What is a Gunite Swimming Pool?

  • Aqua Pool & Patio gunite swimming pool construction in Connecticut showing pool with covered patio and seating

When building a swimming pool, one of the first decisions you will have to make is whether your new pool will be made from gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl. If you are looking for a beautiful, custom-designed pool that will last for decades to come, gunite is the best option by far—but what exactly is a gunite swimming pool?

Gunite is a sprayed cement process conveyed pneumatically through a hose at high velocity onto a receiving surface. In the case of pools, this surface is a steel rebar skeleton that provides solid structural support. The cement sprayed through the hose is a mixture of paste and aggregate material, such as sand or gravel, which then must cure for some time. Once the curing process is well on its way, interior finishes or tile and coping can be applied.

Due to the way they are constructed and the durability of their materials, gunite pools have “tensile” strength, meaning that they will flex with the earth’s movements without cracking or breaking. This is particularly important in places like New England, where frigid winter temperatures could damage other types of pools. Even when faced with harsh conditions, properly built gunite pools should last much longer than their fiberglass or vinyl counterparts. In fact, gunite pools are expected to remain in sound condition for 100 years or more—compared to an average lifespan of 25 years for fiberglass pools and 6-12 years for a vinyl liner.

In addition to their durability, gunite pools offer several compelling advantages such as the following:

  • Since gunite pools are hand-built onsite, they can be customized to suit virtually any size, shape, or style. It is also easy to add various custom features, such as attached spas, in-pool seating areas, and water or fire features.
  • Beautiful appearance. No matter their style, gunite pools have a naturally beautiful appearance that makes them the preferred choice for luxury hotels and fine homes around the world. At Aqua Pool, we like to refer to them as “yard art” because they create an eye-catching focal point in any backyard!
  • Cost-effectiveness. While building a gunite pool may not be the least expensive option as far as upfront costs, the durability and exceptionally long lifespans that these pools offer means that they are more cost-effective in the long run, as you shouldn’t need to worry about making any significant repairs or replacements for years to come.

If you are thinking about adding a gorgeous new gunite pool to your property, the experts at Aqua Pool are here to guide you through the process. With over 50 years of continuous experience designing, building, and maintaining custom gunite pools, we are proud to be considered one of the top pool building companies in the U.S. Call us today at (860) 623-9886 to start planning your dream pool!