Swimming Pools

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Swimming Pool to the Users Needs

Swimming Pool Size and Shape

Space around the swimming pool

The Shell that holds the Water

You can have a Spa, too

Gunite Concrete

Gunite as Pool Constrution Material

Gunite concrete type of construction led the way to the growth in pool ownership because it was much cheaper than other methods of concrete construction.

Gunite is a mixture of hydrated cement and sand applied over and under a grid of steel reinforcing rods – called re-bar – directly against the soil. The mix is very dry and is shot from a nozzle under high pressure to form a one-piece shell that is considered stronger than any other type of concrete.

The gunite must be directed behind the re-bars and against the earth so that pockets of air or loose sand cannot form. The shell must be of the proper thickness throughout, with no weak spots that will be unable to resist earth and hydrostatic pressures.

Many contractors’ place covers over the main drain pipe, inlet pipes, and light sockets to prevent their being filled with concrete. Otherwise, all openings must be checked and cleared as soon as the gunite crew is finished.

Gunite allows complete freedom of size and shape, since it follows any excavated shape. Steps and spas can be formed at the same time. The thickness of the shell and the number and size of the re-bars can be adjusted to meet any structural requirement. If you have to build your pool on filled ground, a gunite shell supported on concrete piers that site on solid ground may be the answer.

The initial cost of gunite equipment makes it impractical for the small contractor who builds only a few pools a year, unless the equipment can be rented when needed. If you don't live in a densely populated area, you may find either that gunite is not available or that the cost is considerably higher than other available materials.

Other Swimming pool constrution materials are; Gunite, Poured Concrete, Hand-Packed Concrete, Masonry Blocks, Vinyl-lined Pools, Metal or Plastic Sidewall Pools, Fiberglass Pools, Fiberglass Shells and Hybrid Fiberglass, and Portable Pools.