Why are Gunite Pools Better?
When building the pool of your dreams, you’ll be faced with numerous design decisions, from the size and shape of the pool to the interior colors and finishes to the custom features you select. One of the most important decisions is the type of material your pool will be made from: fiberglass, vinyl, or gunite. While fiberglass and vinyl have long been popular choices, hand-built gunite pools—our specialty at Aqua Pool & Patio—offer numerous benefits that generally make them the best option over the long term.
What are Gunite Pools?
The term “gunite”, or shotcrete, refers to 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 at least 7-10 days. Once the curing process is completed, interior finishes or tile and coping can be applied.
Benefits of Gunite Pools
Compared to fiberglass or vinyl, gunite pools offer several compelling advantages, including:
- Long lifespan. Gunite has, by far, the longest lifespan of any pool material available. When properly built and maintained, gunite pools should last for 100 years or more—which means that you’ll never need to worry about replacing them. In contrast, fiberglass pools last an average of 25 years, while vinyl pool liners may need to be replaced every six to twelve years.
- In addition to lasting for several decades without needing to be replaced, gunite pools generally resist weather-related damage that can necessitate costly repairs. Due to the way they are constructed, these pools have what engineers refer to as “tensile” strength, which means they can flex with the movement of the earth and remain structurally sound—even when faced with freezing winter temperatures and other extreme conditions.
- Aesthetic appeal. No matter their size or style, gunite pools have a naturally beautiful look, which makes them the pool of choice for fine homes and luxury hotels around the world. At Aqua Pool & Patio, we like to refer to them as “yard art” because they serve as an eye-catching focal point in any backyard!
- Return on investment. While gunite pools may be more expensive upfront than fiberglass or vinyl, their durability and remarkably long lifespans make them the more cost-effective choice over time. Without having to worry about making significant repairs or replacing your gunite pool, you’ll be able to simply enjoy your new investment for years to come.
- Custom design. Unlike prefabricated fiberglass and vinyl pools, gunite pools are hand-build onsite, which means that the custom design options are virtually endless. Whether you’d like a small “cocktail” pool, an expansive, freeform one like those seen at resorts, or anything in between, your vision can be brought to life with a gunite pool. It is also easy to add a variety of custom features, such as in-pool seating areas, attached spas, or waterfalls.
As one of the top pool builders in the U.S., Aqua Pool & Patio has been designing and building premium-quality gunite pools for more than 50 continuous years—a record that no other local pool companies can claim. If you’re thinking of adding a beautiful custom pool to your property, call us today at (860) 623-9886 to get started!
