Gunite or a variation called Shotcrete is a type of reinforced concrete; it is strong and adaptable to unusual shapes.

To build one of these pools, the construction crew digs a hole, puts the plumbing in place and assembles a framework grid with 3/8-inch steel reinforcing rods (rebar). The rebar rods are spaced about 10 inches apart, and secured together with wire. When the grid is in place, the crew sprays a heavy coating of gunite, a mixture of cement and sand, around the rebar.

The sprayer unit combines dry gunite mix with water just before spraying -- this produces the wet concrete material.

The crew trowels the gunite smooth and lets it sit for a week or so before applying a smooth finish to the rough surface. The most popular finish is called plaster but a lot of people finish their pools with special concrete paint. Construction and installation of concrete pools can take 30 to 90 days, depending on the weather and the installer.

Using gunite, you can design any shape of pool. In luxury homes, gunite is simply the best material to work with, since it lends itself to custom pool design. Gunite is the material associated with luxury when a homeowner wants that natural look to their pool.

Thanks to an entirely new selection of design options, homeowners can have Gunite pools that resemble Florida beaches or mountain lakes. Beach entries which look like the sandy beach at the ocean, vanishing edges which give the appearance of the pool dropping off into nothing, and pebble finishes which give the appearance of a lake or creek bed are just a few of the options available.

Advantages of a Gunite Swimming Pool

• An in-ground gunite pool is a permanent structure it as an extension of your house that is why your property will be worth more with a gunite pool.

• Gunite pools are  custom and more personal, they may cost more and take longer to install, but  the added time is clearly worth it. Building a gunite pool you get to  pick all the details 
  

• Gunite pools can  also have tile, exposed aggregate or even fiberglass finishes. 
  

• If you like to think out of the box  and seek a more unique design that reflects your personality, a gunite pool  would be a better choice. Gunite pools are highly durable, and they can be built in any  shape or size. 
  

• A gunite pool lasts a very long  time, but the plaster layer does need replacing every 10-15 years.