Information on Gunite Shotcrete for Swimming pools 2

I'm in need of any information on Gunite Shotcrete. I have a 850 lot residential Golf Course Community That is considering installing a Gunite Shotcrete pool at their clubhouse. After reviewing the soil bore test I feel that Gunite would be a mistake and the developer feels the same. The pool designer feels this would be the best product and most economical way to go. The Developer and I are not looking for the most economical way we are looking for a quality product that will last. If anyone has any information on Gunite Shotcrete pools, in particular specification, PSI ratings, Reinforcing, and installation on this kind of pool please let me know. thanks engineer38

 

[Ron]

Engineer38..Gunite is a proprietary process of shotcrete. If done properly, it will produce a dense, high strength concrete. The problem is doing it properly.

In my experience, the results are highly variable unless specific controls are placed on the placement of the shotcrete. There have to be mix controls, delivery controls, nozzleman controls, placement technique controls, and curing controls. Most of these are absent in typical swimming pool construction, thus the variability.

As with any concrete or cementitious material, the properties can be tested and the affects of the techniques on the final properties can usually be predicted. ACI has a publication "Guide for Shotcrete" under Committee 506 that gives a lot of great information for controlling this material, including certification of the nozzleman.

Good luck.

Ron

 

[emmgjld]

Engineer38

If soil conditions are somewhat unstable (slightly to moderatly expansive or metastable/collapsible), Gunite may not be a good choice.

In Western Colorado, I am seeing good performance with some prefabed fiberglass and many vinyl type pools. The flexibility is very important. If the soils are water sensitive, there is virtually no way to construct drains or seal pipes and concrete deck slabs to prevent water entry. In some ways, Gunite is too good, by being too strong. In our area of troublesome soils, most gunite pools have been replaced with prefabed fiberglass and vinyl type pools.

 

[jwright]

I am debating between a gunite pool and a fibreglass one for a new home in Birmingham, Alabama. I will be on the crest of a slight hill which has about five feet of fall either way in about thirty feet. We have yet to dig the footings so I do not know what we will find as we go down. The soil is that red clay you see so much of in the south.

There seems to be only one gunite pool installer in the area and he is talking about $30,000 for a 18' by 36' gunite.

Am I wise to use this product? Does that price seem reasonable? What would a similar Fibreglass cost?

Thank in advance for all help.