When it comes to pool construction, people have questions in the difference between shotcrete swimming pool construction and gunite swimming pool construction. While they are both concrete based applications, the process for each construction style is different.
In shotcrete swimming pool construction, concrete, or in rare instances mortar, is transported through a pressure hose and pneumatically projected onto a surface at a high velocity. Using the shotcrete process, the force at which the concrete is projected from the nozzle means compaction and placement occur at the same time. It can be embedded onto any surface, with overhead and vertical areas included.
Gunite swimming pool construction is a dry mix process, wherein the concrete is in a dry state when it is blown through the hose, then the nozzle injects water onto the concrete directly before the application. Using gunite allows a pool to be designed and shaped into any style that someone prefers.
In shotcrete swimming pool construction, steel is used to reinforce the shape of the pool, helping to hold the shotcrete structure of the pool together. A single piece shotcrete shell is formed for the pool, and the final shape of the pool is trimmed out by the workers. The tile and coping around the pool then has to be installed. The waterproofing surface, which is normally plaster, will then be applied after the surface has been prepared and cleaned. After this is done the final steps of the construction of the pool can be completed, such as installing pumps and filters, electrical work, deck installation, and the starting up of the filtration equipment.
In gunite swimming pool construction, you can have your pool shaped any way you like. Once deciding on a shape, a wooden frame is normally used to outline the shape of the pool. Once the homeowner confirms that the outline is correct for the shape they requested, a steel rebar is used to hold the shape into place. The gunite is then power sprayed into the pool and is what actually makes the pool. Plumbing fittings are then installed, and colorful pebbles, stone, or even mosaic tiles can be added to give the pool the look that is wanted. The pools floor and walls then get installed.
Homeowners who have a specific vision of their pool that requires a special shape are more likely to use gunite swimming pool construction. This process is more conducive to adding things such as designs or colors to a pool. Gunite accommodates itself exceptionally well to free-form pools, steps and decks.
While both shotcrete swimming pool construction and gunite swimming pool construction use concrete to form the pool, it is the way that it is applied that is the difference in their processes. Which process is the best depends on the individual and their plans for the design of the pool.