How thick should 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.

How thick is the plaster on a gunite pool?

If they simply left your pool as a concrete or gunite shell, it would periodically empty out on its own and you'd have to keep refilling it. To avoid this problem, installers typically add a ½ inch-thick layer of plaster.

What is the life expectancy of a gunite pool?

A poorly built Gunite pool certainly has the potential to crack. But a properly built Gunite pool can and should last for 100 years or more, with no risk of cracking whatsoever.

How thick are inground pools?

To start, vinyl pool liners are usually 20, 27, 28, or 30 mils thick. The decision on whether or not to upgrade the thickness is yours—but keep in mind that this detail that will be with you for 5-9 years.

How thick is a concrete pool floor?

Forms for pools should be set for casting walls at least 8 inches thick; floors should be at least 6 inches thick. Small pools can be cast monolithically while larger pools will require expansion and construction joints.

Gunite vs. Shotcrete: What's the Difference?

How thick is the concrete on a gunite pool?

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.

How thick should the bottom of a pool be?

To be structurally sound, a concrete pool shell should generally be 6 inches thick. Depending on the engineer and the soil condition, it may be more. (On top of that, the plaster interior finish should be at least ⅜ inch thick.)

Can you shoot gunite in the rain?

The best thing to do is spray the gunite with a hose 2-3 times a day for a week or so after it is shot. Helps keep shrinkage cracks to a minimum... so a light rain a few hours after it is shot is actually good for it. The only thing I would be concerned about is a heavy rain while they are shooting it...

What type of pool is gunite?

Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last. The versatility of gunite swimming pools means more than the ability to create an unlimited array of shapes.

What size rebar do I need for my pool?

Typically, 10M (11.3 mm), 15M (16 mm) or 20M (19.5 mm) rebar is used in residential swimming pools, spas and water features. Rebar spacing is determined by the structural engineer—generally a larger diameter bar can be spaced farther apart than a smaller diameter bar under the same load conditions.

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.

Is a gunite pool worth it?

A Solid foundation: A gunite pool is perfect because of its amazing design versatility. These pools last the longest of all inground pools and often feature the best warranties. Gunite pools do not need wooden frameworks to hold the shape, so building is simpler than standard concrete.

Can gunite pools crack?

Concrete (gunite & shotcrete) is a very strong material but not flexible. Just as soil movement causes a house foundation to crack, it can cause a pool to crack or shift.

Is gunite supposed to be smooth?

The crew trowels the gunite smooth and lets it sit for a week or two before applying a smooth finish to the rough surface. The most popular finish is called plaster (actually a mixture of cement and marble sand), but a lot of people finish their pools with special concrete paint or pebble surfaces.

How strong is gunite pool?

Benefits of Gunite:

Delivers a smoother surface finish. Higher comparable compressive strength (from 7,000 to 9,500psi)

How long after gunite Can you plaster?

Prior to plaster: 3 weeks

While the gunite is curing, the beginning of many other processes will begin. During the three-to-four-week curing process, you can expect to see tile and coping take place (plus any additional stonework that may include grills, fireplaces, and firepits).

What makes a gunite pool waterproof?

The sealing of the pool is accomplished by the application of a water resistant lining to the shotcrete or gunite surface usually immediately prior to filling the pool. This water resistant lining is typically a plaster made with Portland Cement and special aggregates.

How often should you water gunite?

Maintaining Your Gunite Shell

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!

Is shotcrete stronger than gunite?

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 long does it take for gunite to set?

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.

Can gunite be applied 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.

What happens if it rains on gunite?

Poor weather conditions cause delays in pool construction

Remember, gunite needs at least 28 days to cure. So, when it rains, the pool construction process undoubtedly gets delayed. Besides, pool contractors will have to pause construction when it's raining heavily.

How thick is the plaster on an inground pool?

Types of Plaster

Applied at a thickness of about one half an inch, white plaster was the standard in the pool industry.

What's the difference between gunite and concrete?

Gunite is the dry mixed form of sprayed concrete. Gunite typically only contains fine particles in its mix while concrete contains both large and small particles. For gunite, builders load a pre-mixed dry material into the delivery equipment. Compressed air is then sent through a nozzle where it mixes with water.

How much gunite do I need?

Multiply the total square feet times the thickness of the floors and walls. For example, if your walls are 300 feet square and 8 inches thick ( 8 inches converted to feet is . 75), multiply 300 times . 75, and you have the total cubic feet of concrete to be poured.