If you are planning a new inground pool, one of the first decisions you will face is the type of pool to build. The two most common options are fiberglass and gunite, a form of concrete construction. Both are proven choices that serve homeowners well. At Liquid Construction Solutions, we build custom gunite pools exclusively, and this article explains the difference between the two and why we have chosen gunite as the foundation of our work.
Understanding Fiberglass Pools
A fiberglass pool is manufactured as a single shell in a factory, transported to your property and set into an excavated hole. Because much of the work is completed before the shell arrives, installation on site can move quickly, and the smooth gel coat surface is easy to keep clean.
For many homeowners, fiberglass is a sensible option. Its primary trade-off is design: the shape, size and depth of the pool come from the manufacturer’s catalog of molds, and the shell must be transported over the road to reach your property. If one of the available models suits your yard and your plans, fiberglass can be a good fit.
Understanding Gunite Pools
A gunite pool is built in place, on your property. After layout and excavation, our crew sets a framework of steel reinforcement and installs the plumbing. The pool shell is then formed by spraying gunite, a concrete mixture applied at high velocity, which cures into a solid, reinforced structure. The pool is finished with waterline tile, coping and an interior plaster finish, with decking, electrical and equipment completing the build.
Because the pool is shaped on site rather than in a factory, the design starts with your backyard and your goals instead of a list of available models. You can learn more about our approach on our swimming pool construction page.
Why LCS Builds Custom Gunite Pools
Complete Design Freedom
With gunite, the pool is designed around your property, your home’s architecture and the way your family intends to use the space. Freeform curves, clean geometric lines, a long lap lane or a compact pool for a tight urban lot are all possible. We do not have to choose from a fixed set of shapes; we design the pool that belongs in your yard. Explore our pool design services for more on how this process works.
Any Shape and Size
Gunite allows the length, width, depth and layout of the pool to be set to your needs. This is especially valuable on lots with unusual dimensions, setbacks or existing structures, where a pre-made shell may not fit as intended. It also allows the pool to be sized in proportion to the rest of the outdoor living space.
Spas, Tanning Ledges and Raised Walls
Some of the most requested features in our projects are built directly into the gunite structure:
- Attached spas that share the same design language as the pool, including spillover spas that flow into the main pool.
- Tanning ledges, shallow shelves sized for loungers, conversation or children at play.
- Raised walls that add height and dimension, frame water features and create a defined architectural edge.
- Custom steps, benches and water and fire features placed exactly where they work best.
Indoor Pools
Because a gunite pool is formed on site, it can also be built in places a delivered shell cannot easily reach. LCS builds custom indoor pools as well, designed to fit the room and the structure around it.
Durability
A gunite pool is a steel-reinforced concrete structure built on site. That strength is one of the reasons gunite is so widely used for custom residential pools, and it allows the pool to support the integrated spas, ledges, walls and features described above.
A Finish That Lasts With Good Care
The interior of a gunite pool is finished in plaster, available in a range of colors that set the color of your water. With good care, including balanced water chemistry and routine cleaning, the plaster finish typically lasts 10 to 15 years before replastering. When that time comes, replastering renews the interior surface on the same structural shell, and it is an opportunity to refresh tile or update the look. Our pool remodeling and renovation team handles this work.
Gunite and Fiberglass at a Glance
- Construction: Fiberglass is a factory-made shell set in place. Gunite is built on site with steel reinforcement and sprayed concrete.
- Design: Fiberglass offers the shapes and sizes available from the manufacturer. Gunite can be designed in virtually any shape and size.
- Features: Gunite allows spas, tanning ledges, raised walls and other features to be built into the structure to your design.
- Interior surface: Fiberglass has a smooth gel coat. Gunite is finished in plaster, which typically needs replastering every 10 to 15 years with good care.
Neither choice is right for every home. The best choice depends on your property, your goals and how much flexibility you want in the design.
What to Expect When You Build a Gunite Pool With LCS
Every LCS project begins with design and a 3D rendering of your backyard, which takes about 1 week, so you can see the design and make changes before construction begins. Permits and approvals typically take 2 to 3 weeks. Once permits are approved, construction on a typical LCS pool takes 6 to 8 weeks. Timelines vary with permitting, weather and design scope, and we provide a project-specific schedule with your estimate. See our step-by-step pool build process for each phase in detail.
Our pricing is organized into three estimated starting points:
| Package | Starting at | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| The Essentials | $55,000 | A custom gunite pool with waterline tile, coping and a plaster finish. |
| The Signature | $70,000 | Everything in Essentials, with upgraded finishes and features. |
| The Backyard Resort | $100,000 | Everything in Signature, plus outdoor living elements for a complete backyard. |
Prices are estimates for planning only. Your final price depends on your custom design, finishes and site conditions. Financing options are available; visit our financing page to learn more.
Our owners and managers are on your jobsite throughout the build, and our founders bring over 40 years of combined experience to every project. To see what that looks like in finished backyards, browse our recent projects.
Ready to design your pool? Call Liquid Construction Solutions at 504-584-POOL or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We will walk your property, discuss your goals and begin designing a custom gunite pool built for the way you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gunite pool and a fiberglass pool?
A fiberglass pool is a factory-made shell that is delivered and set into the ground, so the shape and size come from the manufacturer’s available models. A gunite pool is built on site: the pool is excavated, reinforced with steel, and formed by spraying a concrete mixture called gunite, then finished with tile, coping and plaster. Because it is built in place, a gunite pool can be designed in virtually any shape and size.
How long does it take to build a custom gunite pool with LCS?
Design and 3D rendering take about 1 week and permits typically take 2 to 3 weeks. Once permits are approved, construction on a typical LCS pool takes 6 to 8 weeks. Timelines vary with permitting, weather and design scope, and LCS provides a project-specific schedule with each estimate.
How much does a custom gunite pool cost with LCS?
LCS offers three estimated starting points: The Essentials from $55,000, The Signature from $70,000 and The Backyard Resort from $100,000. These are planning estimates; the final price depends on the custom design, finishes and site conditions.
How long does a gunite pool finish last?
With good care, including balanced water chemistry and routine cleaning, a gunite pool’s plaster finish typically needs replastering every 10 to 15 years. Replastering renews the interior surface on the same structural shell.
