Shooting Gunite in the Rain

[HRR8998]

Good afternoon all,

New member here. My pool is under construction in Florida. Excavation and rebar were done a few days ago and tomorrow morning they are planning to shoot the gunite. The only thing is the weather forecast is calling for showers and thunderstorms all day tomorrow, starting around 4am. Is it ok to shoot a pool in the rain?

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Depends on amount of rain, typically you would hydrate the dirt before Gunite is applied so it will pull the moisture from both sides of the application. Light rain is ok and actually is in your favor to keep the Gunite hydrated. Downfalls are if it’s a heavy rain or rains for a long time you run the chance of cave ins or run off of the earth from the walls and building up on the floor and taking up the space of your 3” clearance to rebar. Also you don’t want crews working in direct rain and mud, if the excavation hole can be covered and the water runoff diverted this is better for everyone involved. It’s your decision but remember it’s ok to delay a few days for better weather.

 

[HRR8998]

Thanks!

 

[HRR8998]

Another newbie question for you experienced pool construction gurus. My gunite was shot Thursday and I’ve been watering it twice a day and when I put water on it the gunite starts making a snap crackle and pop sound. The best way I can describe it is it sounds like a rice krispis cereal when you add milk to it. After a minute or two the sound goes away. Is that normal?

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Its the Gunite absorbing the water and the temperature difference between the two, that’s why it goes away after a while. My recommendation for hydration of the Gunite is 5 times a day for 7 days to ensure a stronger pool shell .