| Pick Your Pool| Gunite Inground Pools
Gunite pools are the most popular design in much of the United States.
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(actually a mixture of cement and marble sand), but a lot of people finish their pools with special concrete paint. Gunite pools can also have tile, exposed aggregate or even fiberglass finishes. Gunite pools (and their cousins, shotcrete pools) are highly durable, and they can be built in any shape or size.
The Construction Process
Layout: A representative from Hawaiian Pool Builders will meet with you to discuss the planning of your pool. Size, shape and location will be determined by you, along with helpful suggestions from our trained personnel. Once we determine the basics, we physically lay out the design with wooden forms, setting the exact location and shape, along with pool grade elevation.
Excavation: A backhoe is used to carefully dig the hole to your design specifications. Normally, barring any inclement weather, this procedure can be accomplished in one day, depending on the size of your structure.
Rebar (Steel): Next, the steel reinforcement grid is installed. For the deep end, the rods are placed closer together for extra support. Skimmer units, main drains and wall fittings are then installed, prior to the Gunite application.
Gunite Shell: Pre-mixed, dry concrete material (Gunite) mixed with water is not applied through a Gunite hose. Minimal water, along with extreme force, results in an extremely strong compacted concrete structure. Skilled workers then shape the Gunite to form the pool shell to specification. Because of the compression, 8 inches of Gunite is equal to 36 inches of poured concrete
Coping: Coping is then installed to cap off and finish the pool beam. Coping is available in a wide variety of styles and colors.
Plumbing: Installation of the PVC piping is next. Water from the pool is drawn back to the pump through in-wall surface skimmers, also from the main drain assemblies, located on the floor of the deep end. Water drawn by the pump is then passed through the filter, heater and automatic sanitizer. Cleaned, heated and sanitized water then returns to the pool through the pool wall return fittings.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tiles are added to the waterline to create an aesthetically pleasing finish. We use only the best tile available.
Decking: Walkways vary in style and size, according to your specific needs. Accessories such as diving boards and handrails are then added.
Plaster: An interior finish of white crushed marble and white cement is mixed together and is hand troweled on the Gunite surface. Color can be added to the mix to enhance the appearance.
Startup: Once the pool is filled, a Hawaiian Pool Builders service technician will install the accessory items not installed previously. he will chemically balance the water and instruct you how to operate and maintain your new pool.
