Can you water gunite too much?

Gunite will cure better and properly if kept moist. You can apply a light mist of water hours after the gunite application is completed. The next days you can apply a heavy spray to moisten the gunite. You cannot apply too much water.

How many times a day should I water gunite?

It is necessary for you to water cure your Gunite to slow the drying time down. In the summer, wet the pool down at least 5 times a day, more if you can get to it. In cooler months (temperatures below 80 degrees F), 2 to 3 times a day is fine.

What happens if gunite pool is not watered?

Lack of curing and exposure to windy, hot, or dry conditions will certainly increase the potential for shrinkage and cracking of the concrete. Lack of curing will prevent the concrete from achieving its maximum potential strength.

How soon do you water gunite?

As soon as the concrete is set enough to walk on (which with shotcrete, that's quick...) you can start watering it. Do it several times a day 3-4 times or more. If it starts to rain you don't need to add to that. If you are unsure start early the morning of the day after it is poured.

How long does it take for gunite to harden?

Gunite is considered fully cured in 28 days. Interior finishes of gunite pools need to be kept underwater or wet. Therefore it is normal that the Gunite pools have tile installed along the top six inches of the pool. This is to transition from water to air and keep the finish wet.

How to Properly Water Your Gunite/Shotcrete Pool

How long should I water my gunite pool?

Once the Gunite is shot you will need to wet down the entire shell for 7 days. This wetting of the shell is what helps the Gunite to cure to its highest and strongest psi.

What happens if it rains after gunite?

More often than not, weather changes affect gunite pool installation. Remember, gunite needs at least 28 days to cure. So, when it rains, the pool construction process undoubtedly gets delayed.

How often should I water my concrete pool?

Not enough watering throughout the day will leave a negative impact on your pool's shell. It is recommended you water 3-5 times daily for about a week. Your concrete pool will thank you!

How soon should I water concrete after pouring?

Concrete should be left to sit for 2-4 hours after pouring before watering. If it is supposed to rain in that window, the concrete should be covered. Additionally, if you cannot water the concrete as regularly as is recommended, covering concrete helps trap the moisture and slow the evaporation.

Can you pour gunite in cold weather?

The 40°F minimum is standard. If the water in the concrete freezes, the concrete can be damaged. In my opinion, it should not have been done at freezing temperatures.

Does gunite have to cure?

Gunite (concrete) is the day on which most people say their pool begins to take shape. While gunite only takes a day on average to install, this process needs three to four weeks for sufficient curing. During this curing process, several other phases of the project will ensue.

How do you care for a new gunite pool?

How long does a concrete pool take to cure?

Concrete Curing

The shell will need to cure for around 30 days, during which time you will be asked to water it regularly to keep the outer layers of concrete cool to avoid cracking.

How long does it take for Marbelite to dry?

The first 4 weeks of a newly resurfaced marbelite pool is the most delicate time during the 3month curing phase and its lifetime. It is highly advised and strongly advocated that a newly resurfaced Marbelite pool should start being filled within 12 - 24 hours after application is complete.

Should you water newly poured concrete?

Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. The first 7 days after installation you should spray the slab with water 5-10 times per day, or as often as possible. Once the concrete is poured the curing process begins immediately.

How often do you water shotcrete?

However, many contractors are willing to make an exception when it's time to cure the gunite or shotcrete. The shell typically must be watered two to four times daily.

Does spraying water on concrete help it cure?

Spraying water on your new concrete is one of the best and oldest ways to cure your concrete. After new concrete is poured and finished the concrete begins its curing process.

How do you know if concrete is too wet?

When concrete gets too wet, it becomes weak and prone to cracks, breakage, weakness and failure. The ideal consistency should feel like thick oatmeal and should never be watery. When concrete has too much water it also dries more porous. This is because of all the water that needs to evaporate out.

Does wetting new concrete make it stronger?

Moist-cured concrete can be up to 50 percent stronger than concrete that was cured without being dampened!

How long does it take for pool plaster to cure?

Curing plaster refers to a maturation process of the new plaster finish when it strengthens and seals. The pool finish will start to cure immediately after mixing. Sixty percent of the curing process occurs in the first 4 weeks and will continue over the next 8 to 10 months.

How long after gunite Can you plaster a pool?

After the gunite has been applied, it will need to dry before plastering. It takes several weeks for gunite to cure. Large rains and debris should be removed from the pool during this phase. You may see small cracks in the rough surface, don't worry – these will be covered in plaster.

Is gunite better than shotcrete?

Gunite generally lasts longer and maintains a higher quality than shotcrete. For instance, gunite tends to dry faster than shotcrete, leading to a much smoother surface and avoiding significant cracks from shrinking. Gunite can also withstand up to 9500 psi, a much higher psi than shotcrete.

How thick should a gunite pool be?

Generally, the pool walls need to be between three and four inches thick. Smooth the pool walls with your trowel, as you did for the base. Now the concrete has to cure properly before you can fill it with water. The concrete curing process allows the concrete to reach maximum strength and takes approximately 28 days.

What is flashing a pool?

It involves applying a thin coat of gunite or shotcrete to the interior of the hole to keep the walls intact and soil in place. Pool builders are more likely to use flashing in anticipation of heavy rain.

Can you pour concrete for a pool in the rain?

Tips for Handling Rain After Pouring Concrete

Don't broadcast dry cement onto the concrete to soak up surface water. This will impair the finish and further weaken the top layer. Instead, once the rain passes, use a float to push the water off the edge of the slab before you start finishing.