Wait time after shooting Gunite?

[Mudhog79]

Hello,

Just curious as to what the real process is supposed to be or what others have seen with their pools. We have spoken to about 6 different pool builders. The last one we spoke with today said we should wait 28 days after shooting the gunite before proceeding. He is saying due to this it takes him about 3 months to do a pool vs. 5 to 6 weeks other companies are quoting. What have you all seen with your pool builds or is the wait period a real thing that people dont do?

Thanks

 

[ajw22]

I think around a week is about normal and some builders start tiling within a day or two. 28 days is overkill.

Look at the chart in Watering New Gunite and Concrete - Further Reading The gunite will have 50% of its strength within about 7 days.

@bdavis466 thoughts?

 

[PoolGate]

My gunite was shot 8/7, coping installed 8/22, tile 8/23 and plaster 9/12. I think the wait times between steps were driven more by scheduling limitations than gunite cure times.

 

[bdavis466]

The only real logical reason to wait is so that it's easier to keep the concrete moist while it's curing. The gunite does not cure in a linear fashion, it build strength quickly and then much more slowly in the following days.

The other thing to consider is that the pool shell will not see any sort of stress that could cause issues. This isn't like a bridge, Road or a driveway that's going to see traffic in heavy use , it's a pool that's going to sit there until it's ready to be filled with water.

Work can continue a day or two after being shot and backfilled afted 4-7 days

 

[Mudhog79]

Thanks to everyone for the information!