Correcting My Pool

Questions About Gunite And Pool Creation

If you want a custom sized and shaped pool for your property, then you may be asked to choose between several different types of pools. Gunite is a popular material used to create a custom pool, and you may have some questions about this material. Keep reading to learn about the answers to some of the more common ones.

What Is Gunite?

The term gunite is not a commonly used one, and it is often used when individuals talk about swimming pools. When it comes to other types of industries, the material is called shotcrete. Shotcrete and gunite refer to pneumatically applied concrete material. The application may be either a dry one or a wet one. However, in the pool industry, gunite is used to describe the dry application while shotcrete is used to describe wet creations. 

Regardless of the term used, gunite is essentially concrete. The concrete is reinforced with sand to encourage durability and strength and the material is sprayed in place. Unlike other types of concrete materials, the gunite does not contain an aggregate or rock. This means a much smoother surface and also an easier application from contractors. 

Your contractor will decide whether the wet or dry application is best. Dry gunite means that water is added at the spray nozzle. Wet gunite is instead mixed beforehand and then sprayed.

How Is The Shape Created?

It may seem odd that liquid concrete material is used to create a uniquely shaped structure. After all, what keeps the concrete from spreading unevenly or creating a shape that you do not want? Well, a great deal of preparation goes into creating the framework for the gunite before it is actually applied. The framework is a steel rebar one that creates the shape once the hole is dug into the earth.

Typically, the rebar is secured over a thick layer of aggregate, and the concrete is sprayed over the top. The aggregate is important because it forms a barrier where water can drain away from the pool. Otherwise water can place pressure on the gunite and cause cracking issues.

Elaborate shapes and formations can be created from rebar, including ledges, slopes, and other formations. Speak with your construction professional and designer about the types of things that are possible.

If you do not like the look of the gunite, you can have a layer of plaster added to the surface. Also, the gunite can and should be painted with a special paint. There are several options available, but the epoxy options are the most popular and the most environmentally friendly. For more information, talk with a company such as Paragon Pools.


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