Gunite Curing - How fast is too fast?
Gunite Truck at sunrise.
Exactly how many days does it take a Gunite shell to cure? The real question should be: When does my gunite shell near 4,000 PSI?
That question depends on three things: The strength of your mix, the quality of your shoot, and how hydrated you keep the shell.
A recently shot gunite shell.
28 days to cure has been an industry “best practice” for years because it is the most conservative estimate of when a range of different quality gunite mixes will be near that magic number.
Here at Canyon Oak Pools, we ensure that our gunite mix and shoot are of the highest quality, from the best supplier who routinely shoots test panels and cores to confirm PSI. With a high-quality mix and shoot, our gunite reaches between 70-85% of its needed 4000 psi by the end of the 7th day when hydrated properly. We plaster after the 28th day to ensure that our gunite has been given ample time to continue the curing process. In actuality, gunite (just like good ol' fashioned concrete) will continue to cure for years.
