Gunite Pool: All You Need to Know
credit: cementech.com
If you are thinking of setting up an inground pool on your property, the gunite pool is one of the main options to consider as you decide what type to install.
Gunite pools are inground concrete pools, and they offer greater versatility than most other types and last longer. They use cement, aggregate, and water, but they have a steel rebar framework to maintain the required shape, unlike traditional concrete pools.
These pools have their merits and demerits, which you should know before you decide to install one. Also, it helps to understand the keys steps involved when building a gunite pool.
Gunite Pool Pros
1. Durability: Gunite swimming pools will last a long time. They feature a sturdy rebar framework and several high-quality concrete layers that ensure they will not crack or develop other kinds of imperfection for many years. These pools have a stable structure that will withstand water pressure for many years, and you can easily replaster them to prolong their service life.
2. High Versatility: With gunite pools, you get more opportunities to customize the design and shape. Whether you want a massive or extra deep pool, the versatility of gunite makes all this and much more easy to achieve. The versatility of these pools can help minimize their effect on your landscape as you can build them to fit into the landscape perfectly.
3. Plenty of Finish Options: Gunite pools also give you almost limitless options when it comes to the finish. You can finish the pools with tiles, natural stone, plaster or even give it some unique artificial textures.
4. Higher Return on Investment: You have to think about the value of your property when installing a swimming pool. Gunite pools will help you give your home a nice upgrade and even increase its value significantly. They last a long time, which reduces future expenses on the pool.
Gunite Pool Cons
1. High Costs: Gunite pools are expensive to install and also require more resources to maintain. On average, it costs between $35,000 and $65,000 to install a gunite swimming pool. Fiberglass or vinyl-lined pools cost as little as $20,000 to install.
Concrete is a porous material that creates a perfect habitat for algae, meaning you will need to spend a lot of money to get rid of these contaminants.
2. Long Installation Time: It will take up to 3 months to install a gunite pool. Most of the work is done on-site when building these swimming pools, and you need to give the concrete adequate time to cure properly.
3. Rough Bottom: A typical gunite pool will have a coarse bottom that many swimmers find a little too harsh on their feet. In some instances, an unfinished gunite pool can be so rough that it tears or snags on swimsuits.
How to Build a Gunite Pool
Step 1: Design the Pool
Every good pool always starts as a design on paper. As you are designing the pool, you need to be clear of how you will use it and where you will install it as this determines the shape, size, and depth.
Step 2: Identify the Location and Excavate
You should already have the pool location in mind long before you even start designing. Hence, once you have the design, you need to identify the location and starting digging up.
This step always starts with outlining the pool area to ensure you get things like the shape and size right as you excavate.
Depending on the size and depth, excavating the pool area can take anything from a few hours to a few days.
Step 3: Install Plumbing
After excavation, you need to install the plumbing system and other things like electric and gas lines, as these might be hard to set up once you have the frame in place. Plumbing for these pools typically uses PVC pipes.
Step 4: Setup the Rebar Frame
Once the plumbing and other supporting fixtures are in place, you can start the actual gunite pool construction process.
Here the first thing to do is install the rebar frame. The frame needs to cover the entire pool and should also have the correct shape.
A rebar frame forms the pool’s base and helps the gunite adhere well to create a solid pool structure.
Step 5: Install Gunite Structural Shell
With the frame in place, you can now spray the gunite. This step takes several hours, and good workmanship is vital here to ensure you get sturdy and long-lasting walls.
Also, it is vital to give the gunite enough time to cure. It takes around 24 hours to harden and up to 2 weeks to cure completely. You need to water the gunite up to thrice a day for about a week.
Step 6: Finish the Pool
The last step is to finish up the pool to get it ready for use. Here you should install all the plumbing equipment the pool needs, install tiles or any other finish you prefer, and fix the edge coping.
Once all this is done, you need to fill up the pool and add the necessary pool chemicals, and it will be ready to use.
Conclusion
Gunite swimming pools are highly durable and flexible as you can make them in any shape and size you want. Additionally, these swimming pools allow for greater customization when it comes to the finish options.
Although it might be a little more expensive to install and maintain, the pool is often worth every buck. If you take good care of it, you can be sure of enjoying it for many years to come.
