A lot of pool buyers choose to build concrete pools, using shotcrete as it provides unparalleled beauty, great design flexibility, superb integrity and aesthetic quality. This article will give you an idea of the basics about this material, the advantages it offers and help you understand how it’s used in pool construction.
What Is Shotcrete?
Shotcrete is a concrete blend of sand, cement, and water that’s applied through a high-pressure hose to reach a certain compaction or density level. Once the concrete dries and cures it becomes a rock-hard, thick, solid structure. This wet-shot concrete should be has to be tested for proper strength gain between 4,000 and 8,000 psi so that it is watertight.
A lot of people confuse ‘shotcrete’ and ‘gunite’ as one and the same because both are ‘free form’ applications of concrete that result in strong, watertight structures. Free form concrete can be applied horizontally or vertically to follow any geometrical shape. The concrete can be applied through either a wet-mix or dry-mix process. The former is known as “shotcrete”, while other builders use dry-mix also known as “gunite”.
The wet-mix process is completed with a positive-displacement pump, and a ready-mix plant or delivery company delivers the material to the job in a wet condition. Unlike the dry-mix process, the wet concrete mix greets air at the nozzle before shooting. The batching for the concrete mixture process for shotcrete takes place in the concrete plant. Even the water in the mixture is added in the plant before being transported to the jobsite in concrete trucks. So if you ask for a certain mix, then you can be sure that is what you will be getting, as long as the ready mix company is reputable.
When the concrete arrives at the jobsite, the shotcrete pump is used to spray it out under pressure and place it in layers until the thickness is achieved.
Why Are Concrete Pools So Popular?
Shotcrete-sprayed concrete is often the preferred choice of pool contractors and builders, because of its economic and flexible application. Shotcrete provides higher mechanical strength construction and building your pool using shotcrete ensures that your pool walls are much stronger with fewer joints between wall sections. Your pool will not crack and it should remain water-tight even as years roll on because concrete strengthens over time. Shotcrete pools are suitable for any region because they can stand up well to any harsh weather situations.
But do remember that the contractor building the shotcrete pool must be highly experienced, as placing and curing the shotcrete for great results is key. Proper curing using soaker hoses to spray the pool walls ensures that the concrete shell remains cool and wet for proper density and it meets the required psi strength stipulations. Incorrect construction can be disastrous. Besides concrete, the soil, forms, steel and plumbing have to be applied correctly too. Proper construction by reputable concrete contractors will give you the peace of mind that your pool is built to last.
With shotcrete construction, you have no design limitations. Your pool can be any style, size, depth and shape you want. From smooth curves, elevated spas to sharp angles, or even both, concrete can deliver the results you want.
Stylish Concrete Pools That Are Value For Money
For long lasting beautiful pools you can count on, look no further than concrete. Just make sure to hire an expert concrete pool builder who can translate your ideas into a well-designed stunning pool. With over six decades of experience in supplying and delivering shotcrete, Davis Concrete is the preferred choice when it comes to swimming pool contractors in the Tampa Bay area. At Davis Concrete, we have the people and expertise necessary for all your shotcrete jobs.
For more information or a quote- Call us today.
