Gunite questions, answered.

Gunite is a mixture of sand, cement, and water sprayed at high pressure over a steel-reinforced (rebar) frame to form a pool's shell. Because it's built on-site rather than dropped in as a pre-made mold like fiberglass, a gunite pool can be made in virtually any shape, size, or depth — and it's the most durable type of in-ground pool. It's the same proven method used for everything from custom backyard pools to large commercial structures.

Both are pneumatically applied (sprayed) concrete — the difference is when the water is mixed in. With gunite, a dry mix is combined with water right at the nozzle as it's sprayed; with shotcrete, the concrete is mixed with water first and then pumped. Both create exceptionally strong structures, and South Coast Gunite works with both for pool and structural projects.

Quite a bit. Alongside custom gunite pools and spas, we create rock features, waterfalls, grottos, and rock slides; apply commercial and structural shotcrete for aquatic and commercial projects; build engineered retaining walls; and handle pool renovations and repairs. We also work as a gunite and shotcrete subcontractor for pool builders and general contractors who need an experienced crew for the structural shell.

Yes. Because gunite is sprayed on-site over a rebar frame, it can form almost any shape — freeform pools, tanning ledges, raised spas, and built-in benches. Our crew also hand-crafts artificial rock, boulders, waterfalls, grottos, and rock slides designed to look and feel natural.

A properly built gunite shell is the most durable pool construction available and can last for decades. Because the shell is so strong, aging pools can usually be repaired, re-shelled, resurfaced, or remodeled rather than torn out — structural repairs and renovations are a large part of what we do.

It depends on the design, site conditions, weather, and permitting, so timelines vary from project to project. Gunite construction happens in stages — excavation, steel and plumbing, shooting the gunite shell, then curing, finishes, and decking. We'll walk you through a realistic schedule for your specific project when we provide your estimate.

We serve Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast — including Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Cypress, Spring, League City, Friendswood, Galveston, Conroe, and Richmond — generally within about 60 miles of Houston. Not sure whether you're in range? Just ask.

Every project is different, so cost depends on size, design, features, and site conditions. We provide free, no-pressure estimates — share a few details through our online estimate form or call us at (713) 705-2237, and we'll take it from there.