If you’re looking for a new way to construct your pool in and around Durban, you’ve probably read about gunite constructed pools, and the great satisfaction people who have used the method have enjoyed. If you have no idea what gunite is, and how or why it’s used in swimming pool construction, we’ve explained it all below.

What is gunite?

Gunite is an offshoot of shotcrete. The main difference being that shotcrete is brought on site already mixed with water, whereas gunite is dry, and is only mixed with water as it’s applied. It should also be noted that shotcrete sometimes contains some gravel, which is not the case with gunite.

Why is gunite used in the first place?

In short, a pool constructed using gunite creates a pool that is constructed from a solid and durable structure that provides impressive longevity, making the method an ideal choice for both commercial and private swimming pools.

Gunite also provides a swimming pool with superior flexibility, incredibly important for the lifespan of your pool. The soil underneath any swimming pool is subject to outside forces like heat and cold that makes it shift, contract and even expand, which means that its essential that your pool’s shell is able to shift with these changes that over time would damage a more rigid structure.

Constructing a pool with gunite also offers you incredible flexibility when it comes to the shape of your pool. Whether you want sharp or rounded curves, deep or shallow pools, gunite construction can handle almost any design requirement.

How is gunite used

The construction of a gunite pool is relatively straightforward. A hole in the earth is excavated, and the construction crew will create a framework of rebar, which will be suspended over concrete blocks. The gunite is then sprayed, via high-pressure hose, over the rebar, which forms the shell of your pool.

After the gunite has set, plaster is applied over the shell to make it waterproof, and add any aesthetic touches you might need. During this final step, tile, electric and plumbing infrastructure is also added to your pool. When the plaster is set, and your pool systems have been installed, you will have a pool that is guaranteed to last.