Gunite Pool

The mixture hardens on contact, creating a dense and highly durable shell that can be shaped into almost any design. Once cured, the surface is finished with plaster, tile, or pebble to achieve the desired look and texture. Gunite pools are prized for their strength, longevity, and design flexibility, making them one of the most popular choices for luxury and custom-built pools.

Advantages of Gunite Pools

• Unlimited Customisation: The spray-on application allows for complete design freedom, enabling the creation of unique shapes, varying depths, and integrated features like benches, tanning ledges, or spas.
• Exceptional Durability: The hardened concrete structure forms a solid, long-lasting shell capable of withstanding heavy use and environmental stress.
• Versatile Design Options: Gunite construction supports custom upgrades such as waterfalls, vanishing edges, and decorative tile work, offering both aesthetic and functional flexibility.

Disadvantages of Gunite Pools

• Higher Cost: Gunite pools are typically among the most expensive to build, due to labour-intensive construction and the need for skilled technicians.
• Longer Construction Time: The process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the size, complexity, and curing period.
• Ongoing Maintenance: While durable, gunite pools require regular cleaning, water balancing, and resurfacing every 10–15 years to maintain their appearance and prevent staining or algae buildup.



A gunite pool offers a premium, fully customisable, and long-lasting swimming experience. Though it demands more time and investment upfront, the result is a strong, elegant, and uniquely tailored pool that enhances both the aesthetics and value of any property.

The cost of a gunite pool generally ranges from $55,000 to $120,000, with luxury or highly customised projects reaching $200,000 or more. Pricing depends on the pool’s size, shape, location, and the inclusion of additional features such as spas, lighting, or premium finishes. On average, homeowners can expect to spend around $85,000 for a standard turnkey installation.

Cost Breakdown and Influencing Factors

• Average Cost Range:

Most gunite pools fall between $50,000 and $120,000, though larger or more complex designs can exceed $150,000–$200,00

• Cost per Square Foot:

Expect to pay approximately $165 to $300 per square foot, depending on design complexity, materials, and regional labour rates.

• Size and Scale:

A 10' × 20' pool may cost between $55,000 and $70,000.

A 20' × 40' pool with upgraded finishes or features can exceed $100,000.

• Custom Features:

Adding elements such as attached spas, waterfalls, vanishing edges, LED lighting, or automated systems increases the total investment.

• Site Preparation:

Preparing the land for installation can add anywhere from $200 to $6,000 or more, particularly if excavation or levelling is required.

• Materials and Finishes:

The choice of interior finish (plaster, pebble, or tile) and coping materials (stone or concrete) significantly influences final cost.

• Labour Costs:

Skilled labour accounts for roughly one-third of the total cost, reflecting the precision required in spraying and shaping the gunite.

Long-Term Considerations

• Resurfacing: Gunite pools require resurfacing every 10–15 years, costing between $10,000 and $20,000 depending on the surface material and pool size.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Regular cleaning, brushing, and chemical balancing are necessary to preserve the finish and prevent algae buildup.



While gunite pools represent a premium investment, they offer unmatched design flexibility, strength, and aesthetic appeal. With proper maintenance, a gunite pool can last for decades adding lasting beauty and value to any property.

Constructing a gunite pool involves a detailed process that combines precision engineering and skilled craftsmanship. The key difference from other pool types is that gunite uses a dry concrete mix sprayed at high pressure onto a reinforced steel framework, allowing for complete design flexibility and long-term durability.

Step 1: Excavation and Rebar Framework

The process starts by excavating the ground according to the pool’s design. Once the hole is shaped, a steel rebar grid is installed throughout the excavation area. This framework reinforces the structure and forms the skeleton of the pool, ensuring strength and stability once the concrete is applied.

Step 2: Spraying the Gunite

A dry mix of sand and cement is pneumatically sprayed through a hose using compressed air. Water is added at the nozzle during application, allowing the concrete to bond tightly to the rebar and surrounding surfaces. This spraying technique gives gunite pools their customisable shape and dense structural integrity. Skilled technicians use trowels to shape and smooth the surface while the material is still workable.

Step 3: Curing and Finishing

After shaping, the gunite shell must cure for several weeks to reach full strength. During this period, the surface is kept moist to prevent cracking and ensure even hardening. Once the curing phase is complete, the interior is finished with plaster, tile, pebble, or marble dust, giving the pool its final appearance and smooth swimming surface.

A properly built gunite pool provides a durable, long-lasting foundation that supports endless design possibilities. With correct curing, finishing, and ongoing maintenance, it can deliver decades of reliable use and visual appeal.

Yes, a gunite pool can safely operate as a saltwater pool with the right finish, materials, and regular maintenance. Saltwater systems are compatible with gunite construction and can provide a gentler, low-chlorine swimming experience. However, because salt is mildly corrosive, careful attention must be paid to the pool’s interior finish, equipment, and water balance to prevent long-term surface or metal damage.

Key Considerations for Saltwater Gunite Pools

• Pool Finish:

Choose a salt-resistant finish, such as quartz aggregate, pebble, or polished plaster, to withstand prolonged salt exposure. Standard plaster surfaces are more prone to etching, pitting, and discolouration over time.

• Corrosion and Staining:

Salt can accelerate corrosion on uncoated metal components and cause staining if trace metals (like iron or copper) are present in the water. To prevent this, use non-corrosive materials for ladders, fixtures, and fittings, and maintain balanced water chemistry.

• Maintenance Requirements:

Regular testing is essential to keep salt levels and pH within the recommended range. Balanced chemistry ensures efficient chlorine generation and protects the pool’s finish from premature wear.

• Initial Setup:

A saltwater system requires a salt chlorine generator, which converts dissolved salt into chlorine for sanitation. This system adds to the initial installation cost but typically lowers ongoing chemical expenses.

• Alternative Sanitation Options:

Homeowners concerned about the effects of salt on the finish can consider UV or ozone systems, which also provide effective sanitisation without the use of salt.

A properly maintained gunite saltwater pool combines the strength of concrete with the comfort of saltwater, delivering a durable and enjoyable swimming environment. With the right materials and consistent care, it can remain beautiful and functional for decades.

No, a gunite pool should not be left empty for long periods. Without the stabilising pressure of water, the pool structure becomes vulnerable to external ground forces. Prolonged emptiness can lead to cracking, structural movement, or even the pool lifting (“floating”) out of the ground, especially in areas with a high water table. If the pool must be drained for maintenance, it should be refilled within a few days ideally within a week to prevent damage.

Risks of Leaving a Gunite Pool Empty

• Structural Damage: Without the internal pressure of water, groundwater pushes inward on the pool’s walls and base, increasing the risk of cracks or floor movement.
• “Popped” Pool: In regions with a high water table, hydrostatic pressure can cause the entire pool shell to lift out of the ground, breaking plumbing and damaging surrounding decking.
• Plaster Deterioration: When left exposed to air and sunlight, plaster finishes dry out, weaken, and may develop cracks or flaking.

Best Practices for Draining a Gunite Pool

• Drain Only When Necessary: Avoid draining unless absolutely required for repairs or resurfacing. Minor maintenance is often possible with the pool partially filled.
• Plan Ahead: If draining is essential, have all materials, tools, and contractors ready to begin work immediately.
• Limit Empty Time: Refill the pool within a few days to one week to minimise risk of damage.
• Monitor the Shell: Watch for any signs of cracking, bulging, or ground movement during the empty period.
• Consult Professionals: In high water table areas or for major repairs, hire a qualified pool technician to manage draining and refilling safely.



Keeping a gunite pool filled most of the time preserves its structural integrity and finish. Water not only provides buoyant support against ground pressure but also helps protect the plaster surface from sun and air exposure.

Yes, a vinyl liner pool can be converted into a gunite (concrete) pool, but the process is essentially a complete reconstruction rather than a simple modification. While the existing pool cavity can be reused, nearly every component including the walls, plumbing, and decking must be rebuilt. The conversion cost is typically comparable to building a brand-new gunite pool, as it requires new structural reinforcements, concrete work, and finishing.

What the Conversion Process Involves

• Demolition: The existing vinyl liner, steel or polymer walls, decking, and plumbing are completely removed to expose the ground cavity.
• Structural Reinforcement: Because vinyl pool walls are too weak to support a concrete shell, a new reinforced framework is constructed using steel rebar.
• New Gunite Shell: The rebar grid is covered with sprayed concrete (gunite) to form a durable structure. Some reshaping or excavation may be needed to achieve the proper dimensions and support depth.
• Finishing Work: Once the concrete cures, the new pool is completed with a plaster, tile, or pebble finish, followed by a new pool deck and updated plumbing or filtration systems.

Key Considerations

• Cost: Converting a liner pool to gunite costs roughly the same as constructing a new gunite pool, often starting around $60,000–$120,000, depending on design and materials. In some cases, additional demolition can increase costs further.
• Shape Limitations: Retaining the original shape helps reduce costs. Major alterations that require reshaping or deepening the pool cavity will significantly raise the budget.
• Long-Term Benefit: The result is a permanent, reinforced concrete pool that eliminates future liner replacements and offers greater design freedom, durability, and property value.

Converting a liner pool to gunite is a major renovation project but provides a lasting upgrade. The new structure delivers decades of strength, flexibility in design, and the solid feel of a true concrete pool making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking a permanent solution.

The main difference between gunite and traditional concrete pools lies in how the concrete is applied. Gunite uses a dry mix sprayed under high pressure, with water added at the nozzle during application, while traditional concrete pools are poured as a wet mix into wooden forms. This distinction affects strength, flexibility, design options, and construction time. Gunite pools are generally more durable and versatile but come with higher installation costs.

Summary

Gunite pools are essentially a specialised form of concrete construction, offering superior strength, flexibility, and a smoother finish. While they cost more initially, their durability and design freedom make them the preferred choice for homeowners seeking a long-term, custom-built pool. Traditional poured concrete pools, on the other hand, remain a cost-effective option for simpler, standard installations.