Gunite Pools vs. Fiberglass Pools: Which One is Best for You?

—Evaluating how prefabricated shells stack up to custom gunite construction

When choosing between a gunite pool and a fiberglass model, homeowners are sometimes challenged to sift through the marketing hype over the realities of each kind of pool.

The decision is a significant one that impacts the design, longevity, and overall satisfaction of their swimming pool.

Both kinds of pools provide certain advantages. However, gunite pools typically have the upper hand due to their beauty, versatility, durability, and vast customization capabilities.

Let’s look at the reasons why gunite pools are generally considered a superior investment over their fiberglass cousins. But let’s also give the acrylic option its dues and explain the specific situations where it may be a better match.

1. Unparalleled Design Versatility

Every gunite pool is a custom build.

Constructed by spraying a concrete mixture over a steel-reinforced framework, a gunite shell allows for virtually unlimited customization.

This flexibility means you can choose any size, shape, style, and depth to suit your backyard, family preferences, and anything else that’s on your wish list.

Customization possibilities

• Spectrum of Shapes:

Whether you want a modified rectangle, curvy free-from, modern, geometric design, classic Roman or Grecian. a modern version of a classic kidney, or a bespoke creation that combines curved and straight lines, gunite construction makes it possible.

In contrast, fiberglass pools are far more restrictive in terms of creative freedom and personalization.

These vessels are re-pre-manufactured in molds. That limits you to the sizes, shapes, and designs available from the manufacturer.

However, fiberglass manufacturers offer several dozen shapes, and their offering may be acceptable if you prioritize simplicity.

For example, if you already want a rectangle, a simple curvy shape, or traditional Roman, fiberglass may satisfy your taste.

• Attached spa:

First, with a gunite pool, you can integrate a spa in a manner simply not possible with a fiberglass vessel.

you are not limited to a couple of geometric shapes like a fiberglass model. Your pool builder can tailor the size, shape, and location of the spa to complement the pool.

Critically, the spa’s dam wall will be built so this wall is shared with the pool structure for a completely seamless structure and appearance.

This unified, organic look is something you simply cannot achieve by installing a prefabricated spa adjacent to a fiberglass shell.

• Integrated Features:

Benches, waterfalls, grottos, tanning ledges, integrated landscape slides, swim-up bars, and water features such as deck jets, laminars, bubbler fountains, and sheer cascade falls can be perfectly incorporated into the pool structure.

A version of some of these features can be part of fiberglass pool installation. For example, your contractor can add graceful deck jets or laminars to a fiberglass project.

Some can build walls and columns adjacent to the fiberglass shell to try mimicking raised bond beam on a gunite pool. to these, cascade water features can be plumbed in.

And, some fiberglass models now include a tanning ledge. However, the size and location is set at the factory mold.

• Adaptation to Landscape:

Does your backyard pose obstacles to building a pool?

Perhaps your lot is sloped, has a funky lot shape, limited square footage, or contains a mature tree you want to preserve.

Gunite pools are made for these challenges. The customizable structures can be built on slopes, around trees, or to fit into compact or irregularly shaped lots.

2. Exceptional Durability and Longevity

Gunite pools are renowned for their robust construction.

The combination of concrete and steel rebar creates a solid, monolithic structure that can withstand natural ground shifts and heavy use over decades.

Key Points on Durability:

• Structural Strength:

The steel-reinforced construction ensures gunite pools remain stable and crack-resistant—even in fluctuating soil conditions with contraction and expansion with freezes and thaws.

• Long Lifespan:

Properly maintained gunite pools can last for 50+ years, far outliving the typical lifespan of fiberglass units.

• Surface Resilience:

Unlike old-school marcite plaster, modern interior finishes for gunite pools can go the distance.

Color quartz aggregate or pebble surface greatly improves resistance to wear, mottling, streaking, scratches, chemical imbalances, and ultraviolet damage.

Fiberglass pools are durable to an extent. But they are prone to cracking under pressure from ground movement or improper installation.

Moreover, their gel-coat finish is susceptible to fading, staining, and blistering over time.

And here’s what industry insiders know about those heavily touted manufacturer warranties.

When fiberglass customers complain about issues and make a claim to the manufacturer, the manufacturer will often blame the contractor for improper installation. Customers get caught in the middle of a game of finger-pointing where neither party wants to accept responsibility.

3. Customizable Aesthetic Appeal

Gunite pools provide unmatched options for achieving a luxurious look that complements any backyard. An array of decorative options and materials are possible.

Aesthetic Benefits:

• Variety of Materials:

To enhance a gunite pool's visual appeal, you have excellent choices for the interior finish.

You can select a color quartz or pebble finish in shades of white, beige, brown, blue, teal, grey, and green. Some blends of these finishes even incorporate iridescent minerals, and the pebble variety comes in several different sizes and textures.

• Natural Look:

Gunite pools can be configured to capture some of the appearance of natural bodies of water.

The right shape with creative organic styling can look similar to a tropical hidden lagoon or a pond in the countryside. Accent boulders can also be incorporated in ways simply not possible with fiberglass pools.

Today’s fiberglass pools come in several color options besides traditional white.

For example, you can request a unit with a speckled interior to mimic the appearance of a gunite pool’s color quartz finish.

4. Adaptability to Add-Ons

Gunite pools provide an immense ability to accommodate various modifications and features.

Whether you want to include a swim-up bar, beach entry, vanishing edge, expanded tanning ledge, fountain enclosure, or built-in seating, gunite construction ensures these additions blend seamlessly into the design.

Fiberglass pools are limited in this regard because you cannot alter the structure after manufacturing. Retrofitting add-ons is either very difficult or nearly impossible without compromising the pool's structural integrity.

5. Size Options and Flexibility of Dimensions

When it comes to size, gunite pools have no upper limit.

Their design is tailored to the homeowner's specifications, making them ideal if you want a large pool—just because or if you want the space to accommodate a variety of amenities and aquatic activities.

Gunite’s Edge in Size:

Customized Depths:

The depth can be varied throughout the pool to accommodate activities involving diving boards, jump rocks, pool sides, aquatic volleyball, or basketball,

You can have a sports pool with two shallow ends and a “deep” end in the center. This configuration provides greater functionality and ease of use by friends and family members of various heights and swimming abilities.

Fiberglass pools are confined by the mold dimensions at the factory. Larger models up to 40 feet are available, but they can be challenging to transport or install.

6. Maintenance Considerations

While fiberglass pools are often touted as low-maintenance, gunite pools have evolved so upkeep needs are significantly lower.

This is especially true when gunite pools are equipped with advanced cleaning technologies and newer kinds of plaster.

Manageable Gunite Maintenance

• Durable Finishes:

Advances in plaster and aggregate finishes have increased stain resistance and reduced algae buildup.

• Automation Options:

Gunite pools often come with automatic cleaners, automated chemical dispensers, and advanced filtration systems.

You can include supplemental cleaning and circulation systems or in-floor cleaning systems. Some gunite builders offer advanced systems that cut scale and biofilm to minimize needed brushing.

However, the smooth, non-porous surface of fiberglass pools is indeed easier to clean.

However, when damage occurs, such as a crack or blister, repairs can be costly and labor-intensive, often requiring a professional to restore the finish.

7. Increased Property Value

Most home buyers view a custom-built gunite pool as a luxury feature that enhances a property's value.

Buyers are typically willing to pay a premium for homes with aesthetically pleasing pools, especially when the design is tailored to the property.

Gunite Pools and Return on Investment:

• High-End Appeal:

Their custom nature and appealing visual elements make them desirable to discerning buyers and homeowners who have already owned a gunite pools

• Durable Investment:

The longevity of gunite pools ensures they remain an asset for decades. Fiberglass models simply do not carry the same cache.

Fiberglass pools, while functional, do not carry the same level of prestige. Their cookie-cutter appearance can make them appear less like a bespoke backyard feature and more like a prefabricated addition.

Lastly, gunite pools offer a superior pool experience with versatility for all kinds of lifestyles and pool-centric activities

Whether you’re hosting a pool party, enjoying a quiet evening swim, or practicing laps, a custom-built gunite pool delivers unmatched comfort and enjoyment.

Why Gunite Enhances the Experience:

• Tailored Depths:

• Unique Atmosphere:

Custom lighting, waterfalls, and other features create a relaxing ambiance.

Fiberglass pools, while functional, may feel limiting due to their standardized designs and inability to cater to specific preferences.

Which one is right for you?

Gunite pools reign supreme over fiberglass pools for homeowners who value design flexibility, durability, various amenities, aesthetic appearance, and long-term satisfaction.

When it comes to build time, fiberglass installs win hands down with rapid completion times. A fiberglass pool is installed, whereas a gunite pool becomes a reality only after a longer, multiphase custom-building process.

In areas not served by a gunite pool builder, a fiberglass pool can be your best alternative. Fiberglass is certainly more desirable than a vinyl liner pool.

While fiberglass may appeal to those seeking simplicity and lower initial costs, gunite pools provide a level of customization and luxury that transforms a backyard into a personalized oasis.

With their superior construction, aesthetic versatility, and adaptability, gunite pools remain the gold standard for those looking to invest in a timeless swimming experience.