Gunite Swimming Pool Construction
Gunite or concrete pools are popular in the sunbelt states, the southwest and California, where the freezing and thawing cycles of the Northeast and Midwest are less of an issue. They are often used in commercial applications, such as hotel pools. Even though gunite pools take longer to build, the total customization and longevity they offer are well worth the time.
The land is excavated, and forms or rebar are brought in to shape the pool. Then the gunite material — a mixture of cement and sand — is poured into the forms or sprayed onto the rebar. The interior of the pool can be finished with plaster, polished marble, glass bead, painting or tile.
Pros:
- Flexibility of design options
- can be built in any shape
- high-end look
Cons:
- Textured surfaces can be uncomfortable and abrasive
- typically most expensive type of pool
- lengthy construction time
- very expensive to repair
- surface can attract algae and bacteria, and can discolor