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What is Gunite?
A swimming pool provides fun, fitness, and relaxation. Designing your pool is an opportunity to express your creativity while boosting the aesthetics of your home.
As a homeowner, you might have considered putting a pool in your backyard. Did you just think about the size and shape of the pool or mostly about how much it’d cost you?
It’s all good to consider those aspects. However, installing a pool in your home comes with a lot more considerations.
Let’s discuss Gunite pools today.
What is Gunite?
Gunite is sand, cement, and water, mixed and applied pneumatically to form a pool base. A high-pressure air hose must be used for this process to ensure the concrete is applied properly and that it mixes well with the water.
A common source of confusion here is the issue of Gunite vs. Shotcrete. Some use the two terms interchangeably, which is wrong.
For starters, the sand, cement, and water mixture mentioned above constitute concrete. Now, unlike shotcrete which is the wet mix concrete, gunite is applied as a dry-mix. It only gets mixed with water when the nozzle is sprayed. The mix is sprayed over a network of steel bars that reinforce the pool.
This a rather ingenious process that makes for a sturdy pool. With gunite, solidity is key. Of course, this is a lot of work. But unlike other pools such as vinyl and fiberglass that require far less work, time, and money, gunite offers long-lasting durability.
The benefits of Gunite pools
- Pool builders can continue installation the next day without creating a crack.
- This pool lasts for a longer time because of its durability. Despite its high upfront cost, it reduces future expenses on repairs and such.
- It makes for a beautiful design and can maintain its shape for a long time.
- The versatility of gunite pools reduces the effect on the landscape, letting you build to your current space.
- Gunite pool allows you to have a wide range of materials in its design.
- Gunite pools can significantly increase the total value of your property
- Gunite pools allow you to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal because you can add a variety of features such as spas, tanning ledges, underwater benches, jets, custom steps, and grottos.
Drawbacks of Gunite pool
Despite the many benefits of gunite pools, there are a few drawbacks including –
- Gunite pools take time to install the pool from start to finish. It can be a bit frustrating having a mini “construction zone” in your home for quite some time.
- The upfront cost and the cost of maintenance is rather high.
- If not properly taken care of, it could lead to damaged drainage.
- The surface can be a bit rough.
Adding a pool to your outdoor living is a great way for you and your family to enjoy your home. Gunite is a great choice for your pool.
Why consider it?
Gunite pools can be made in the perfect shape and size for your backyard. It’ll fit right in with your landscape.
They are also flexible enough that you can add a variety of features such as waterfalls and others stated above. These contribute positively to the natural appearance of your pool.
Despite the drawbacks, gunite pools make for an overall excellent addition to your property. Those few issues can easily be managed. Just keep an open mind and have a little patience. It'll be well worth the wait.
Ultimately, with flexibility and durability, Gunite pools offer a great value. For more information on Gunite pools, contact us at
We have had the privilege of being awarded more than 60 Design Awards in every award category, including custom residential concrete pools, commercial concrete pools, in-ground vinyl liner pools, and major renovations. Hilltop was named one of the “Top 50 Pool Builders in the USA” by Pool and Spa News in 2013-2017. Pool builders across the United States were evaluated in several areas, including the total number of pools built, customer service, certifications, industry involvement, employee retention, as well as advertising and social media presence. Our company was also nationally recognized for customer service and social media. We were the only Georgia company on the list in 2016 and 2017!
We would consider it a privilege to design and construct your project and have you as a member of our “Hilltop Family.”
Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc
