros and cons of Gunite for you to be aware of.
• Building an in-ground pool can take up to several weeks and even months to complete depending on the size. One of the main advantages to gunite is that you can stop the application, return the next day, and continue spraying without creating cracks or odd-looking finishes.
• Because gunite is dispensed at such a great force, the new will bond to the old without creating a cold joint.
• Unlike fiberglass pools, gunite pools can be made on-site which allows for more design flexibility and is easier to install.
• Gunite pools are incredibly durable and do not require a liner. This allows the pool to look better and retain its shape over time.
• One of the main disadvantages of a gunite pool is the time it takes to install the pool from start to finish.
• Gunite pools that are not tiled can sometimes seem rough to young children and have been known to snag a swimsuit. The rough surface of an un-tiled gunite pool can also house algae, so additional algaecide is needed to keep the pool pristine. There are several pool finishes that can be applied to your pool that will vary in texture.
I hope this helps you understand the components of gunite and makes your pool build a seamless process. We would be happy to help get the process started for you. Click on the ‘Free Quote’ button on the top left-hand corner to get started or simply give us a call at 1-800-564-6438. We look forward to working with you and building your backyard dreams!
Learn more about our construction process here