Gunite Pools vs. Shotcrete: Concrete Pools Compared

Too many individuals, concrete will be concrete, and that is as complex as it gets. The “shell” of your pool can be made of practically any strong material. However, two especially popular options stick out: gunite and shotcrete. Both are types of concrete, yet their arrangement and expected life expectancy vary.

Investigating your choices when you need to build an in-ground pool on your property may seem complicated, especially when you have no idea about the different terminologies, advancements, techniques, and cycles professional pool builders throw around. Though, it’s not quite as convoluted as it can appear from an external perspective. We at Perfect Pools will help you understand what concrete, gunite, and shotcrete are. In this blog, we will also explain the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision as a homeowner.

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a combination of water, cement, sand, gravel, and crushed stones. The cement acts as a binding agent to hold sand and other aggregates together. When this mixture solidifies, it can be used to build all kinds of things.

Gunite

The two significant differences between concrete and gunite are that, unlike concrete that uses both large and smaller aggregates, gunite just uses smaller particles. The second difference relates to water, i.e., the time at which water is mixed with these two substances.  The concrete comes mixed with water, whereas with gunite, a dry mixture is sprayed, and later on at the delivery point, water is added to it.

However, gunite application takes up more time as the mixing has to be done on-site. Besides this, if not appropriately mixed, the gunite blend can clog the pipes. A more experienced and professional staff is needed to work with gunite because it can mess up many things in the process if sprayed wrong.  We at Pools Perfect have the necessary knowledge and experience to work with gunite pools from the excavation to the interior finish installations and pool fillings.  When you hire us, you can just sit back and relax and let our professional pool designers, builders, and contractors take over.

Shotcrete

Shotcrete is similar to concrete as this is also mixed with water before use. However, unlike concrete, it is shot out from the hose at quite a high speed instead of being poured.

Take your outdoor appeal to new heights? Pools Perfect is of the leading landscape designers and pool contractors in Sterling. Check out our gallery for an insight into our work.

For more information, call us at 571-267-7488. We’re always happy to help!