What Is a Gunite Swimming Pool? A Complete Homeowner Guide

What is a gunite swimming pool? It’s an inground pool made with a sprayed concrete mix that forms a strong, lasting shell. Unlike fiberglass or vinyl, gunite offers complete design freedom, from classic rectangles to freeform pools with spas or waterfalls.

In this blog, we’ll cover how gunite pools are built, their benefits, maintenance needs, and costs. Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living has built countless gunite pools across New England, and we’ll share what matters most when deciding if one is right for your backyard.

Key Takeaways

• Gunite pools give you the freedom to design a backyard retreat in any shape or style you want.

• They require more upkeep than fiberglass or vinyl but deliver a higher-end finish and longer lifespan.

• With the right care, a gunite pool becomes a lasting centerpiece for outdoor living.

What is Gunite?

Gunite is a concrete blend of cement, sand, and water applied using a high-pressure hose. 

Unlike poured concrete, which goes into wooden frames in large slabs, the gunite mix is sprayed directly onto the pool’s framework as a dry mixture with water added at the nozzle. This creates a seamless, extremely strong surface.

The process itself has been around for over a century. It was first used on structures like bridges, tunnels, and even the Field Columbian Museum in Chicago. That history matters because it shows how gunite construction has long been trusted to create solid structures that last. 

Bringing that same technology into inground swimming pools is what makes gunite a preferred choice for homeowners who want strength and flexibility.

What is a Gunite Swimming Pool?

A gunite swimming pool is built by spraying this concrete blend over a framework of steel reinforcing bars. The steel cage gives the pool its backbone, and the sprayed concrete hardens into a rock-solid gunite shell.

Because gunite pools are shaped on-site, they can be designed in virtually any depth, size, or layout. 

Want a traditional rectangle? No problem. Dreaming of a freeform design with tanning ledges, retaining walls, and an attached spa? That’s possible too. This flexibility is why gunite pools remain the preferred choice for custom luxury backyard spaces.

Gunite vs. Shotcrete: What’s the Difference?

Both gunite and shotcrete pools fall into the category of sprayed concrete pools. The difference comes down to how the concrete is mixed:

• Gunite uses a dry mix, with water added through the nozzle at the job site.

• Shotcrete is a wet mix prepared at a plant and delivered to the site already combined with water.

Both create a durable concrete pool, but gunite pool construction is more common because of the flexibility it offers builders during the installation process.

How a Gunite Pool is Built

Every gunite pool begins with a clear design and a plan that matches the homeowner’s backyard space and vision. From there, the construction process typically follows these steps:

Design & planning: Work with a pool builder to decide on the overall pool design, including the shape, depth, and extra features such as tanning ledges, spas, or infinity edges. This stage also includes planning the surrounding backyard space, decking, and any retaining walls.

Excavation: Heavy machinery digs out the pool’s shape based on the design plan. The excavation sets the foundation for every step that follows.

Steel rebar framework: Steel reinforcing bars are carefully placed throughout the pool’s outline. This rebar framework acts as the skeleton, giving the pool strength and stability before the concrete is applied.

Gunite application: Using a high-pressure hose, contractors spray the dry materials mixed with water directly onto the rebar. This creates the gunite shell, a solid structure that forms the base of the swimming pool.

Curing process: The gunite must be fully cured to reach maximum strength. This curing process typically takes about 28 days, and weather conditions like temperature and humidity can influence how it sets. Proper curing is what makes the pool shell extremely strong.

Finishing touches: Once cured, the pool gets its final surface with plaster, pebble, or tile. Coping and decking are installed around the pool, and extra features like waterfalls, spas, or custom lighting complete the design.

Benefits of a Gunite Swimming Pool

Gunite pool pros go beyond durability. Homeowners often choose this type of inground pool because of:

• Customization: Endless pool types and shapes, from classic rectangles to freeform pools with tanning ledges, waterfalls, or infinity edges.

• Durability: Gunite construction creates a solid structure that holds up against shifting soil and freeze-thaw cycles.

• Longevity: With proper maintenance, a concrete pool can last for decades.

• Luxury look: High-end finishes like pebble, tile, or quartz create a resort-style backyard.

• Value: A custom gunite pool adds significant long-term value to a property.

Maintenance and Care for Gunite Pools

Owning a gunite pool means committing to a little more upkeep compared to fiberglass pools or vinyl liner pools. The payoff is unmatched design flexibility and a pool that can last for decades. Here’s what proper maintenance looks like:

Routine care: The porous surface of a gunite pool requires more frequent attention. Regular brushing helps prevent algae buildup, while consistent water testing and chemical balancing keep the pool safe and clear. Filtration systems also tend to work harder with gunite pools, so keeping filters clean is essential.

Resurfacing: Every 10 to 15 years, the pool’s surface will need to be refinished. This gives homeowners the chance to refresh the look with new plaster, pebble, quartz, or tile finishes. Each option changes the pool’s appearance and feel, so resurfacing is both maintenance and a design upgrade.

Seasonal care: In regions with cooler winters, pools need to be winterized to protect plumbing and equipment. In warmer climates, seasonal care may mean preparing for heavy rains, storms, or extended use during summer months. Covers, regular cleaning, and ongoing water care all play a role.

Long-term durability: Over the years, it’s normal for the gunite shell to develop small cracks. These are usually cosmetic and can be repaired during routine service. With proper maintenance, the structure remains extremely strong and reliable for decades.

Cost of a Gunite Swimming Pool

Gunite pool cost varies widely depending on size, design, and extra features. On average, a new pool will fall between $70,000 and $120,000+.

Factors that affect cost include:

• Pool size and depth

• Custom features like lighting, spas, waterfalls, or infinity edges

• Choice of interior finish (plaster, pebble, or tile)

• Surrounding hardscape, such as decking and retaining walls

While the upfront price is higher than vinyl liner pools or fiberglass pools, the long-term value and lifespan of a gunite pool make it a smart investment.

Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, Your Gunite Pool Experts

Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living has been designing and building custom gunite pools across New England since 1966. As experienced pool contractors, we handle every phase of gunite pool construction, from shaping the steel reinforcing bars to applying the gunite pool shell and finishing the pool’s surface with plaster, pebble, or tile.

Beyond new gunite pool installation, our team also offers pool renovations, weekly maintenance, inspections, openings and closings, leak detection, and equipment replacement. We design and build complete outdoor living spaces, too, including hardscapes, hot tubs, and swim spas.

If you’re considering a custom gunite pool, our licensed and insured professionals are here to guide you through the entire construction process. Schedule a complimentary on-site consultation with Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, and let’s create a swimming pool and backyard retreat that lasts. Call us today to get started.

Conclusion

A gunite pool is a durable, customizable inground option. Its shell, made from cement, sand, and other materials sprayed under high pressure, outlasts fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. While gunite pool cost and upkeep can be higher, its strength and flexibility make it a top choice.

For homeowners, the appeal is in design freedom and longevity. A gunite pool handles changing weather, offers endless possibilities, and provides a backyard retreat that lasts for decades. It is more than a swimming pool; it is a lasting investment in comfort and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of a gunite pool?

The main drawbacks of a gunite pool are higher installation and maintenance costs compared to fiberglass pools or vinyl liner pools. Construction takes longer since the gunite pool shell must cure, and the porous surface often requires more chemicals and brushing. Over time, small cracks may appear, though they’re usually cosmetic.

Can water seep through gunite?

Yes, gunite is slightly porous. The gunite pool shell, made from a dry mix of cement, sand, and other materials, needs a finish like plaster, pebble, or tile to stay watertight. With proper pool service and resurfacing, seepage won’t be a problem.

How often do gunite pools need to be resurfaced?

Most gunite pools need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. The exact timing depends on the finish and maintenance. Plaster may wear sooner, while pebble or quartz lasts longer. Regular pool service and balanced water chemistry help extend the life of the pool’s surface.