For the construction of concrete pools, words like shotcrete and gunite are used. These two are two popular methods of creating a concrete pool shell. If you want to know what your in ground pool builder means by these terms, how are they different from each other, and do you need to choose between them, then keep reading.
What Are Shotcrete And Gunite Pools?
Before explaining what are gunite and shotcrete, you should know about concrete’s composition. So, concrete is made by mixing, cement, sand, water, and either crushed stones or gravel.
Now, keep in mind that concrete can also be made by creating a dry mix of cement, sand, and either crushed stones or gravel and later mixing water into it to make concrete. Without water, it’s called a dry mix.
Back to the concrete-making methods: shotcrete and gunite. In pool construction, when a wet mix of concrete (already mixed with water and other materials used for making concrete) is sprayed through a hose, the pool will be called a shotcrete pool.
On the other hand, when a dry mix of concrete goes through a hose and water is mixed into the dry concrete at the last stage (at the end of the nozzle), it’s called gunite and a pool made using this method is a gunite pool.
Gunite Pools Vs Shotcrete Pools
The Application Process
The entire difference between shotcrete and gunite is their application process as mentioned earlier. This leads to distinct differences between them and when they should be used.
Why the application process is important? Let’s take an example:
On sidewalks, poured concrete is used. But if poured concrete is applied at different intervals or when one part or layer is dried and then the second part or layer of concrete is poured, it will lead to a rough edge which is also called a cold joint.
The issue with cold joints is that these are vulnerable to cracks because the dried concrete didn’t perfectly bind with the new layer of poured concrete. Moreover, you may even notice a difference in the appearance of the two pours applied at different intervals.
Gunite Pools
In the gunite process of pool construction, an experienced contractor can apply concrete in many layers and at different intervals without the issue of creating a cold joint.
As dry concrete is mixed with water later at the last stage, the technician or nozzleman can control the process of mixing water with dry concrete ensuring the consistency required for any situation like pouring concrete on a dried part of concrete, resuming work after a interval or a few days, and others. Because of this control on the concrete consistency, weak spots or cold joints are avoided.
Shotcrete Pools
In the shotcrete process, a wet mix of concrete is poured without much intervention from the nozzleman. So, concrete should be applied quickly and consistently without breaks to avoid cold joints.
Skills Of The Contractor
In both concrete pool construction processes, a skilled technician is required but the difference may be where the person is needed.
Gunite Pools
In the gunite process, the nozzleman must be skilled in controlling the concrete consistency according to what’s needed. If the water and dry-mix ratio is not right, it will lead to cracks in your swimming pool floor and walls. This can cause serious problems. So, a highly skilled nozzleman can avoid concrete mix ratio problems and ensure that different layers of concrete bind perfectly.
So, if a contractor tells you that they are comfortable with the gunite process, don’t force them to use the shotcrete process because it could be possible that they may not be skilled enough to build a shotcrete pool.
Shotcrete Pools
During the shotcrete process, concrete should be poured quickly. However, if it’s a medium-sized or a large pool, pouring concrete may take some time. During this time, many technicians mix more water into the concrete truck’s tank to keep the wet concrete from becoming hard.
This can become problematic if too much water is added to wet concrete because concrete will become too thin and won’t be strong enough for pool construction. Cracks will form much sooner on the pool floor and walls.
Project Completion Time
Gunite Pools
The gunite process of concrete pool construction allows for delays. The worker can complete the project in days or at the required intervals without affecting the pool’s strength and durability. Moreover, many contractors who build gunite pools usually take longer than those who build shotcrete pools.
Shotcrete Pools
The shotcrete method uses a wet mix of concrete so the contractor can’t take breaks and resume work later. The job should be completed quickly to ensure a flawless concrete pool. Due to this, technicians who use the shotcrete method, finish pool construction much more quickly than those who use the gunite method.
Eco-Friendliness
Less waste is a priority for many homeowners in the US. They want to use materials during construction that are recyclable. If you’re one of those, this point can prove to be the deciding factor in choosing the right method of pouring concrete.
Gunite Pools
The gunite method does create an excess material that is known as rebound. The thing about rebound is that it’s not reusable so it can negatively affect the environment.
Shotcrete Pools
In the shotcrete process, no waste material is made. Wet concrete is contained in the concrete truck from where concrete is poured on the rebar through a hose. There may still be leftover materials from the excavation and other processes, but they are common for any concrete pool construction including gunite pools.
Cost
The gunite method is considered more cost-effective, however, it takes longer. On the other hand, shotcrete pools are made more quickly than gunite swimming pools, but they cost more.
So, if you don’t mind the extra days required for the gunite pool construction, you would want your contractor to go with the gunite process of pouring concrete as it will be more affordable.
Designs And Features
Concrete pools are famous because they can be made in any shape and design and you can also add any feature you want. But do both of these concrete pouring methods allow this freedom?
Gunite Pools
Gunite offers the exact flexibility concrete is known for. No shape or design is outside your reach. Moreover, including more features in your pool is also easier with gunite because the workers don’t need to complete the job as soon as possible. They can plan and carry out the job in the required intervals and days.
Shotcrete
Shapes and designs are numerous with the shotcrete process of pouring concrete as well. However, the design choices may be a bit limited compared to gunite pools.
That being said, some designs can be done better with this process like building infinity pools and spots where precision is required. Moreover, curved and straight surfaces can be created in the pool more easily with the shotcrete method. So, it also comes down to the type of design you want.
Conclusion
Whether your pool technician uses the gunite or shotcrete method of pouring concrete, you should make sure that they are expert at it. Usually, pool contractors Long Island choose between these keeping in mind your requirements and schedule. However, if you have any ideas, you should share them with your contractor.