Pool Construction
Gunite / Shotcrete Calculator
Shell + bond beam volume in cubic yards. Plug in surface area and shell thickness; we add the bond beam, waste, and rebound.
FAQ
Gunite vs shotcrete? +
Both are pneumatically placed concrete. Gunite is dry-mix (water added at the nozzle), shotcrete is wet-mix (pre-mixed and pumped). Shotcrete has better quality control; gunite is more common in residential pools.
What about rebound? +
Up to 15–25% of gunite material rebounds off the surface and is wasted. Pros minimize this through technique. Always add 15% to your order minimum.
Shell thickness code? +
Most residential codes: 6" minimum floor, 8" minimum walls. ICC G2 (pools) requires 8" floor in deep ends. Engineering for unique soils may require 10–12".
Bond beam? +
The bond beam is the thickened ring at the top of the pool wall where coping attaches. Typical: 12" × 12" with rebar tie-in. Critical for structural integrity around the deck.