Summer is always heading towards us in full force, and what can be better than taking a dip whenever you want? Having a pool in your backyard would be a blessing in disguise for you and your family.
Well, choosing and installing the right pool type might confuse you with many options available in the market. But going with a popular choice that has worked well for everyone is always smart. And that is where gunite pools come in!
So, if you plan to install a gunite pool at your home, check out this article to get a clear idea of the step-by-step procedure.
Table of Contents
What is a Gunite Pool?
A gunite pool is constructed with a technique of applying gunite, i.e., a mixture of water, cement, and sand. The mixture is applied to cover a shaped surface using a hose. This hose acts like a gun and sprays the mix on any shape or curve with a high-pressure level.
Gunite is often confused with shotcrete as they are the same thing, but while gunite is a dry mix of cement and sand with water added with the hose, shotcrete is a wet mixture.
Why should you choose gunite?
Gunite for pool installations is famous for many reasons. First, its modern technique made it replace many other methods of cement application.
In addition, this technique allows the concrete mixture to take any desired shape you want, unlike the usual cement application method.
It also ensures durability as it is semi-manually applied, and the layers of the cement mixture are comparatively more tightly packed. So, there are no gaps between the foundational layers of the structure, making it strong.
Gunite also allows you to customize your pool area in many ways. You can add as many features and accessories as you want to the pool, and gunite gives you more options for those too!
How to Install a Gunite Pool?
Before diving into this section, you must first be sure of a few things.
Installing a pool is a long process, and you should think properly before making any decisions to save a lot of money and time.
Also, consider all options, budgets, and opinions of your family members before waving a green flag. And once done, you can start with the following steps to install the pool at your home.
Step 1: Deciding on a location
Finding the best space to build a pool is the most crucial part of the whole process. You can hire an expert to look for the most appropriate location around your home, as there might be obstructions in the ground that need removal or avoidance.
Step 2: Excavating the area
After a suitable location is decided, according to the planned blueprint of your pool, the excavation begins. Sands, rocks, roots, and anything else are dug out of the area. It can get a little messy and take time to completion. So, choose an experienced and reliable company for effective gunite pool installation.
Step 3: Plumbing
Next, the plumbing process for the pool’s interior and exterior area starts. It is another crucial step, and you should ensure that good quality material is used to construct the pool.
Step 4: Installing the pool’s foundation
In this step, iron bars are installed around the area to create a framework that provides a strong foundation for applying the gunite.
Step 5: Applying gunite
The main step of gunite application happens now! Your builder’s nozzlemen will spray gunite over the pool area’s surface.
It is much easier than traditional cement application, as it needs to be done at once. On the contrary, gunite spraying can be done in stages, even with gaps of days in between.
Step 6: Curing of the Gunite Layers
Gunite takes around a month to cure, i.e., sit around for a while to fully set and have the particles in the mixture bind together well. But the curing time increases with every extra layer added to the pool.
It makes the builders try to complete the process as early as possible since it would keep adding to the pool building process.
Step 7: Coping and doing other related works
To make good use of the month-long curing period, your builder should invest time in finishing up the area outside the pool. Hence, coping shall be performed now. It is the process of covering up the lip area of the pool.
This is for both protection and aesthetic purposes, as while it provides safety to swimmers, it also adds to the pool’s appearance. Any other works like tiling or aesthetic installations are also done during this period.
Step 8: Applying tile or plaster
When the pool’s gunite layer is completely cured, a layer of plaster or tiles is applied to give it a more aesthetically pleasing structure. These materials are available in many options for colors and kinds.
However, ensure to weigh the durability and quality over the appearance of these materials as they will be more exposed to external hazards. Frequent wear and tear of these layers would need continuous replacements, which can be expensive.
After this, all electrical installations will be completed before the water is added to the pool. Make sure that the builders do a test run of all the features and fixtures. After everything is done, clear up all your questions about using and maintaining the pool!
This whole process can take up to 6 months, depending on the availability of builders and raw materials. Also, it can get extended for various reasons, so be prepared for it!
Cost of Installing a Gunite Pool
It costs around $80,000-$200,000 to install a gunite pool at home. However, the exact price depends on the amount of material, time, and the number of people required to build the pool.
Don’t go for a cheap deal as it will only end up with a low-quality pool and huge maintenance costs. So, be careful with the contractor you choose.
Look for all builders in your area and compare your options without sticking to just one.
Conclusion
So, by now, you know everything about the gunite pool installation. Keep the steps in mind and remember quality over everything else.
Have fun with your friends and family with a safe and beautiful pool!
