This Article Was Last Updated on January 19, 2023
If you really want a nice pool for your backyard, look no further than a gunite pool. That begs the question, what is a gunite pool? A gunite pool is nothing more than a type of concrete pool. You see, gunite is a process of placing concrete.
Therefore, when you think of a gunite pool, think of your standard inground concrete pool. A gunite pool is the highest end of pools for your backyard. The least expensive and durable would be an above ground pool, then fiberglass and vinyl liners. Finally, a gunite pool will be the most expensive pool option for your home, but it will also give you the most design flexibility and longevity.
What Is A Gunite Pool Made From?
Gunite is a type of shotcrete, which is the process of placing concrete pneumatically. This term just means under pressure. When a gunite pool is constructed, the concrete is sprayed out of a large hose. It’s quite the sight, see this video for an example.
Gunite is not the only way to create a concrete pool. Concrete can also be poured into a pool. Hence, not every concrete pool is a gunite pool, but every gunite pool is a concrete pool. The main advantage of using gunite is that you don’t have a joint between the pool’s walls and the floor. At the end, the pool is all one monolithic piece of concrete when you’re done. For more information, learn about why shotcrete and mores specifically, gunite is a great choice for your pool via the American Shotcrete Association.
Benefits of Gunite vs. Other Concrete
There are many benefits of having a gunite pool. First, gunite is less susceptible to leaks. As we noted earlier, a gunite pool is one piece of concrete whereas a poured concrete pool would be many pieces, more places for a leak to occurs.
Next, gunite is a faster process for residential pools. Whereas alternatively, you’d have to wait for the floor to cure to then form/pour the walls in a poured pool. Homeowners always ask how long it takes to build a pool, so they likely favor a gunite pool timeline.
Gunite also requires less material (lumber) to build. With gunite, pool builders only need to form one side of the pool, whereas pouring requires both sides, inside and outside. Consult your local pool builder of choice for a quote, but here’s the average pool prices by region.
Gunite Pool Pros
- last longer than other pool types
- investment/ROI is better than other pool types
- totally custom, more options than fiberglass which have to come in one piece
Gunite Pool Cons
- most expensive pool type
- construction is difficult (susceptible to mistakes)
- home value increase varies, but you never get full return on investment
- more difficult to maintain versus fiberglass and vinyl
- surface is rougher in gunite pools
Bottom Line On What Is A Gunite Pool
Simple lessons from this article include the following items. A gunite pool is made of concrete in a specific way that involves a hose. It’s the least susceptible type of pool for leaks. A gunite pool is also the most expensive pool you can purchase for your backyard. Lastly, gunite takes less time in many ways than pouring a concrete pool.
