Gunite and Pools: Creation and Maintenance

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at the use of gunite material in pools and some of its key benefits. Gunite, a specialized form of concrete, has become more and more popular for pools in recent years, and there are several reasons for this.

At Packman’s Pools, we’re happy to offer the best variety of gunite swimming pools and other pool and spa options to clients around Salt Lake City and nearby areas of Utah. Today’s part two of our series will give you some insight into how gunite pools are made and their curing process, plus what to expect from a maintenance standpoint if you move forward with a gunite option.

gunite pools creation maintenance

Process of Creating a Gunite Pool

Generally speaking, the process for a gunite pool will be similar to most other pools. Here are the basic steps that will be followed:

  • Dig or excavation: Before the gunite can be added, a hole needs to be dug for the pool shape. This is done with heavy machinery that may vary, including backhoes and dump trucks.
  • Plumbing and wall reinforcement: Before the gunite is added, plumbing and electrical work need to be put into place. Once that is done, a metal wall will be added as reinforcement around the pool area for stability.
  • Gunite application: Gunite is a cement mixture made out of sand, water, and cement powder. It’s applied through a hose called a shotcrete machine which sprays it onto the surface. One of its benefits is its ability to be applied in stages, rather than all at once – it can even be done several days apart and still create a uniform, attractive surface.

Curing

One important thing to remember with gunite is that it requires a significant curing period before the pool can be finalized and used. Generally, this period will be about one month. During this time, the pool can’t be filled with water and should not be disturbed in any way. During this curing period, the gunite will harden and become less porous, which is important for a long-lasting pool surface.

Maintenance

Once your gunite pool is finished and ready to use, it’s important to understand that it will require regular maintenance to keep it looking great. This includes brushing and vacuuming the walls and floor of the pool regularly, as well as skimming debris off the surface – all things you’ll need to do with any type of pool. Additionally, gunite is more prone to algae growth than other types of pools, so proper chemical balance should be monitored regularly and weekly shock treatments are a must.

If you’re looking for an attractive, long-lasting pool option, gunite is definitely worth considering. At Packman’s Pools, we know the best ways to install and maintain your gunite pool, so give us a call today if you’re considering this option. We look forward to helping you get the swimming pool of your dreams!