Gunite/Shotcrete in TRNC

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
16/11/2010 15:18

Anyone know where I can buy/hire plant for the above in TRNC?

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
17/11/2010 10:18

I can never understand why this gear wasn't brought over and used during the building boom. However, I asked our neighbour [very big Turkish developer] the reason why not. He replied that the TRNC government of the time simply wanted to charge so much import tax/duty, that he considered it not worth it + the hassle involved.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/11/2010 10:27

It looks like we will be bringing a set over from the UK next year. We intend to use it building freeform pools in conjunction with a UK pool company who are relocating here.



http://www.google.com.tr/images?q=freeform+swimming+pools&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=mZHjTIuDG8nAswbSo8GLDA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=2&ved=0CDYQsAQwAQ&biw=1016&bih=510

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
17/11/2010 12:41

That was a great 'link', Vaughan - just shows how archaic and inefficient the current pool building system is here!



Sprayed concrete is perfect for water tanks, perimeter walls and 'upside-down' concrete boats - we've been doing/using it for years in NZ!

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
17/11/2010 12:49

Wow some impressive looking pools

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
17/11/2010 13:26

Well, we are getting a bit bored with "8x4m overflow pools with a roman end" and we are looking to build freeform pools for some of our "bolder" customers.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
17/11/2010 17:06

By bolder, do you mean richer?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/11/2010 10:06

Let's say more imaginative.

We are looking to build "top-end" pools as well as more modest pools.

Luxury villas jusitfy luxury pools.

damchi


Joined: 21/05/2010
Posts: 26

Message Posted:
18/11/2010 12:42

Why has no-one imported/supplied the Kreepy Krawly pool cleaning system which is used in South Africa?

This system is very efficient, is attached to the existing pool pumping system (therefore no extra electricity is used) and eliminates the need for employing someone to take leaves, rubbish etc. from the pool. However it would not work as efficiently on 'free form' pools as it does with the more 'regularly' shaped pools.

shel56


Joined: 10/09/2008
Posts: 438

Message Posted:
18/11/2010 12:51

While living in South Africa we were going to buy a creepy crawley as they seemed to do a great job in the pools we saw there. However we were told they are no good for overflow pools so we didn't buy one. They sold loads of stuff that was brilliant for pool safety as well but again no good on overflows!

Lambousa Gordon


Joined: 03/11/2007
Posts: 1992

Message Posted:
18/11/2010 13:06

Hi Vaughn,



A few questions and one point:



Would using shotcrete limit the types of finishing you could use? For instance, with all the curves and shapes associated with a free-form pool would tiles be unusable? Also, could you guarantee a decent finish with mosaic and not a botch job? How much more expensive would mosaic be than liner? What is the lifespan of liners?



The point: someone was looking at doing this about five years ago. However, in his pricing, despite being cautioned not to, he was basically looking to offset the cost of the plant against his first 4 or 5 "normal" jobs or, in my case, against a hotel project I asked him to tender for. Contingent on finish I would go the shotcrete route for a freeform pool complex we have designed but am mindful as to the plant costs and would prefer not to have to buy a set for myself!

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/11/2010 14:01

Hi Gordon,



Shotcrete itself would not preclude a tiled finish, but the shape/contours of the pool might. Certainly, curved surfaces would be easier to cover with mosaics than full-sized tiles.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
18/11/2010 14:02

Hi Gordon,



Not sure of cost of liner v. mosaic, but again the contours/curves might be easier to cover with mosaics as against liner, which would have lots of seams. Liner lifespan is linked to cost but I understand 10 years as a minimum should be expected.

The shotcrete plant we would be bringing over is not new and investment costs in it have already been recovered.