In part one of this two-part series, we went over some basics on why gunite is one of the single most beneficial and attractive products for swimming pools today. Gunite, which refers to a mixture of cement, sand and water, is a fantastic product that’s used in both pools and several other areas, from initial construction to many areas of repair.
At Packman’s Pools, we’re proud to offer the highest-quality custom gunite pools to all our Utah clients, plus hot tubs and other options. What are some of the other top reasons gunite is such an attractive pool material to many of our customers, and why might you consider it? Here’s a primer.
Long-Term Durability
When it comes to lifespan and durability, gunite pools are typically rated with a lifespan of about 30 years. Compare this to traditional concrete or vinyl liners, which are only expected to last around 10-20 years before needing replacement. This is especially true if you live in an area where harsh winter elements or high levels of sun exposure can damage the pool’s structure and material integrity.
In fact, there are several places that feature gunite pools that have been standing for half a century. The warranties that come with gunite pools tend to also be longer and more robust, as they’re backing a stronger material.
Easier Construction Than Concrete
For both the length of your pool construction timeline and its related costs, gunite makes more sense. Gunite pools are typically easier to construct than conventional concrete pools due to these reasons:
- Less variability: Concrete pool construction may be impacted by things like outdoor temperature and humidity. With gunite, the variability is lower and more controlled.
- Less labor required: While concrete pools do require a lot of skilled labor to pour and prepare, gunite pools require less manual labor with larger teams working in unison. This means less money is spent on individual construction workers, which can lead to a shorter timeline overall for pool completion.
- Easier fills and refills: Given the fact that gunite pools require less manual labor in the initial construction phase, it only makes sense that they would need less coaching and supervision once your pool is filled and in use. For instance, because concrete pools will typically need to be leveled before they’re filled for the first time (and every time thereafter), this is a more labor-intensive process overall. In other words, gunite pools typically take less overall supervision and management to fill and use properly.
Customization and Amenities
Finally, for those looking to add a little more luxury and customization to their pool, gunite pools offer a few additional benefits. When you’re looking for something truly unique for your backyard, options like inground spas or waterfalls are only available when using the gunite pool method.
In addition, many of our customers have added features such as slide entries and diving boards, as well as a variety of shapes, sizes and depths. While these features can be expensive to add with other materials, gunite pools tend to make them easier and more cost-effective due to their increased durability and overall structure.
At Packman’s Pools, we’re proud to offer the highest-quality custom gunite swimming pools throughout Utah. Contact us today to learn more about these pools or our other products.