Homeowners: If you’re considering building a new pool in your backyard, picking the right material is key. Do you opt for vinyl-liner pools, fiberglass pools, concrete pools, or gunite swimming pool construction?
At the heart of the question is what makes most sense for your budget, your lifestyle, your tolerance for potential pool remodeling, and your preferred home aesthetic. The answer isn’t always straightforward.
After talking with dozens of homeowners, we found that at the heart of the indecision of finding the right pool was partially a lack of education on what’s involved with different pools, specifically gunite swimming pool construction.
So, we created this article to help you with your search. If you’re looking for information about gunite swimming pool construction and how it stacks up to other pool types like fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, you’ve come to the right place.
Legacy Pools here: We’ve built and remodeled over 1,500 pools in South Carolina, because we feel every homeowner should get exactly what they’re looking for in their backyard.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why many of the people we’ve built pools for have chosen concrete and gunite swimming pools for their backyard build. You’ll find helpful information on common questions you might have about gunite and concrete swimming pools, including:
- What is gunite swimming pool construction?
- Why do homeowners choose gunite swimming pool construction?
- What are some of the benefits of gunite swimming pool construction?
- How does gunite swimming pool construction work?
- How do gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools compare?
- What do you need to know about costs and timelines for gunite pools?
- How to know if gunite swimming pools are right for your backyard and home?
- What frequently asked questions (FAQ) about gunite swimming pool construction should I know to help me make a more informed decision about building a backyard concrete or gunite pool?
What is gunite swimming pool construction?
To get started, gunite swimming pool construction is a type of custom swimming pool that involves using a dry concrete mix that is sprayed through a hose and nozzle at high velocity. The dry mixture is mixed with water during the gunite application process, creating a sturdy and durable gunite shell.
But, unlike fiberglass or vinyl liner pools, gunite pools are built in your backyard to create the pool of your dreams. In this sense, concrete and gunite pools allow for nearly unlimited flexibility when creating a custom backyard oasis.
Because of its durability and customizable nature, gunite pool construction remains one of the most popular forms of custom inground pool construction. Many luxury pool construction projects are grounded in and use gunite because of its design freedom and long-term performance.
Why homeowners choose gunite swimming pool projects
Many people choose to build a gunite swimming pool because it offers more choice. More choice over design, fit for your backyard layout, and even the types of features that can be included in your backyard build.
What’s more, gunite pools also provide tons of benefits, such as the following:
- Gunite pools include features like spas, tanning ledges, waterfalls, lighting, and customizable floor depths.
- Strong, long-term durability (did you know custom gunite pools can last 50 years or more?)
- A long-lasting outdoor living investment that provides a premium, high-end finished look to your home and outdoor living space
In other words, homeowners choose gunite swimming pools for the design flexibility, customizability, and return-on-investment they provide for their home and lifestyle.
Benefits of gunite pool installations
So, what advantages do gunite swimming pools provide over other types of pool construction processes? The concrete, shotcrete, and gunite process offers a variety of benefits to homeowners, including:
- Custom shape and size options: With gunite pools, you’ll be able to create and customize to your heart’s content. Choose a custom shape or size. Build something round or rectangular: the choice is yours.
- Works well with unique home lots and landscapes: Let’s say your home is on a hill; with gunite pools, we can create a supporting wall to help reinforce the pool’s structure and incorporate it just the way you like into your backyard space.
- Supports an integrated outdoor living design: Custom gunite pools can gel with your existing home aesthetic to create a unified look to your backyard landscape.
- Flexible finish and material options: Whether you’re opting for quartz or pebble-based finishes, choose from dozens of different material options (Tip: Check out our showroom to see how many designs are possible.🏊🏼♀️)
- Long-term value for homeowners prioritizing customization: If you’re looking to create a stylized home with custom finishes and design choices, gunite swimming pools provide just that.
How gunite swimming pool construction works
If you’re on board and ready, or even if you’re still considering constructing a custom pool in your backyard, understanding the different steps of gunite swimming pool construction will give you a better idea of what to expect when you decide to build your new pool.
The steps of gunite swimming pool construction work their way through the pool-building timeline as follows:
- Design and permitting (about four to eight weeks)
- Excavation (about one to four days)
- Steel rebar installation (about one to two weeks)
- Plumbing and electrical work (about one to two weeks)
- Gunite application (about one day)
- Curing period (a few weeks)
- Tile, coping, and deck installation (two days to two weeks, depending on the scope of the build)
- Interior finish application (two to four days)
- Startup and completion (24 hours)
Of course, every pool build is different. But, most pools tend to follow the above-mentioned nine-step sequence.
Inclement weather, specific style choices, and backyard layouts can affect each of these nine steps, so you’ll want to chat with your pool builder to work out the details of each. The good news is that with the right builder, your build can go off without a hitch and in record time.
Fun facts about the finishing touches🏊🏼♂️
South Carolina homeowners: Did you know that your pool builder can allow you to try on and feel the finishes you place around your pool’s edges?
For example, our new outdoor selection display allows you to explore deck materials in natural sunlight, compare colors, and feel the textures before you lock in the finishing touches on your new pool.
👀Curious to see what this process looks like? Check out our Instagram page to see it in action.👈🏼
Gunite vs. other pool construction options: A table comparison
| Gunite Pools | Fiberglass Pools | Vinyl Liner pools | |
| Flexibility | – Highly flexible and customizable – Can be built in virtually any shape, size, depth, or configuration to fit your backyard and lifestyle | – Limited to pre-manufactured molds and available shell sizes | – More flexible than fiberglass but still limited compared to custom gunite pool construction |
| Timelines | – Typically the longest construction timeline due to excavation, steel rebar installation, gunite application, curing, and finishing work | – Usually, fiberglass pools install fastest because the shell is manufactured off-site and installed as a single unit | – Often faster than gunite but may require extra site preparation and liner installation time |
| Upfront costs | – Generally, gunite pools require the highest upfront investment because of its custom construction process and material requirements | – Typically falls in the middle range for upfront cost. | – Usually the lowest initial cost among the three pool construction options |
| Customization opportunities | – Excellent customization opportunities – Homeowners can incorporate custom shapes, spas, tanning ledges, water features, tile finishes, beach entries, and luxury design elements | – Limited to available manufacturer designs and dimensions | – Moderate customization options – Less design freedom than gunite pools |
| Long-term maintenance | – Durable and long-lasting – Pool surfaces and plaster may eventually require refinishing – Proper water chemistry is important for preserving surface integrity | – Includes a smooth surface that can reduce algae buildup and maintenance needs – More specialized repairs may be required if damage to the shell occurs. | – Liners typically need replacement over time due to wear, fading, punctures, or aging – Long-term maintenance costs can add up for the above-mentioned reason |
What to know about gunite pool costs and timelines
Now that you have a better idea of gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools, you may have seen above that gunite pools tend to require a greater upfront investment. The reasons for this upfront investment that results in a longer-lasting pool are as follows:
- Gunite is often more customizable, which can affect both cost and project timelines.
- The size, shape, access points, finishes, and added features all affect the final budget.
- Timelines depend on the scope of the project, weather, permitting process, and pool finishes.
- As the amount of custom work increases, the longer your pool builder will work on the pool design, the more stages are involved, and the more coordination is needed to complete your gunite pool project.
As such, filtering and tweezing out your options requires you to go in with open eyes to your pool project. Doing so will ensure a stress-free, clear, and enjoyable experience.
How to know if gunite swimming pool construction is right for you
So, how do you know? How do you know that gunite pool construction is right for you?
The best way to determine whether a new cement, shotcrete, or gunite pool works for you and your backyard is by assessing your needs, budget, and preferred timelines. Gunite pools are best for homeowners who want the following:
✅ Flexibility when building out the custom design of their new pool
✅ Long-term outdoor living planning arrangements that suit their lifestyle
✅ Unconventional yards that require additional planning or more complex features
✅ Increased personalization, long-term benefits, and a gradual return on investment
If you’re looking for a gunite pool installation team to get your job done right the first time, we can help.
Our Legacy Pools team has worked with more than 1,000 homeowners to build beautiful concrete and gunite pools across the Lowcountry in all seasons of the year. We build maximum strength pools that look great and stand the test of time.
With structural integrity that lasts decades or more, we’re the pool builder that pool builders go to for their backyard builds. Whether you’re looking for a classic rectangular gunite pool or a custom design with scuppers, waterfalls, and more, we’re here to help you build the backyard oasis of your dreams.
To schedule your complimentary initial consultation, contact us today. We look forward to building something beautiful together!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about gunite swimming pool construction
1. Are gunite pools better than fiberglass pools?
The answer depends on what’s a greater priority for your backyard build. Most gunite pools offer greater customizability, longer-lasting durability, and flexible design options.
In contrast, fiberglass pools tend to be more affordable, require less maintenance, and install more quickly than gunite pools. With that being said, compared to gunite pools, they’re not as flexible in design, nor are they as long-lasting as a gunite pool.
Both are excellent options for backyards, but the answer depends on your preferences and needs for your backyard space.
2. How long does gunite and concrete swimming pool construction take?
The answer depends on the size, complexity, and added features you’d like for your gunite and/or concrete pool. In general, in the Columbia, SC area, we can have your pool ready in about 60 days.
However, that number may change depending on changes to the scope of work, unexpected weather, and potential permitting delays. In general, though, expect a few weeks to make your gunite and/or concrete pool a reality.
3. What affects the cost of a concrete or gunite pool?
The following factors can affect the cost of a gunite or shotcrete pool:
- The size and depth of the pool
- Added features
- Materials selection
- Access to the backyard
- The complexity of the design
- Add-on features, such as water features, fire features, spas, automation systems, plaster, tiling, decking, and other finishing touches
- The cost of maintenance
Before building your new pool, we always recommend discussing your pool with an experienced pool builder. Your pool builder can give you a clear picture of what to expect for your pool, as their bread and butter is making sure your vision for your new pool becomes a reality.
4. Is concrete and gunite pool construction worth the time?
We think so! Most homeowners often say, “Yes.” The reason is that gunite and concrete pools offer homeowners a pool that becomes the centerpiece of their backyard oasis for years to come.
The ability to make picture-worthy memories that last a lifetime and the flexibility to enjoy a resort-style vacation from their very own backyard make gunite swimming pool construction a popular choice for many homeowners.
Legacy Pools: The Lowcountry’s Go-To Gunite Swimming Pool Construction Team