What is the actual technical difference between gunite and shotcrete?

Gunite is the dry-mix process, where dry cement and aggregate travel through the hose under compressed air with water added only at the nozzle by the operator, while shotcrete generally refers to the wet-mix process, where the complete concrete mix including water is batched first and then pumped and propelled through the nozzle by compressed air. The distinction affects nozzleman control, rebound levels, and how consistent the final water-cement ratio is across an application. In UAE industry usage, gunite is more associated with pool shell construction while shotcrete is more associated with larger structural applications. Sparkline Group works with both systems and can clarify which term and process actually applies to a specific project. Understanding this distinction helps set the right expectations before work begins.