Everything You Need to Know About Constructing Gunite Concrete Pools

Posted by  on 5 April, 2023
Everything you need to know about constructing gunite concrete pools

Beyond the many hours of enjoyment you can get from having a swimming pool in your backyard, such an addition to your property is also a fantastic way to boost its value.

Before you install a swimming pool on your property, though, it is important to consider the type of pool that you would like to construct, as there are many potential options.

However, few of these options compare to gunite pools, which are sought after due to their versatility in shape and their durability.

How do Gunite pools differ from traditional swimming pools?

Before you look into the construction of a gunite concrete pool in Vaughan, you should better understand what gunite is, as it is not a type of material that you likely hear about often.

Gunite consists of sand, stone, water, and cement, making it similar in texture and consistency to regular concrete. In contrast to regular concrete, however, gunite is not poured section by section into wooden frames; instead, it is applied with a spray gun in layers.

This spraying takes place in several stages to add layers of cement to the pool’s surface. This ultimately makes pools made with Gunite sturdier and more durable than pools that are formed using traditional cement pouring methods.

In fact, many Gunite pool structures can last for multiple decades without needing any structural repairs.

This different application method helps prevent the appearance of seams on the surface, which is unavoidable, for the most part, with traditional poured concrete. The application of gunite with a compressed air gun also makes it possible to spray it on vertical surfaces or curves.

It’s easier to design pools with unique shapes and styles when gunite is used because molds or templates are not necessary.

What should you know before constructing a gunite concrete pool?

Since gunite is applied quite differently than traditional poured concrete, the construction process of a gunite pool is also radically different. For this reason, many people are uncertain of how to approach the installation of a gunite pool and do not know what the process involves.

If you have never seen a gunite pool constructed before, but you are interested in the installation process, the construction steps will provide a good idea of what to expect from the process:

1. Digging the hole and constructing the frame

As you might have imagined, the necessary first step when installing a gunite pool is digging the hole. This is a very important step, as this will determine your pool’s location and shape, so you may want to spend some time planning out those factors ahead of time.

After the hole is dug to the depth of your liking, you can begin to construct the framework of the pool to stiffen its structure. This is done by placing a metal rebar frame against the outer edges of the hole, and then installing the necessary plumbing features and forming the required areas to hold the concrete.

2. Spraying the gunite

After the rebar framework is successfully installed, the metal frame is ready to be sprayed with a heavy coat of the gunite mixture in layers and smoothed until it creates a uniform surface.

This is when you will be able to start seeing your vision come to life. Layers of gunite will be sprayed until everything looks good, and then it will be left to dry and set.

3. Finishing and plastering

Once the gunite cementing process is complete, next are the edging and finishing stages of your pool’s construction.

The use of masonry or stonework for the coping or top border edge of a gunite pool is quite common, as it gives the pool an even more stylish and sturdy look. The top of the interior of the pool is typically done with a waterline tile.

If you want this kind of edging, this step will come next before the finish is blown onto the gunite shell. The most popular choice for finishing is plaster, as it typically comes in a wide variety of colour options.

If you decide that plaster is not your desired look, you can also finish the pool with tiles or pebbles. It all depends on your preferences and your budget. The finishing is an opportunity for you to customize your pool in a way that you see fit.

4. Filling the pool with water

The final step in the construction of your new gunite pool is to add water so that you can turn your fancy looking hole in the ground into a functional swimming pool your entire family will love.

You should fill the pool to an adequate level using chlorinated water so that its pumps and filters can work properly. Then, all that is left to do is go for a swim to test out your new pool!

How Solda Pools Can Help With the Construction of Your Gunite Concrete Pool

If you want your new pool to turn out perfectly, the best approach is always to work with a professional company for its construction. Thus, if you are looking for a company that specializes in the construction of gunite concrete pools in Vaughan, Solda Pools can be of assistance.

We have over 35 years of experience constructing top-of-the-line pools, and we have an efficient turnkey approach to designing and installing custom inground pools.

Our team of expert pool builders is known for their superior craftsmanship, and we always use top-notch materials to ensure that every pool we construct is of the highest quality. Whether you envision a classic design for your pool or you would prefer a more modern aesthetic, we can turn your dreams into a reality.

For more information about the variety of options you have to choose from while customizing your new gunite concrete pool, or to request a free estimate, call Solda Pools at 289-201-2487 or email us at sales@soldapools.com.