Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Bring on the Gunite!

The rains stayed at bay overnight so I had a nice dry, firm pool hole when the workers arrived at 6:30 this morning.


As soon as the concrete truck arrived they went straight to work spraying the gunite. Gunite is really just concrete with a  finer aggregate so it can be sprayed.  At $123.25 per yard it's a bit more expensive too. By days end I used 22 yards, exactly two truck loads.


The workers put up a barrier around the pool so any over spray doesn't get on the masonry wall or the house.


Creating a pool is really more of an art than a science. The gunite has to be constantly carved and checked for level and plumb as it is sprayed.  A detail like the steps has to be delicately shaped and measured by an experienced worker to come out right.


It only took about 4 hours to do the job.  Now I have a one-of-a-kind totally unique pool like no other.  The 3 square niches along the pool's edge are where natural rocks will be placed.  This will be the next contractor followed by tile around the perimeter at the top.


I was very pleased by the work my Mexican amigos did.  This arch was added to my original plan when I learned their prices were so reasonable-just $500 more!

6 comments:

  1. Looks like that pool is going to be deep enough to put a submarine in. Like the privacy wall & arch. You sure have a nice looking place there.

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  2. Terry ! you have designed a gem of a pool....Hope to see it in person sometime... Will you be able to fill it from your well or truck water in ? Like the shapes in the wall to.

    Kelly

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  3. Al -- the reason the pool is so deep is so I can practice my cannonball dives! -- Terry Kelly -- you are welcome anytime!!

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  4. Just catching up with you guys on the "new" blog and most definitely new plans! Looks like you've got yourselves a lovely spot. Sorry to see you off the road, but will enjoy following your new house develop. Got any RV parking there?
    Nina

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  5. Nina, I'm glad you caught up with us. We have a FHU site; the catch is you have to back a 40 footer in for 300 ft. You are always welcome; bring your bathing suits. Terry

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  6. Love your main pic of the Catalina Mountains, and how nice it would be too stay there in the monsoon season.
    How exciting!

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