What is a Gunite Pool?

If you've been working toward having a swimming pool in your backyard, you have likely heard about the big three pool types in the industry: fiberglass pools, vinyl liner pools, and concrete pools.

Concrete is by far the sturdiest option of the three, and if you've researched the topic, you have likely heard the term "gunite" more than once. You may have also seen gunite swimming pools taking center stage in the pool industry. That's because they're incredibly versatile in terms of shape and size, as well as durable enough to last decades.

Let's take a closer look at gunite and what makes it so popular.

Gunite pools are made from a blend of sand, cement, and water that is distributed through a high-pressure hose. It's best known for its unmatched strength and durability. Gunite pools don't just last a long time, however. Because of the way gunite is applied to a pool frame, it can be made to suit any size or shape, regardless of your needs and wants.

This option becan to gain true popularity as backyard features after World War 2. Many soldiers returning home moved their families to newly built suburbs and began to seek out some additional comforts.

Gunite is seen as an easier way for local construction companies to build highly customizable, quality pools without having to bring in a lot of heavy equipment that can be difficult to manage in suburban and city settings.

Are Gunite Pools the Best?

Gunite pools last the longest of all inground pools and they don't need a wooden framework to hold the shape, unlike regular concrete swimming pools. A gunite swimming pool has many advantages over other kinds of pools, but it's important to have a view that covers all the ground, so let's take a look at both the pros and cons of using this material.

Pros of Gunite Pools

• Greater return on the investment: Adding an inground swimming pool to your backyard upgrades a property significantly. Gunite, due to its durability, is an investment that will improve home value and reduce future expenses on the pool.
• Solid foundations: Gunite is very strong, which is why it lasts so long and why it often has the best warranties. Because they do not need a wooden framework to hold their shapes, gunite pools can put up with a lot of pressure and stress. This factor offers homeowners protection and security that their homes and yards won't be damaged by cracks or other structural failures.

• Customizable designs and limitless versatility: Because of how gunite is sprayed onto a surface, there is no limit in terms of size or shape, unlike fiberglass swimming pools which come as a pre-made setup. Gunite allows you to fit an inground pool into your specific space. Whatever design you have in mind can be realized through this material.

Cons of Gunite Pools

• Pool draining: Because of how gunite is crafted, draining can sometimes be hazardous. If the groundwater is high, it's possible for a gunite pool to be raised off the ground which will lead to considerable damage. This is avoidable, however, by taking care when draining your pool.
• High annual maintenance: Gunite pool surfaces are porous, which means additional chemicals are necessary to prevent algae growth. The pH and alkaline levels of the pool surface also regularly raise the water's overall pH levels, which means you will need to add acid to neutralize the effect.
• Installation time: Most pools that aren't pre-made shells take time to create. For gunite pools, you will likely see 2-3 months pass from the beginning of construction to your first use of the pool. A fiberglass pool installation, for example, can take only a few days. However, you'll find yourself replacing that shell comparatively often, so it's about what your priorities are.

What's the Difference Between a Concrete Pool and a Gunite Pool?

There are really just two things that separate gunite from concrete. Firstly, concrete uses large and small aggregates, but gunite only uses the small version. Secondly, the mixing process is different. Concrete is mixed before the job and comes ready to go, but gunite is mixed at the point of delivery. The dry mix is fired through a house and water is added right at the very end.

Gunite vs Fiberglass Inground Swimming Pools

Maintenance

Fiberglass pools are easier to maintain than gunite pools because the pool's surface is non-porous. Fiberglass resists algae growth and requires fewer chemicals.

Gunite pools require more maintenance and chemicals to keep the water clean due to the porous nature of the material.

Installation

The gunite process requires more time than fiberglass because of the versatility of the material. Fiberglass pools are mass-produced in factories and then shipped to the site, which means they come ready to be installed.

Gunite has to be handled and formed on-site, which allows for more creativity but it also takes more time.

Lifespan

A well-constructed, high-quality fiberglass pool will typically last 20-30 years. Some can last longer with proper maintenance and care.

Gunite pools have an easily achievable lifespan of 50 years with many pools lasting upwards of 100 years. Gunite does require resurfacing every 7-10 years, but, in our opinion, it's worth it.

Versatility

Fiberglass pools come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you can often find one that will do, but they're all standardized. There is no customization or alteration available for fiberglass shells, which means if you don't like your options, you don't have a choice except to choose another material.

Gunite, on the other hand, does not come with any size, shape, or depth requirements. The process allows it to be molded to whatever your dream requests.

Should I Choose a Fiberglass Pool Instead of Gunite?

The short answer is, "Yes." The fiberglass pool cost may look a lot lower initially, but it simply won't last as long. A gunite pool will provide you with decades of summers to make memories with your family, host parties, and improve your health.

How Do I Choose a Pool Company?

Choosing a pool company can feel overwhelming. There are so many that trying to sift through your options can take a lot of time and present you with so many different angles and prices that you begin to question if having a pool is worth it at all.

Here's the secret: you don't have to go with any of them. You can do it all on your own. Why not avoid paying their fat profit margins and being stuck on a many-month waitlist?

DIY Pools and Spas are the solution to the saturation of untrustworthy companies within the current market. Having worked in the pool industry for decades, we've seen firsthand the positive effect a pool can have on relationships and families. We believe that every person is deserving of that opportunity. This is why we equip homeowners to do their own hiring and bring their dream pool to life.

Our courses are fully informative and require zero prior understanding of construction, hiring, or project management. Anyone can take on their pool project with ease and confidence when they go through our course. Plus, we're with you every step of the way to help with decision-making and questions.

By signing up today, you can save $20,000, build your pool in a matter of weeks, and make sure you're hiring people you trust, all by working with a company that cares.