Thinking about adding a pool to your backyard? A gunite pool might be exactly what you’re looking for.
These pools have renown for their strength, flexibility in design, and long-lasting value. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat or a backyard party zone, gunite swimming pools offer a custom solution that fits your lifestyle.
What Is Gunite?
Gunite is a mix of sand, cement, and water not poured like regular concrete. Instead, professionals spray it on using a high-pressure hose. This method lets builders shape the material into any curve, slope, or angle your pool design needs.
That unique process is what sets gunite apart from standard concrete pools. Instead of seams between poured sections, gunite creates one solid structure. This makes a gunite pool more durable and less prone to cracking.
So, what is a gunite pool exactly? It’s a concrete swimming pool built using this spray-on technique. And yes, it’s different from a prefab with metal structural gunite or a cement pool that’s just poured in a mold.
Why Choose a Gunite Swimming Pool?
If you’re browsing options, you’ve probably asked, gunite vs concrete pool, or gunite pool vs concrete. The short answer? Gunite pools are stronger, more flexible in design, and often seen in luxury homes and resorts.
According to HGTV, “Although the most expensive option, Gunite pools can be decorated with tiling and other forms of detail work to make the space really pop. Custom water features and spas can also be added to the pool, giving the space a rich and luxurious feel.”
Source: HGTV – Maximum Value: Big-Ticket Upgrade Projects
How a Gunite Pool Is Built
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- First, your pool builder digs out the shape of your future pool.
- Next comes the steel rebar frame, which supports the structure.
- Then, professionals spray layers of gunite over the rebar.
- After smoothing and curing, a finish like plaster or tile is applied.
Some clients choose pebble or tile finishes for added texture and color. Want both? Mix and match styles to add personality and visual flair to your gunite in pool design.
Maintenance: What You Should Know
A gunite swimming pool needs a little more attention than vinyl or fiberglass options. That’s because the porous surface can attract algae. To stay ahead of it, you’ll need to:
- Brush your pool regularly
- Use the right chemicals
- Keep your filtration system in check
Over time, the surface may need refinishing. But the concrete in pool construction means your pool won’t lose shape or shift like a vinyl liner might.
Gunite vs Shotcrete: What’s the Difference?
Gunite and shotcrete both use cement, sand, and water, but builders apply them differently. With gunite, the mix stays dry until it reaches the nozzle, where it combines with water and gets sprayed into place. Shotcrete arrives pre-mixed and wet, then moves through a hose and onto the surface.
Gunite allows builders to control the mix on-site and shape complex designs with more precision. It also sticks better to curves and vertical surfaces, which makes it the go-to choice for custom pools. Shotcrete works well for simpler projects but doesn’t match gunite’s flexibility or long-term durability.
At Great Falls Pools, we choose gunite because it gives us the control, strength, and finish quality our clients expect.
Gunite FAQs: Quick Answers
What is gunite concrete?
It’s concrete applied with a high-pressure spray gun. This creates a strong, seamless surface.
What is gunnite?
Gunnite is just a misspelling of gunite. Same thing.
Gunite versus concrete: What’s the difference?
Gunite is a type of concrete, but applied differently. The process avoids seams, which makes gunite pools more durable.
What is gunite pool maintenance like?
It’s more hands-on than fiberglass, but with proper care, your pool cement investment will last for decades.
Will a Gunite Pool Increase the Value of My Home?
Yes, a custom gunite pool can boost your home’s value by 7 to 15 percent, depending on your location. Homes in warmer climates or high-demand neighborhoods often see the biggest returns. A well-designed gunite pool adds luxury, appeal, and usable outdoor space, all of which attract buyers and raise market value. Over time, the pool’s value grows along with your property, making it a smart investment—not just for your lifestyle, but for your long-term equity.
Ready to Build Your Dream Pool?
At Great Falls Pools, we specialize in building custom gunite pools tailored to your home and lifestyle. Whether you’re curious about cement pools, wondering what is gunnite, or ready to bring in the gunite truck, we’re here to help.
Great Falls Pools leads the way in gunite pool building and renovation across Northern Virginia, including Great Falls, McLean, Falls Church, Arlington, Oakton, Burke, and parts of Northwest DC. Our team designs and builds custom gunite pools from the ground up, renovates aging cement pools, and delivers high-end finishes that stand the test of time. We bring craftsmanship, reliability, and local expertise to every backyard we transform.