Is gunite a concrete?

Asked by: Katrina Williams

Gunite is a dry-gun concrete and shotcrete is a wet-gun concrete. For gunite, dry concrete is put into the hopper and forced out of a hose, through a nozzle.

Is concrete the same as Gunite?

You could refer to gunite as concrete’s cousin because they are both in the same family, but have their differences. Gunite is the dry mixed form of sprayed concrete. Gunite typically only contains fine particles in its mix while concrete contains both large and small particles.

Is Gunite the same as plaster?

No! A gunite pool indicates the underlying STRUCTURE. Plaster is the final FINISH on top of the gunite structure. All inground gunite pools have the same structure (gunite or dry shotcrete – synonymous terms).

How do I know if my pool is gunite or concrete?

There are two main things that differentiate gunite from concrete. Firstly, unlike concrete, which uses large and small aggregates, gunite only uses small particles. The other difference is down to when you add the water. As we stated earlier, concrete comes ready mixed.

What is gunite made from?

Gunite is made of sand, water, and cement, and it’s basically the same as regular concrete, with one important exception. Unlike traditional concrete, which is poured by section into wooden frames, gunite is applied in layers using a specialized spray gun.

Do you have to water gunite?

A: The gunite shell must be maintained moist for at least 7 days after application is completed. The gunite should be sprayed with water using your water hose and spray nozzle. Gunite will cure better and properly if kept moist. You can apply a light mist of water hours after the gunite application is completed.

What is difference between gunite and shotcrete?

The major difference between the two is that shotcrete is applied pre-mixed with water, so it simply hardens where it falls. On the other hand, gunite is applied as a dry plaster which mixes with water as it leaves the hose. Opting for a gunite pool gives you a few advantages over shotcrete.

How long does it take for a gunite pool to cure?

Gunite (concrete) is the day on which most people say their pool begins to take shape. While gunite only takes a day on average to install, this process needs three to four weeks for sufficient curing. During this curing process, several other phases of the project will ensue.

Can I walk on gunite?

Gunite/shotcrete is applied much drier than poured concrete. You can literally walk on it with in a few hours of it being applied. The drier application also gives it much better compressive strength than poured concrete for otherwise the same mix.

How strong is gunite?

Benefits of Gunite:



Delivers a smoother surface finish. Higher comparable compressive strength (from 7,000 to 9,500psi)

Can a gunite pool be salt water?

If you’re looking for a simple answer, the answer is yes. Saltwater chlorinators are perfectly safe for gunite pools. The biggest issues reported when using saltwater chlorinators with gunite pools have to do with the tendency of the plaster to stain over time when coming into contact with salt.

What concrete do you use for pool?

A concrete pool shell is created by spraying either gunite or shotcrete. Gunite is a dry mix with water in the sprayer, whereas shotcrete is already wet. These two methods produce the same result and have no significant difference in quality if done correctly.

Can you make a pool out of concrete?

When you take it into your own hands, the price can vary widely depending on how you choose to build your pool. On one extreme end, some people have been able to construct makeshift concrete pools for several thousand dollars using cinder block.

What is the life expectancy of a gunite pool?

On average, gunite swimming pools last 7 to 10 years before they need to be resurfaced. When that time comes, it’s important to know what options are available so that you can pick the best choice for your backyard space.

What kind of cement is gunite?

Gunite is a dry-gun concrete and shotcrete is a wet-gun concrete. For gunite, dry concrete is put into the hopper and forced out of a hose, through a nozzle.

How strong is gunite?

Benefits of Gunite:



Delivers a smoother surface finish. Higher comparable compressive strength (from 7,000 to 9,500psi)

How often should you water gunite?

Maintaining Your Gunite Shell



Not enough watering throughout the day will leave a negative impact on your pool’s shell. It is recommended you water 3-5 times daily for about a week. Your concrete pool will thank you!

What makes a gunite pool waterproof?

The sealing of the pool is accomplished by the application of a water resistant lining to the shotcrete or gunite surface usually immediately prior to filling the pool. This water resistant lining is typically a plaster made with Portland Cement and special aggregates.

Does gunite need to be sealed?

One of the most important steps in gunite or concrete swimming pool construction is selecting the right type of waterproofing. Concrete is a porous substrate prone to water penetration; therefore, it has to be sealed to keep water in the pool, in addition to keeping ground water out, which is often forgotten.

Can gunite pools leak?

Pool Skimmer Leak Problem: Inground gunite pools can develop a crack where the plastic skimmer meets the concrete pool wall.

Is shotcrete as strong as concrete?

The ability to build in very tight spaces and “free form” applications make it very simple to build pools of any shape. Higher compressive strengths than cast-in-place concrete. Typical compressive strengths of shotcrete are in the 6,000 to 7,500 psi range. Lower construction costs.

Which is better shotcrete or gunite?

Gunite generally lasts longer and maintains a higher quality than shotcrete. For instance, gunite tends to dry faster than shotcrete, leading to a much smoother surface and avoiding significant cracks from shrinking. Gunite can also withstand up to 9500 psi, a much higher psi than shotcrete.

Is shotcrete cheaper than concrete?

But there are drawbacks to using the shotcrete. Process because it's pre-mixed once the process is started the concrete must be applied. Quickly without any stops. Too much water is added to the mix

What is the difference between shotcrete and concrete?

Shotcrete is a wet- or dry mix concrete that is pneumatically propelled at high velocity through a hose and nozzle that does not require conventional forming. CIP concrete offers specific advantages over shotcrete, particularly when it comes to preventing water ingress: Superior structure to eliminate voids.

Why is shotcrete used?

Because it can take any shape, is easily coloured, and can be sculptured after application, shotcrete is used for a variety of fancy concrete structures, including artificial rock walls, zoo enclosures, canopy roofs, refractory linings, pools, and dams.

What is shotcrete made of?

Shotcrete is also made of sand, water and cement. Like gunite, shotcrete is sprayed into place. Shotcrete is considered a “wet mix” because the water and dry mix are prepared prior to arrival. The premixed cement is shot out of a nozzle to form the pool.

How long does it take to shotcrete a pool?

This takes up to 28 days and is achieved through soaker hoses that spray the pool walls and continuously recycle the water. Reputable high-end builders are experienced in all of these critical processes, giving you the peace of mind that your pool is built to last.

What is the next step after gunite?

Typically installed 3-4 days after gunite, the tile and coping crew will install your tile, coping, and trim or spot tile selections.

What happens if you don’t water gunite?

Lack of curing and exposure to windy, hot, or dry conditions will certainly increase the potential for shrinkage and cracking of the concrete. Lack of curing will prevent the concrete from achieving its maximum potential strength.