If your concrete pool in North Texas is showing signs of wear, cracking, or surface damage, you’re probably hearing two words over and over: gunite and shotcrete. Both materials are used in pool construction and resurfacing, but when it comes to repair work, knowing the difference can help you make the right call for your pool and budget.
At Professional Brick & Stone Works, we’ve handled everything from cracked gunite pool repairs to full shotcrete resurfacing in McKinney, Wylie, Murphy, and beyond. Let’s walk through what makes these materials different and how to choose the right fix.
What’s the Difference Between Gunite and Shotcrete?
Both gunite and shotcrete are forms of sprayed concrete used to build or repair pools. But they’re mixed and applied differently:
- Gunite is a dry mix. Water is added at the nozzle during application.
- Shotcrete is a wet mix. It’s fully mixed with water before it’s sprayed.
That one difference affects everything from durability to repair techniques.
Pros and Cons of Gunite Pool Repair
Gunite is strong, flexible, and widely used for in-ground pools. But it has its challenges during repairs.
Gunite pool repair advantages:
- Great for custom-shaped pools
- Dries slowly, giving contractors more control during application
- Works well for patching cracks and structural reinforcement
Gunite pool repair concerns:
- Requires highly skilled application
- Prone to cracking if not installed or cured properly
- Can be dustier and messier on-site
“Gunite gives us a lot of flexibility during application,” says Marcos, founder of Professional Brick & Stone Works. “But if your pool has had multiple cracks or poor previous work, we often recommend resurfacing with shotcrete for a longer-lasting fix.”
When to Choose Shotcrete Pool Repair
Shotcrete has become the go-to option for many modern pool contractors—especially when resurfacing older gunite pools.
Shotcrete repair advantages:
- Faster application with less mess
- Strong, uniform surface due to consistent wet mix
- Ideal for resurfacing large areas of a pool shell
- Great bond with existing concrete during repair work
Shotcrete repair limitations:
- Shorter working time, so it must be applied quickly and professionally
- Slightly higher material cost compared to gunite
For pools with widespread surface damage, poor texture, or aging finishes, resurfacing with shotcrete is often the better choice.
Gunite Pool Problems That Need Repair
If you’re dealing with any of the following, it’s time to call a pool gunite repair service:
- Visible surface cracks or spiderweb patterns
- Chipping or flaking near pool edges
- Water loss due to underground leaks
- Pool surface feels rough or gritty
Our team offers full gunite pool resurfacing quotes, so you’ll know what to expect before we get started.
How to Fix Gunite vs Shotcrete Pool Issues
Here’s how we typically approach each material:
- Gunite pool crack repair: We cut out the crack, clean and reinforce the area, then apply fresh gunite or a compatible patching compound. In cases of deeper structural damage, rebar or mesh may be added.
- Shotcrete pool fix: For surface-level wear or peeling, we often remove the top layer, prep the shell, and apply a new coat of shotcrete pool resurfacing to restore integrity and appearance.
“Our goal is always to repair pools in a way that lasts through years of North Texas heat, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles,” Marcos says. “That’s why we assess every job individually. Sometimes a patch is enough, and sometimes it’s smarter to resurface.”
Cost and Timeframe Comparison
- Gunite repair is typically less expensive upfront for small cracks or patches. A basic gunite pool crack repair can take 1–3 days, depending on the size and location.
- Shotcrete repair has a higher material cost but lasts longer for full resurfacing jobs. Most pool resurfacing with shotcrete takes 3–5 days from prep to finish.
How to Choose the Right Repair for Your Pool
Not sure if your pool needs a shotcrete overlay or a gunite fix? Here’s a quick guide:
Choose gunite repair if:
- Your pool only has a few visible cracks
- You’re fixing specific structural areas
- You want to preserve your original pool shell
Choose shotcrete resurfacing if:
- Your pool surface is heavily damaged or peeling
- You want a smoother, more modern finish
- You’ve had ongoing issues with previous repairs
Ready to Schedule Your Pool Repair in North Texas?
Whether you’re looking for gunite pool repair contractors or need help comparing shotcrete vs gunite repair, we’ve got you covered. At Professional Brick & Stone Works, we bring over 15 years of trusted local experience to every job—from quick patches to full pool overhauls.
- Serving McKinney, Murphy, Wylie, and Collin County
- Contact us today to schedule your gunite pool inspection or request a shotcrete pool resurfacing cost estimate
Let’s fix it right the first time—so you can get back to enjoying your pool.
More Information:
https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/single-family/training/docs/14-TMCS.pdf
