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Why Gunite?
Why Gunite?
– an interview with Bryan Hull, Co-Owner of Del Val Pools in Turnersville, NJ.
Q: What is Gunite and how long has been around?
A: Gunite is a dry cementous mixture that is pressurized through a hose and mixed with water and then pneumatically projected on to a surface. Some people call it concrete, but it’s much stronger and does not contain the aggregate – the rocks and pebbles – found in concrete. This allows for finer molding, shaping, and plaster finishing processes. Gunite has been around since the early 1900’s and was first used to restore the exterior of the façade of the Field Columbian Museum in Chicago. Initially, the term “Gunite” was patented by one of the early equipment manufacturers, but the industry has come to use that name as a generic term to describe a dry mixture that is mixed with water at the nozzle to control viscosity. The application is truly an art form.
Q: So why Gunite?
A: Gunite has been tried and tested for more than a century and is used in a variety of settings where strength is paramount. Simply put, there are three main reasons Del Val Pools utilizes Gunite to build the finest luxury pools in the Tri-State area. First: Gunite is strong – so strong that it is used to line tunnels into mountains, build highway overpasses, and yes, build extremely durable swimming pools, Second: Gunite is applied through a pressurized hose at a very high velocity. I like to think of the hose as a paint brush and the surface receiving the Gunite spray as a canvas. We are able to construct incredible shapes and unique designs as a result of this process. Third: It allows us the most flexibility when crafting a pool. Unlike pre-manufactured forms that require means of access, delivery, and placement, the Gunite is applied to the form we create onsite and co-designed with homeowners. The Gunite pool becomes not only an entertainment area but also a form of architecture that compliments the existing home and provides a maximum return on investment.
Q: Why are Gunite pools so much of the Del Val Pools brand identity?
A: My brother and I grew up in this business. Our children are the third generation carrying on the torch. We sell inground and above ground pools, a variety of spas, and maintain three retail stores, so we are well known in the Tri State area, but if I had to choose one word that brings people to Del Val Pools – it’s Gunite. In this capacity, we are not only pool construction specialists, but we are also called upon as Gunite construction consultants. Recently, we expanded our services to the coastal areas where construction of inground pools in sand is radically different from pool construction in the center parts of the State. We have spent a fair amount of time speaking with engineers on the municipal level to assist with the structural side of projects. Ultimately though, Gunite gives Del Val a form of expression. I look at each project as being unique and not only a reflection of our company but also a reflection of the homeowner. To be successful, it must be collaborative effort. It’s hard to bring that sense of individuality and custom work to a project when all you have is a folder of pre-determined shapes to sell from. Gunite allows us to create – yes that’s the best word – Gunite allows us to create what our customers envision, and that’s what makes us different.
