What is a Gunite Pool?

Adding a pool to your property can greatly enhance your enjoyment of it, as well as significantly improve the value of your home. There are many choices for the design and type of the pool you wish to add, and the option you choose can have a substantial impact on the benefits you enjoy from it.

Gunite pools are the most common pool type that we plaster at Triad Associates. A gunite pool is very similar to most in-ground pools that you will see. The main differences result from how the concrete is mixed and installed. With a gunite pool, the concrete mix includes finer particles of aggregate, and the concrete is mixed at the point of application, rather than arriving premixed in a truck. These may not sound like big differences, but they impact the ease of construction, and result in a much finer appearance. 

Gunite Swimming Pool Construction

Like other types of in-ground pools, the first step in gunite pool construction is to dig the hole. This step requires dealing with any rock or root systems that are present, and it must be done to proper specifications to ensure that the pool is level and that all components can work properly. 

Plumbing is installed, and then a steel “cage” of rebar is installed to support the concrete. The dry concrete is pushed at high speeds through a special hose that applies water to the concrete through a nozzle at the end. The mixed concrete is blasted onto the pool’s walls in thin layers. This technique allows designers to work in stages, rather than having to apply everything at once. 

Gunite Pool Cost

Because there are so many options for a pool’s final design, there is a wide variation in the cost of pool installation. A gunite pool can cost anywhere between $50,000 to $150,000 (or even more), depending on how big the pool is, the shape, how deep it is, what kind of materials are used for the decking, and what kind of accessories you have, such as diving boards, slides, retaining walls, and more. A reputable pool designer will start by getting a good idea of your budget and can then counsel you on design options and accessories that will work within those financial constraints to give you the look and functionality you want. 

Advantages of a Gunite Pool

Though there are plenty of options regarding the type of pool you should get, there are many advantages to choosing a gunite pool.

To start, a gunite pool is very durable. It has a harder finish than typical concrete, and it will not easily crack or crumble. It also won’t develop algae easily like a vinyl pool and won’t develop small cracks like a fiberglass pool. Gunite pools traditionally have a plaster topcoat that improves the durability of the concrete itself.

A gunite pool can also be easily customized. The concrete will adhere to any form that has been dug. You can get any shape you want, any depth, and almost limitless additional design options and water features. 

Gunite pools have a long lifespan. When designed properly, they can last for decades. However, they will also need proper maintenance, including being re-plastered about every ten years. 

Finally, gunite pools require low maintenance, making them easy to care for and enjoy.

Gunite Pool Maintenance 

Gunite pools require the same maintenance as other types of pools, including regularly cleaning the sides of algae and debris. This is as simple as skimming the water for debris, brushing the sides to keep off algae, and vacuuming the bottom to remove sand and other debris. 

Of course, you’ll also have to keep an eye on chemicals like chlorine to ensure that the water is clean and is maintaining proper pH levels. 

Other than those pool basics, you’ll just need to replaster your gunite pool on schedule to keep it looking great. If any cracks or damage do form, call the experts at Triad Associates right away to determine if repairs or resurfacing are needed.

Gunite Pool vs. Concrete Pool

Though there are a lot of similarities between gunite and concrete, there are key differences in their application, as described above. Gunite also produces a smoother finish than concrete, and it offers more flexibility since it can be applied in phases. 

Gunite Swimming Pool vs. Fiberglass Pool

A fiberglass pool is a precast pool shape that is positioned into a hole dug on your property. While fiberglass pools come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they are limited by what is already available. If you are looking for a specific style or size that is not available, a fiberglass pool likely isn’t the right fit for you.

A gunite pool offers the flexibility to get nearly any design you want, and it lasts much longer than a fiberglass pool.

Gunite Pool vs. Vinyl Pool

A vinyl pool is the most affordable option. However, it is also the least durable. Vinyl pools develop algae quite easily, and they can tear. The vinyl liner must also be replaced relatively frequently. 

While a gunite pool may cost a bit more, it will last much longer, and it will not require nearly as much maintenance. It will also give you the flexibility to get just about any design you want for your pool, rather than being limited by the types of liners that are available. 

Hire Triad Associates’ Gunite Pool Plastering Experts Today

The pool plastering experts at Triad Associates have been resurfacing gunite pools for many years, and they are ready to help you get the beautiful pool that you’ve been dreaming of for your home. Call us today to schedule a pool plastering consultation and get started. We’ll assess your pool plastering needs and give you tailored recommendations that would best bring out the potential in your space. Our goal is to help you create a gorgeous pool that will give you years of enjoyment and will improve the value of your home. Call us today to get started!