Creating a Custom Concrete Swimming Pool

When it comes to swimming pool construction, there are many factors to consider, including size, shape, location and construction material. The three main types of swimming pools are fiberglass, vinyl liner and concrete. Concrete construction is in the form of sprayed concrete and offers the most customizable application for a distinctive and unique swimming pool.

Two Types of Sprayed Concrete

Shotcrete and gunite are both sprayed concrete. The difference is in the starting mixture – shotcrete starts wet while gunite starts dry. Both are applied to the rebar pool frame at a high velocity with a spray gun, and both provide a structurally sound, watertight pool basin. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and a professional contractor can help determine which is best for your project.

Shotcrete – a Wet Mix

Since the concrete is already mixed with water in a shotcrete application it takes less time to complete a project. The application is consistent and creates less mess than gunite. However, shotcrete is more expensive than gunite and must be applied quickly to prevent the concrete mixture from drying out during application and compromising the integrity of the swimming pool construction.

Gunite – a Dry Mix

In gunite application, the concrete is dry and only mixes with water in the nozzle of the spray gun, just before application. Since the operator controls the water-to-cement ratio as it is being applied, a high degree of expertise is needed. With this method, the work can be stopped and restarted with no adverse effects on the structure. While gunite is cheaper than shotcrete, it creates more of a mess and therefore clean-up time is increased.

A swimming pool is a beautiful addition to your home and a large financial investment. Hiring a swimming pool construction expert provides the experience and knowledge to bring your vision to life and ensures that your new swimming pool will provide enjoyment for many years.