Shotcrete (Putting concrete into the dirt hole!)

Shotcrete came in today which is like Christmas :) You get to really see the shape of the pool and watch a really cool process. First they put up some Cement backer board (the same kind you use in the house), to put a backing anywhere they need it for the concrete to form up to. Like around the jacuzzi that is raised, in the automatic pool cover vault, etc... They set level lines with wire and attach them to metal stakes in the ground. Then they start shooting the wet concrete in mixed with air (called shotcrete). This process is different than gunite, in which the concrete is mixed with water right at the hose. Then they smooth out the lines of the pool with a big trowel.
The stuff that comes out of there is pretty solid already. It had the consistency of a really heavy mud. Within a half an hour or so it had set enough that people were walking on it and not leaving footprints. These guys were fast and professional, just like the other crews that had been here before.

Now we have to spray the pool 3 times a day with water for 10 days. This slows the curing process of the cement. When it cures slowly, it cures harder. California Pools does guarantee the pool for life, either way, but they suggested it, so we're going to do it :)

Here's some pics!