What to Know Before Hiring Gunite Pool Contractors
- Adam Allen
- Oct 23
- 8 min read
Custom pools are showing up in more backyards than ever, and for good reason. A well-built pool adds value, style, and a great spot to unwind.
Vinyl and fiberglass pools are common picks, but gunite swimming pools stand out for their durability and custom design options.
If you're leaning that way, working with the right gunite pool contractors is key. This blog breaks down how gunite pools are built, what sets them apart, and how to choose a builder you can trust.
Key Takeaways
A gunite pool is one of the most durable and customizable options you can build in your backyard.
Choosing the right pool builder makes all the difference in avoiding delays and costly repairs.
With proper care and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, your gunite pool can last for generations.
What Is a Gunite Pool, Exactly?
A gunite pool is a type of concrete inground pool, but instead of using molds, it’s built by spraying a dry mix of cement and sand through a high-pressure hose. Water is added at the nozzle, giving the installer full control over the mix.
Unlike shotcrete, which is pre-mixed and poured all at once, gunite can be applied in stages without risking weak spots or cracks. This makes it ideal for custom shapes and complex designs.
Why choose gunite for your new pool?
Durability: The gunite shell is one of the strongest in the industry.
Design flexibility: It can be shaped into virtually any form for that true dream pool experience.
Customization: Add tanning ledges, spas, and more without design limitations.
Longevity: With proper pool maintenance, a gunite pool can last for decades.
How Gunite Pools Are Built (And Why It Matters)
The pool construction process for gunite is more involved than fiberglass or vinyl, but the results speak for themselves. Here's how it works:
Site prep & layout: The pool’s shape, size, and location are marked on the ground. This includes layout lines for the pool walls, depth, and any surrounding features.
Excavation: The ground is dug out to match the planned pool design. This step shapes the hole and prepares it for plumbing, rebar, and the gunite shell.
Plumbing & electrical installation: Plumbing lines and electrical conduits are installed for filtration, heating, and lighting. Larger pipes are often used for better flow and energy efficiency.
Rebar framework: Steel rebar is formed into a cage that follows the shape of the pool. This reinforces the structure and adds strength to support the gunite.
Gunite application: A dry mix of sand and cement is sprayed over the rebar and water is added to the nozzle. The shell is shaped by hand to create clean lines and curves.
Curing: The gunite cures for about 28 days. This slow process allows the concrete to reach its full strength and resist future cracking.
Tile, coping, and pool deck: Waterline tile and coping are added around the pool’s edge. Then the pool deck is installed using your chosen material like stamped concrete or pavers.
Plaster and landscaping: The interior is finished with plaster in your selected color and texture. Final grading and optional landscaping wrap up the entire project.
This building process allows for more customization and higher quality than what you'd get from pre-formed fiberglass pools or vinyl liners.
Why the Right Gunite Pool Contractors Make All the Difference
Gunite pool construction isn’t just about the materials. It’s about the team behind the project. One key role is the nozzleman—the person who controls the hose during the gunite application. Their skill directly affects the strength, shape, and finish of your pool shell.
What to look for in a pool builder
Proven experience with gunite application
Licensed and insured swimming pool contractors
Full-service capabilities from design to final landscaping
A solid portfolio of recent or ongoing pool projects
Red flags to watch for
Vague pricing or unclear timelines
Subcontractors handling core construction tasks
Poor communication during the whole process
Choosing a builder who cuts corners on rebar, equipment, or the dry mix can lead to costly problems down the road, including cracks, uneven surfaces, and more frequent pool maintenance. Quality construction starts with the right contractor.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Gunite Swimming Pool?
The typical gunite pool construction process takes about 8 to 12 weeks. Timelines vary depending on the size of the pool, site conditions, and the complexity of the design. Compared to fiberglass pools, which are quicker to install, a gunite build takes longer due to the additional steps involved.
Factors that can affect the timeline
Permit approvals and inspections based on your location
The required curing time for the gunite shell, which is usually 28 days
Custom pool design features or unusual shapes
Add-ons like spas, pool decks, or retaining walls
Material delivery schedules and the availability of your pool builder
Delays can happen during any phase, especially during curing or due to weather conditions. Planning ahead with realistic expectations helps keep the building process on track.
What You Can Expect to Invest in a Gunite Pool
The cost of a new gunite pool typically starts around $100,000. However, prices can vary widely based on size, materials, and design choices. Unlike vinyl liner or fiberglass pools, gunite allows for full customization, which adds to the overall cost.
Key cost considerations
Pool size and depth
Features such as spas, tanning ledges, or waterfalls
Choice of tile, coping, and pool deck materials
Site-specific needs, such as grading or access limitations
Permit fees, inspections, and utility connections
While initial costs are higher than other types of in-ground pools, gunite is known for its strength and longevity. Costs can also increase for pool renovations or adding features during a gunite pool renovation project.
Planning for both upfront costs and long-term pool maintenance can help set realistic expectations for your pool installation.
How to Maintain a Gunite Pool Year After Year
A gunite pool offers durability, but like any major feature in your outdoor living space, it requires ongoing attention. Regular maintenance helps prevent issues and extends the life of your inground pool, especially in areas with changing temperatures or heavy pool use.
Weekly service tasks
Skimming leaves and debris
Brushing pool walls and steps to prevent buildup
Monitoring water chemistry to keep levels balanced
Emptying skimmer and pump baskets
Checking filters and circulation systems
Hiring a professional pool service company or staying on top of a weekly service schedule can help avoid costly repairs over time.
Long-term maintenance needs
Over the years, gunite swimming pools may need more upkeep than fiberglass or vinyl options. Common long-term tasks include:
Plaster resurfacing every 10 to 15 years to keep the interior smooth and sealed
Occasional gunite pool renovation for structural repairs or cosmetic updates
Replacement of aging equipment, such as pumps, filters, or lighting systems
Compared to other pool types, gunite may require more frequent attention, but many homeowners find the strength and design flexibility worth the additional upkeep.
Gunite vs. Fiberglass vs. Vinyl: Which Pool Type Is Right for You?
Choosing the right type of ground pool depends on your priorities—cost, design, build time, and long-term care all factor in. Each material offers distinct advantages and trade-offs.
Gunite pools are fully customizable and well-suited for complex shapes, pool spas, and unique pool designs. They take longer to build and require a curing period, but they offer a high level of design freedom. Over time, they may need pool renovations, resurfacing, and more hands-on care.
Fiberglass pools install quickly and come in pre-formed shapes. They generally require less maintenance but offer limited customization. They're often chosen for simpler pool and spa combos or when the focus is on quick installation.
Vinyl liner pools typically have a lower upfront cost but can have a shorter lifespan. Liners may need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, and shape options are more limited compared to gunite.
When weighing these options, it helps to consider how long you plan to stay in your house, what kind of use the pool will get, and your overall goals for your backyard oasis.
If you're planning for a future pool, think about how the entire process aligns with your expectations around timeline, design, and upkeep.
What to Expect When Working With a Gunite Pool Builder
Building a new pool involves many steps, and it's easier to manage when your pool builder oversees the full scope. This includes construction, design, permits, and finishing work like landscaping or decking.
Key aspects of the process
Communication: A reliable swimming pool builder should provide consistent updates and clear expectations throughout the entire process. That includes timelines, decisions, and next steps.
Project coordination: A builder that manages design, pool installation, plumbing, and finishing work in-house is more likely to maintain consistent quality across all phases.
Permits and planning: Handling local permits, zoning regulations, and inspections is part of most new pool construction. Your builder should guide you through this, especially when it comes to timelines and compliance.
Design assistance: From selecting materials for the pool and spa to planning how it fits into your own backyard, your builder should support the pool design based on your goals, layout, and budget.
Managing the team: Pool projects can involve multiple trades, including excavation crews, plumbers, electricians, masons, and landscapers. When your team is coordinated by a single company rather than spread across other pool companies, there’s a greater chance of staying on schedule and reducing miscommunication.
Working with a pool company that handles everything from design to final grading can reduce delays and keep the project organized. It also helps maintain consistent quality, especially for features like pool spas, lighting, and custom patios.
Frustrated with Pool Projects That Don’t Go as Planned?
Delays, unclear timelines, and juggling multiple contractors can turn any pool project into a headache. That’s why working with a builder who handles everything in-house matters.
At Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, we’ve been designing and building gunite swimming pools since 1966. Our services include custom pool and spa design, full pool construction, swim spas, hot tubs, hardscaping, and year-round maintenance.
We manage the details from start to finish, so your outdoor living space is built with care and lasting quality. Thinking about a new pool or renovation? Call us today to get started.
Conclusion
A gunite pool is a solid choice for homeowners who want something unique, durable, and built to last. The right pool contractors can make the entire process smooth from day one.
If you’re dreaming of turning your backyard into a true pool and spa retreat, our team at Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living is ready to help. Let’s build something beautiful together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a gunite pool cost?
A gunite inground pool usually starts at $100,000, with the final price depending on size, design, materials, and extras like a pool spa or custom decking. Working with a full-service pool builder like Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living helps keep the entire process organized and on track.
What is the life expectancy of a gunite pool?
With proper pool service, a gunite pool can last 50 years or more. The shell is highly durable, but surfaces like plaster will need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years to maintain quality and safety.
What happens if you don't resurface a gunite pool?
If a gunite pool is not resurfaced when needed, the surface can become rough, stained, and prone to cracking. This leads to water loss and more costly repairs over time. Resurfacing helps protect the structure and keeps your swimming pool looking and performing its best.
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