Are you thinking of putting a pool in your backyard? Are you weighing your different options? Are you looking at installing a Gunite pool but want to know more about the process or costs? Gunite pools can bring a classic pool style to your backyard, but come with certain considerations you should be aware of before you make the investment. Let’s dig into all there is to know about Gunite pools and what to expect when building one.
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When we talk about Gunite pools, we are referring to an in-ground concrete-based pool that is constructed using Gunite, which is a spray-on concrete construction material.
Gunite is a dry composite form of concrete. It is designed to be pumped through a pressurized sprayer and at the nozzle mixes with water to become spray-on concrete. This is called a pneumatic application and forms a thin layer of wet concrete onto whatever surface it is sprayed.
Gunite differs from shotcrete, which is also used to construct in-ground concrete-based pools. Shotcrete is already wet when it goes into the pressurized sprayer whereas Gunite is dry. Gunite and shotcrete are sometimes used interchangeably in construction, but when it comes specifically to pool construction, they are two different pneumatic applications using two different types of concrete material.
As a dry mix form of concrete, the Gunite composition is the same as concrete–sand, cement and an aggregate mix of stone or gravel–which is eventually mixed with water. Gunite, however, is made of fine particles and has a smaller aggregate in its mixture than other forms of concrete. Gunite is a very durable yet versatile material for swimming pool construction.
Using Gunite for pools is not new. The Gunite process was first developed in 1940 and became a very popular pool construction method in the 1950s. Shotcrete is used more often, but can often be more expensive than Gunite. Overall, Gunite is a strong material that lends itself to versatile design choices.
Gunite pool construction involves three main stages:
Each of these stages involves several steps that require completion by a reliable and professional pool builder.
As with all in-ground pools, the construction of a Gunite pool starts with excavation. In other words, a big hole is dug to accommodate the size and shape of the pool. Before the digging begins, the area is surveyed for utility lines and a layout plan is finalized. The area is cleared to make room for the excavation equipment and then the hole is dug in the appropriate size and depth.
This stage of constructing a Gunite pool has many steps and takes the longest amount of time.
The first step is the construction of a cage or reinforcing bar. This steel structure is laid out to create a skeletal frame for the pool. This is an important step as the reinforcing bar gives the Gunite something to adhere to. It also increases its tensile strength, allowing the concrete to remain intact with the shifting natural environment.
The next step is to install the pool plumbing, including the main drain, skimmers, suction side, return side, circulation pump, and any special water features. These components will eventually be covered in concrete and need to be laid out properly.
During this step, the pool shell is constructed. The Gunite concrete is sprayed onto the steel frame and smoothed with a hand trowel. It is important that the mixture is not too dry or wet when applied and needs to be done by a professional who is well-versed in the technique.
It is in the application process where Gunite most differs from shotcrete. Concrete is a highly durable industrial construction material that dries quickly and retains its shape for many years, but it needs to be handled properly. When layers of shotcrete are applied at different times they do not bind well together and structural cracks or flaws can develop. This results in shotcrete having to be applied in one application over the course of one day.
The Gunite process on the other hand, allows for application to be done in stages over several days because of the method’s use of high pressure and the late stage addition of water. This flexibility without risking structural flaws or cracks is an advantage of Gunite over shotcrete.
Once completed, the concrete shell is then left to dry and cure for at least 28 days, until it reaches its maximum strength. During the curing process the particles that make up the concrete mixture fully bond together, creating the properties concrete is best known for–strength and durability.
A pool shell that is not properly cured can develop cracks and may fail when filled with water. After curing, the Gunite pool surface is smoothed and waterproofed with either a roll-on or spray-on waterproofing product.
Once the Gunite shell is cured and waterproofed, coping and tiling can be completed. Coping is the installation of a border around the pool’s perimeter. Tiling is a border that is installed about six inches in depth on the inside of the pool shell that runs along the waterline and protects it from staining.
The final step in the Gunite pool installation stage is the application of an interior surface, which gives the pool a consistent texture and color. Gunite pool finishes are usually done with plaster or tile.
The final stage of your Gunite pool construction is to add the decking and landscaping that surrounds your pool. This is another area that allows for you to add your personal style and preferences. This stage is usually completed by a landscaping contractor and not your pool builder and may include fencing, retaining walls, shrubs, trees, or other landscaping features. It is helpful to have the landscape designs communicated to your builder for a smooth transition.
Inground Gunite pools take about three to six months to build, and sometimes more. This includes the excavation, installation, and landscaping process. The many steps involved in concrete installation, including the curing process, tiling, and finishing, take longer than other materials. This needs to be understood going in and weighed along with the other pros and cons of Gunite swimming pools.
Gunite pool costs can come in higher than using other types of pool materials. Installing a Gunite swimming pool typically ranges between $55,000 and $100,000, depending on size, shape, design choices, special features, and accessories. Gunite pools allow for a wide range of customization and special features, which is one of their biggest draws. This can, however, make their cost go up quickly depending on the design choices you make.
Gunite pools come with several benefits over other types of pools that easily make them an attractive option.
Durability is considered one of the top Gunite pool pros. If properly installed and well maintained, Gunite pools can last for about fifty years. Chances are, if you invest in a Gunite pool, it will be a high-quality and long-lasting addition to your home.
Another benefit of installing a Gunite pool is their high level of customization. If you want a pool in the shape of a swan or a seashell or any other shape you can dream up, chances are you can have your Gunite pool constructed in that shape. It allows for soft curves or sharp angles, modern styles, or classic designs. It can easily accommodate silhouettes that seamlessly compliment your home, making it a true expression of your personal preferences. For many people this is more than a perk of Gunite pools, it is the main attraction.
In addition to a high-level of customization in pool shape, Gunite pools also allow for a vast array of pool finishes and tile accents. These special interior finishes include options ranging from custom tile, glass beads, or marble to fiberglass, pebbles, or colored plaster. This also allows your pool to reflect your personal style and taste. They can also accommodate most custom or specialized pool features, such as in-pool lighting, spillovers, waterfalls, deck jets, spouts, slides, diving boards, and most anything else you can want. Gunite swimming pools can truly give you the ability to create a one-of-a-kind pool to grace your backyard.
Although Gunite pools do have several important benefits, they are not without their drawbacks. Gunite limitations also need to be weighed before making the decision to put one in.
One significant drawback of a Gunite swimming pool is that it takes more time and money to maintain it. This is one of the top Gunite pool cons to consider before building one. They require more demanding care than other pool materials. Annual maintenance costs can come in between $2500 to $3000.
As outlined above, building an inground Gunite pool involves a long process, and as such, comes with a larger price tag than other types of pool installation. Above ground pools are going to generally cost less because there is no excavation involved, but they are also generally less aesthetically attractive and do not last as long as in-ground pools. In-ground pools can be made of concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. Of the three, concrete, which Gunite falls under, are more expensive than the others to install. They do, however, last the longest.
As mentioned above, Gunite pools can be more demanding when it comes to maintenance. One of the main reasons is that concrete is a porous material and is prone to algae growth, which means that it takes more monitoring, cleaning, and chemicals to maintain a healthy water balance in your pool.
The interior finish of your pool is also not as durable as the concrete or Gunite shell. It will need to be replaced or refinished about every 10 to 15 years throughout the life of your swimming pool.
Choosing to add a swimming pool to your backyard is choosing to make an investment in your property. Gunite pools do take longer and cost more to install and maintain than other options, but they also offer you the opportunity to create a fully customizable pool to seamlessly fit your style preferences. Installing a Gunite pool allows you the freedom to create the unique backyard oasis you have always dreamed about.
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