You’re thinking of building a pool for your new backyard space. You may have looked at fiberglass pools, but have you also considered custom gunite pools?
While many people rave about fiberglass pools, their affordability, customizability, and quick installation times, gunite pools offer an equally attractive, durable, and long-lasting option.
Before investing time, resources, and money in a new pool, we recommend learning about gunite pools.
Discover the facts about gunite pools from our Good Day pool installers and specialists. In this article, we’ll take a quick stroll through Gunite Lane and present you with the facts about custom gunite pool costs, installation timelines, and maintenance needs.
If you’re looking for the basics of custom gunite pools, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in.
Cost of gunite (and fiberglass) pools
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the cost of gunite pools. Generally, gunite pools cost anywhere from $70,000 to $120,000 or more.
Luxury pools with special features, like cascading waterfalls or diving boards, tend to be more expensive.
Many pool builders and installers can craft a contract that includes landscaping, decking, and extra features, to help make the build a worthwhile investment.
How does this number compare to fiberglass pools?
Fiberglass pools are comparatively similar in price. The average cost of fiberglass inground swimming pools is anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000.
Ultimately, the final price depends on the cost of installation, the size of the pool, and custom features. Like gunite pools, fiberglass pools offer more than just a place to lounge in the sun.
Fiberglass pools turn ordinary backyards into extraordinary spaces for picture-worthy moments and celebrations that leave nothing to the imagination. Let’s explore how gunite and fiberglass pools compare.
Advantages of gunite pools versus fiberglass pools
Some of the advantages of gunite pools include the fact that with gunite pools, you can do the following:
- Choose designs and shapes that fit your landscape: With gunite pools, you can create any shape or size pool you’d like. Choose to build a small round pool or a large, rectangular lap pool. You don’t have to redesign your landscape to fit your pool. On the contrary, you can design your pool to match your backyard.
- Select finish materials for greater personalization: Gunite plasters are created to fit a variety of colors and finishes, so you can build your pool to match your landscape. Whether you’re opting for a sandy beach finish or a sleek, high-end look, the options are endless with gunite pools.
- Enjoy a long-lasting pool: Gunite pools last up to 50 years or more if well-maintained. They’re also protected by some of the industry’s most comprehensive warranties, that is, compared to fiberglass and vinyl liner pools.
- Gunite is quicker and longer-lasting than concrete: What do we mean by that? Concrete swimming pools take longer to build, and the quality isn’t as consistent as that of a gunite pool. Custom gunite pools are built with a rebar framework that’s sprayed with concrete and a sand mixture. In other words, compared to concrete pools, gunite pools are built faster and with more consistency in quality.
- More flexibility and amenities: Compared to fiberglass pools, you can build virtually any shape or size pool. Feel like adding in a tanning ledge or in-pool barstools? No problem. Gunite pools allow you the flexibility to add custom features to complement the aesthetic of your pool.
Both gunite pools and fiberglass pools offer extraordinary benefits. Gunite pools are made of gunite concrete that can last a lifetime, whereas fiberglass pools don’t last quite as long, but require less maintenance.
Note: For a more lengthy side-by-side comparison of the two pools, we recommend reading our blog on gunite versus fiberglass pools.
Timeline to build a gunite pool
After contacting a luxury pool builder, you can generally expect the following timeline for a gunite pool build:
- An initial call back (within 24 hours of contacting your pool builder)
- A site visit (within 1-2 weeks)
- Concepting and presenting you with your pool design (1-2 weeks)
- Permitting once the pool contract is signed (4-12 weeks)
- Acquiring a permit to build (2-4 weeks)
- From dig to swim (12-16 weeks)
This timeline is similar to fiberglass pools, though fiberglass pools can be installed in as little as seven days, whereas gunite pools can take months or longer. Consider which option is best for you before embarking on your pool building journey to ensure the process goes off without a hitch.
You can always raise your questions with your trusted pool builder. They can provide you with the necessary information to help you make the most informed, best possible decision for your needs.
Maintenance involved with gunite pools
One of the largest differences between gunite and fiberglass pools is maintenance. Gunite pools need vigorous brushing to combat algae growth.
In comparison, a fiberglass pool’s smooth, non-skid gel coat finish is non-porous and algae-resistant, meaning you’ll spend fewer dollars on maintenance and chemicals to treat algae.
With gunite pools, you’ll spend more time maintaining your pool compared to fiberglass pools. The upside is that they last quite a bit longer than fiberglass pools.
With both pools, you’ll need to conduct maintenance, so familiarizing yourself with your limits and tolerance for maintenance is key.
Alternatives pools to gunite pools
Gunite pools aren’t your only option. You can also build a custom fiberglass or vinyl liner inground pool.
Fiberglass pools are built with multiple layers, where a fiberglass specialist manufactures the shell of the pool in multiple layers to help withstand weather conditions.
Fiberglass pools are resistant to cracking, they come with a gel coat, and they install in record time because they’re pre-built in a mold. Dig a hole, place the shell in the hole, adjust as needed, and you’re ready to swim (well, the installation process is a little more involved than that, but you get the idea).
While not as long-lasting, vinyl liner pools are another option. You can customize the size, shape, color, and features of a vinyl liner pool.
With vinyl liner pools, pool installation teams place a custom-made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool walls and floor. In contrast, gunite pools use plaster to help waterproof the pool. As the wall panels are secured together to help create the perimeter of the pool, vinyl liner pools tend to be a bit more limited in structure and shape than fiberglass and gunite pools.
Good Day fact
Did you know that with fiberglass pools, the shell is lifted by a crane and placed in a pre-dug hole?
Every lift is engineered with a crew that’s moving in perfect sync. The lift itself isn’t about creating a spectacle.
It’s about protection, precision, and finishing the lift right the first time.
Luxury doesn’t cut corners. It calculates them.
Want to see what a fiberglass pool installation looks like in action? Check out this video of us airlifting a fiberglass pool structure into our client’s backyard.
Looking to build a custom gunite pool in Tennessee?
According to recent market research, the market is booming for gunite pools. If you’re looking to build a custom gunite pool, you couldn’t have picked a better time.
Nevertheless, the construction process for a modern gunite or fiberglass pool can be somewhat involved if you’re not partnering with an expert. However, when you build with a luxury pool specialist, you’ll get a versatile, client-centered team that prioritizes your needs every step of the way, making the process smooth and seamless.
If you’re looking to build a gunite pool — or even a fiberglass pool — in the Middle Tennessee area, why not partner with a luxury pool specialist?
Our Good Day Living luxury pool builders have more than 20 years of experience designing, building, and installing pools of all different shapes and sizes. Whether you need a small plunge pool or a family-sized backyard party pool, our knowledgeable pool contractors come toolkit-ready to turn your backyard into the water oasis of your dreams.
To begin your journey on your new custom gunite or fiberglass pool, don’t hesitate to reserve your complimentary pool consultation today. We look forward to building an exceptional pool with you.
