Pneumatically applied concrete “Shotcrete” wet, or “Gunite” dry, allows unlimited freedom of design of

swimming pool shape, size and water features. Swimming pool Shell Thickness and amount and size of

reinforcing steel (REBAR) can be adjusted to meet STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS which vary with design, soil

conditions and temperature.

Concrete PSI – Compressive strength of concrete is a physical property and is expressed in pounds per

square inch (psi) at an age of 28 days. Most general use concrete has a compressive strength between

3000 psi and 5000 psi.

Swimming Pool cubic yard gunite requirement

Example 15′ x 30′ freeform pool 3′ to 6′ deep w/ 80 perimeter and 390 square ft..

Pool 3′ + 6′ = 9′ divided by 2 = 4.5′ average depth x 80′ perimeter = 360 sf walls.

390 floor sf + 360 wall sf = 750 square ft. total.divide by 2 (walls are 6″ thick) = 375.

375 divided by 27 (cu. ft. per cu. yd.) =14 add 2 yards for beam and 3 yards for

steps and benches = 19 cubic yards plus or minus.

Weights (typical)

Concrete = 142.4 lbs. per cubic ft. – 3844 lbs. per cubic yard

Soil = 120 lbs. per cubic ft. – 3240 lbs. per cubic yard

Water = 62.4 lbs. per cubic ft. – 1496 lbs. per cubic yard

The larger the agregate present in the cement the lighter the weight.

Rebar – 1/8″ to 2-1/2″ in 1/8″ increments.

#3 Rebar = 3/8″

#4 Rebar = 4/8″ or 1/2″

#5 Rebar = 5/8″

Bend – cold only.

Bend – Inside diameter of bend shall not be less than 4db or 4 x diameter of bar.

Cover (concrete) of reinforcement steel minimums shall be 2″ to water and 3″ to soil.

Rebar (steel reinforcement) used in swimming pools is

commonly known as “intermediate grade 60”.

SEE PLAN – STEEL REINFORCEMENT (REBAR) SCHEDULE AND REBAR FORMULA

TO COMPUTE STEEL REQUIREMENTS

Overlap rebar (joints) @ 48 times diam.

Example #5 rebar @ x48 = 30″ overlap.

Example #4 rebar @ x48 = 24″ overlap.

Example #3 rebar @ x48 = 18″ overlap.

Rebar is usually sold by weight (tons) and in 20′ or 40′ lengths. When possible use 40′ lengths for

fewer overlaps (joints) and lower cost.

The American Concrete Institute refers to all pneumatically placed concrete as shotcrete.

Shotcrete refers to both application methods – wet or dry.

Concrete for Swimming Pool Construction can be Pneumatically applied, Formed

and poured in place or hand stacked.