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Gunite pools are a great way to expand your outdoor living space and create something that will look beautiful year-round. Gunite pools allow you to create a functional, aesthetic pool without the hassle of digging an in-ground pool. The process is also fairly quick and easy. You can have your gunite pool up and running in as little as two or three days - or less! With a gunite pool, you also don’t need to worry about maintaining an in-ground pool or worrying about water retention - they’re built with that in mind! That being said, there are some things you should know before you get started too. Here we explore everything you need to know about building a gunite pool, from the different types available and how to choose the best one for you, through to maintenance once the construction is complete and troubleshooting problems when building your new backyard oasis.

What is a gunite pool?

Gunite is the process of building a watertight concrete pool with a thin layer of aggregate (sand) as a binder. Gunite is a more modern, durable, and cost-effective method of constructing a swimming pool than conventional, concrete-only construction. There are a number of advantages to building a gunite pool. The process is faster and easier than an in-ground pool, as it only takes four or five days to have a pool built. Another advantage is the fact that gunite pools do not require a hole in your yard. That means you don’t have to deal with maintaining the pool and lifting it out of the way every winter, and you don’t need a large amount of space for a pool.

How a Gunite Pool Works

Gunite pools work the same way as concrete pools, with a concrete liner and a sand or gravel bottom. In this scenario, though, the sand or gravel is not a separate layer placed inside the concrete, like in a typical concrete pool, but is used as a binder instead. So how does this work? First, you dig a hole for the pool’s liner. Next, you provide the concrete for the sides, bottom, and coping of the pool. Finally, you pour the liner in place and fill the pool with water. The liner keeps the concrete from leaking out through the sides of the pool and the sand or gravel serves as an extra layer to provide extra strength and watertightness.

3 Types of Gunite Pools

Now that you know what a gunite pool is and how they work, let’s take a look at the three types of gunite pools available: Fiberglass, Aluminet, and Polyethylene. Fiberglass is the most common type of gunite pool. These are made of durable fiberglass panels that are molded together to form the pool’s walls, floor, and lid. They are easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors and designs. Aluminet pools are a newer type of gunite pool. They are made from lightweight, durable aluminum panels, which makes them easier to move and transport. Aluminet pools are also a type of fiberglass pool, so all of the maintenance is the same, just in a different material. Polyethylene pools are a relatively new type of pool, but already very popular. These pools are made of high-density polyethylene, meaning they are very durable and strong, and with proper maintenance, they won’t crack, chip, or fall apart.

When Should You Build A Gunite Pool?

Gunite pools are more expensive and time-consuming than building a concrete pool, so you should only build one if you have the time and money to spare. That being said, if you’re looking for an affordable and low-maintenance summer fun option, a gunite pool could be the best option for you. By their nature, gunite pools are much faster to build than an in-ground concrete pool. They can be up and running in as little as two or three days - or less! That means you can have your new gunite pool up and ready for swimming much sooner than you can dig an in-ground pool. You can also expand your space for a pool by building a small backyard into a larger one - no need to tear down a wall or expand into an adjacent yard!

Maintenance After The Pool Is Built

Like any other concrete pool, you’ll need to clean the gunite pool as necessary. In addition, though, you also need to take care of the sand or gravel on the bottom of the pool. Over time, it will become saturated and lose its ability to keep the pool watertight. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this problem. You can add a de-watering filter to the skimmer basket, or use a de-watering net or de-watering pump to remove excess water from the sand or gravel. You can also add extra gravel to the bottom of the pool to help it retain water. If you don’t clean the bottom of the pool, it will eventually get too soggy to stay watertight. Eventually, the sand or gravel will become too sodden and will begin to leak out of the pool through the sides and bottom of the pool.

Troubleshooting Problems When Building Your New Pool

Whether you build a concrete, vinyl, aluminet, or fiberglass pool, there are likely to be problems. If you notice any of these when it’s time to clean your new pool, don’t worry! There are several problems that are easy to fix and don’t necessarily mean the pool isn’t watertight. - The Pool is Too Dirty: Make sure to clean the pool after each use, and try cleaning it with a pool cleaner. If it’s still too dirty, you can use a pool brush to scrub the surface of the water. - Water Leaks from the Bottom: If you’ve cleaned the bottom of the pool and it’s still leaking, the leak could be coming from the sand or gravel. Try compacting the gravel or changing out the sand to see if that solves the problem. - The Bottom of the Pool is Soggy: If your bottom is soggy, the problem could be a de-watering filter that needs to be cleaned or a leaky skimmer. - The Sides of the Pool are Soggy: If your sides are soggy, the problem could be a leaky liner or a hole in the liner. - The Lid is Soggy: If the lid is soggy, the problem could be a hole in the liner or a broken skimmer.

Conclusion

Gunite pools are a great way to expand your outdoor living space and create something that will look beautiful year-round. Gunite pools allow you to create a functional, aesthetic pool without the hassle of digging an in-ground pool. The process is also fairly quick and easy. You can have your gunite pool up and running in as little as two or three days - or less! With a gunite pool, you also don’t need to worry about maintaining an in-ground pool or worrying about water retention - they’re built with that in mind!