Shotcrete Pool

This process, known as pneumatic projection, compacts the concrete as it’s applied, forming a dense, seamless shell that serves as the pool’s structural base. Shotcrete pools are highly customisable, extremely durable, and can be built faster than traditional poured-concrete pools because they require less formwork and manual shaping.

Key Characteristics of Shotcrete Pools

• Complete Design Flexibility: The shotcrete process allows for virtually any shape, size, or depth, making it ideal for custom designs that include features such as spas, waterfalls, steps, or tanning ledges.
• Exceptional Durability: Shotcrete creates a pool shell with high compressive strength, resistant to cracking, water seepage, and frost damage—ensuring decades of reliable performance.
• Seamless Structure: The material forms a monolithic (single-piece) shell with no joints or seams, reducing the risk of leaks and structural shifting.
• Faster Construction: Since shotcrete is sprayed directly onto the rebar frame without extensive formwork, construction is generally faster than conventional concrete pool building.
• Versatile Application: The spraying technique can be applied to irregular surfaces or complex designs, allowing precise shaping of walls, steps, and slopes.

Shotcrete pools combine engineering strength with design freedom, making them a leading choice for homeowners and builders seeking a durable, custom, and long-lasting concrete pool solution.

Building a shotcrete pool involves a highly structured process that blends engineering precision with skilled craftsmanship. The key difference from traditional concrete pools is that the concrete is sprayed under high pressure onto a rebar framework, allowing for faster installation and complete design freedom. The following steps outline how a shotcrete pool is built from start to finish.

1. Design and Permits

The process begins with detailed design planning, including the pool’s shape, depth, features, and structural layout. Once the plans are finalised, required building permits are obtained to comply with local safety and construction regulations.

2. Excavation and Layout

The pool area is marked according to the design, and heavy machinery excavates the ground to the correct dimensions. The excavation must be precise to ensure proper depth and wall alignment.

3. Installing Steel Reinforcement (Rebar)

A steel rebar framework is placed inside the excavated area, forming the skeleton of the pool. The steel bars are bent and tied into position, providing the structural strength needed to support the shotcrete once applied.

4. Plumbing and Electrical Setup

Plumbing lines for filtration, returns, skimmers, and drains are installed before spraying begins. Electrical conduits for lighting and equipment are also added at this stage.

5. Applying Shotcrete

A specialised hose sprays pre-mixed wet concrete (shotcrete) at high velocity onto the rebar. The concrete compacts as it hits the surface, forming dense walls and a solid floor. Skilled workers shape and smooth the wet concrete immediately after spraying to achieve the desired contours and finishes.

6. Curing the Shell

Once the shotcrete shell is complete, it must cure slowly over several weeks to reach maximum strength. During this time, the surface is regularly moistened to prevent cracking and ensure even curing.

7. Finishing and Plumbing Connections

After curing, the interior finish—such as plaster, tile, or pebble—is applied. Plumbing is connected to the pump, filter, and heater systems, and electrical components like lights are installed.

8. Filling and Testing

The pool is filled with water, and the entire system is tested to confirm that all plumbing, electrical, and filtration components are functioning correctly. Final adjustments and balancing of the water chemistry complete the process.

A shotcrete pool combines custom design flexibility with structural strength, resulting in a permanent, high-quality swimming pool that can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.

Shotcrete pools are known for their exceptional strength, design versatility, and long lifespan, making them a preferred option for homeowners seeking a premium, fully custom-built pool. While the upfront investment is higher than some alternatives, their structural durability and low long-term maintenance make them a cost-efficient and visually stunning choice.

Customization and Design Flexibility

• Unlimited Design Options: The shotcrete process allows for complete creative control over the pool’s shape, depth, and size, accommodating both simple geometric forms and complex, freeform designs.
• Seamless Feature Integration: Built-in elements such as waterfalls, grottos, swim-up bars, benches, or tanning ledges can be incorporated directly into the pool shell during construction.
• Wide Range of Finishes: Homeowners can select from plaster, tile, quartz, or natural stone finishes to achieve a personalised aesthetic that complements their property style.

Durability and Longevity

• Exceptional Structural Strength: When properly built, shotcrete pools form a dense, reinforced shell that can last for several decades and endure extreme weather conditions.
• Low Maintenance: The high-density concrete minimises water absorption, reducing the risk of cracking, leaks, and costly repairs over time.
• Superior Resilience: The combination of steel rebar and sprayed concrete creates a rigid, long-lasting structure far more resistant to damage than vinyl or fibreglass pools.

Additional Benefits

• Increased Property Value: A custom-designed shotcrete pool significantly enhances the aesthetic and market value of a home, especially in high-end or landscaped properties.
• Long-Term Cost Efficiency: Although installation costs are higher initially, the reduced need for major repairs or replacements provides excellent long-term savings.
• Adaptable Installation: The shotcrete technique works well with varied lot shapes and elevations, making it suitable for both flat and sloped backyards.

A shotcrete pool delivers the perfect balance of creativity, endurance, and luxury offering unmatched design freedom and structural integrity that can last a lifetime when properly maintained.

Shotcrete pools provide long-term durability and design freedom, but they also come with notable cost, maintenance, and construction challenges. The rough, porous concrete surface requires more cleaning and chemical treatment, and the installation process demands expert handling to avoid structural flaws. Homeowners considering this pool type should weigh these factors before committing to the investment.

Higher Costs

• Expensive Installation: Shotcrete pools often have a higher upfront price due to their customised designs, complex construction, and the need for experienced professionals.
• Greater Long-Term Expenses: Ongoing maintenance, resurfacing, and chemical usage result in a higher lifetime cost of ownership compared to fibreglass or vinyl liner pools.

Long Installation Time

• Extended Construction Period: Building a shotcrete pool typically takes three to six months, depending on weather, complexity, and finishing work.
• Continuous Application Requirement: The shotcrete must be sprayed in one uninterrupted session to ensure proper bonding. Stopping mid-process can cause weak points, making scheduling and crew coordination critical.

Rough and Porous Surface

• Algae Growth: The porous texture allows algae and bacteria to cling easily, requiring more frequent brushing and higher chlorine use to keep the surface clean.
• Rough on Skin: The interior finish can feel coarse on feet and swimwear, and surface wear—such as pitting or calcium buildup—can make it rougher over time.
• Resurfacing Needed: The pool’s interior must be replastered or refinished every 10–15 years, adding a significant maintenance cost.

Maintenance and Repair Challenges

• High Chemical Demand: To prevent algae buildup and staining, shotcrete pools require more chemical treatment than smoother pool surfaces.
• Salt System Limitations: Saltwater systems can erode the plaster or tile finish, reducing the pool’s lifespan and requiring earlier resurfacing.
• Complex Repairs: Leaks or cracks are difficult and expensive to locate and repair because they often occur within the concrete shell or underground plumbing.

Other Drawbacks

• Cold Joint Risk: Interruptions during spraying can create cold joints, weak areas where the concrete fails to bond properly.
• Dependence on Skilled Labour: The quality and durability of a shotcrete pool rely heavily on the experience and precision of the construction crew, particularly the nozzle operator and mix technicians.



While shotcrete pools offer outstanding longevity and design flexibility, they demand higher investment, skilled installation, and diligent maintenance to perform at their best over time.

The cost of a shotcrete pool in Canada typically ranges from $55,000 to $125,000 or more, depending on the pool’s size, depth, design complexity, and additional features. Smaller, simpler designs start around $55,000, while larger or highly customised pools can exceed $130,000. Because shotcrete pools are labour-intensive and fully custom-built, pricing varies widely based on materials, terrain, and regional labour rates.

Factors Influencing Cost

• Size and Depth: Larger and deeper pools require more shotcrete, steel reinforcement, and labour.
• Example: A 14' × 28' pool typically costs between $65,000 and $85,000, while an 18' × 36' pool may range from $110,000 to $135,000.
• Site Preparation: Costs rise for sites needing significant excavation, soil grading, or debris removal, especially on uneven or rocky terrain.
• Customisation: Adding complex shapes, integrated spas, infinity edges, water features, or decorative tiling increases overall costs.
• Labour and Materials: Shotcrete installation requires skilled tradespeople and specialised equipment, and local labour costs can heavily influence final pricing.

Additional Features:

• Pool deck: $25–$50 per square foot
• Fencing: $10–$45 per linear foot
• Automatic safety covers: $8,000–$20,000
• Design and Permits: Professional design plans, structural engineering, and municipal permits are typically included in the overall investment.

A shotcrete pool represents a premium, long-term investment that delivers exceptional strength and design flexibility. Though initial construction costs are high, the result is a durable, fully customised pool that adds lasting beauty and value to any property.

Yes, shotcrete is one of the best materials for building swimming pools due to its strength, adaptability, and long-lasting performance. It forms a dense, reinforced concrete shell that can be shaped into virtually any design, making it ideal for both residential and commercial pool projects. Once cured, shotcrete provides a durable foundation that supports a variety of finishes such as plaster, tile, or natural stone.

Benefits of Shotcrete for Pools

• Exceptional Durability: The shotcrete process produces a dense, low-porosity structure that resists cracking, weather damage, and freeze–thaw cycles common in Canadian climates.
• Design Flexibility: Because the material is sprayed rather than poured, it can be moulded into any shape, size, or contour, including curved walls and multi-level layouts.
• Versatile Finishes: Once cured, the surface can be finished with plaster, tiles, quartz, or stone, offering complete aesthetic control.
• Faster Installation: The spray application method requires less formwork and manual shaping than traditional poured concrete, reducing construction time.
• Long-Term Value: While the initial installation cost is higher, shotcrete pools provide decades of reliable performance with minimal structural maintenance, making them a strong long-term investment.

Potential Considerations

• Requires Skilled Installation: The quality and lifespan of a shotcrete pool rely heavily on experienced technicians who can apply the material evenly and at the proper pressure.
• Curing Period: After spraying, the pool shell needs at least seven days of moist curing to develop full strength and prevent surface cracking.



In summary, shotcrete is a durable, adaptable, and high-value material for pool construction. With professional installation and proper curing, it delivers a premium, long-lasting structure capable of withstanding years of use and environmental stress.

A shotcrete pool can last between 20 and 50 years or more, depending on construction quality, environmental conditions, and how well it is maintained. The concrete shell itself is extremely durable and capable of lasting several decades, but the interior finish—such as plaster or tile—will require periodic resurfacing to maintain its appearance and integrity. With proper care, a shotcrete pool can serve as a long-term investment that retains both functionality and value.

Factors Affecting Lifespan

• Construction Quality: A well-built shotcrete pool created by skilled professionals will last significantly longer than one with poor workmanship or weak structural reinforcement. Proper application, curing, and waterproofing are critical for longevity.
• Maintenance Practices: Consistent care helps extend the pool’s lifespan.
• Daily/Weekly Tasks: Regular cleaning, brushing, and chemical balancing prevent staining and algae buildup.
• Every Few Years: Deep cleaning or acid washing helps preserve the finish and prevent surface scaling.



Interior Finish:

• Plaster: Typically lasts 10 to 15 years before needing resurfacing.
• Tile, Pebble, or Quartz Finishes: These alternatives can last longer but may require minor repairs over time.
• Timely Repairs: Cracks, leaks, or surface wear should be addressed immediately to prevent further structural damage or water loss.

A properly constructed and well-maintained shotcrete pool can easily exceed 40 years of use, offering lasting strength and visual appeal. Regular upkeep and resurfacing every decade or so ensure it remains watertight, safe, and attractive for generations.