What’s the Difference Between Shotcrete and Gunite—and Why Does It Matter?
The terms “gunite” and “shotcrete” are often used interchangeably in the pool industry, especially in marketing—but there is a technical difference:
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Gunite is dry-mix concrete. Dry cement and sand are pumped through a hose, and water is added at the nozzle during application.
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Shotcrete is wet-mix concrete. Water and cement are pre-mixed before being sprayed through the hose.
Both are pneumatically applied concrete methods that form strong, steel-reinforced pool shells. They both fall under the category of sprayed concrete pools, which is why “gunite” has become the industry’s go-to marketing term—even when the builder is actually installing shotcrete.
So… Which One Does High Prairie Use?
At High Prairie, we technically install shotcrete, the wet-mix method.
Why? Because it provides several engineering and performance advantages when applied correctly, such as:
✅ Consistent mix quality – The concrete is fully blended before it ever reaches the hose, reducing application variability.
✅ Superior adhesion – The wet mix bonds exceptionally well to rebar and forming structures.
✅ Reduced dust and rebound waste – Making for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient job site.
✅ Greater strength when applied with expert crews – Our in-house certified professionals apply the mix with precision and control.
Why It Matters to You
The reality is: the installation method is only as good as the crew applying it. Understand how your investment is being used to either prolong your pool’s lifespan or shorten it allows you to make educated decisions.
At High Prairie, we don’t just use shotcrete—we’ve built a specialized, in-house team trained to apply it with care, consistency, and craft. Combined with 30% more steel reinforcement, geo-technical planning, and enhanced foundation stabilization, our shotcrete pools are engineered to last in Kansas City’s tough soils and freeze-thaw conditions.
Bottom line: Whether you call it shotcrete or gunite, what matters most is who’s building it, how it’s engineered, and the integrity of the installation. And that’s where High Prairie truly stands apart.
