CUSTOM IN-GROUND POOLS
Concrete and Gunite Pools
Compare concrete and gunite pools by design flexibility, site engineering, structure, finishes, startup, maintenance, and written warranty responsibilities.
Pool Builder Ratings Editorial Team · Updated September 25, 2026 · AI-assisted, source-reviewed homeowner educationDECISIONS TO PUT IN WRITING
What to compare before choosing a Pool Builder
- Purpose, shape, depth, steps, benches, ledges, and spa integration
- Site information, excavation, structure, plumbing, inspections, and drainage
- Interior finish, tile, coping, deck interfaces, filling, and startup
- Structural, finish, equipment, deck, and workmanship warranty boundaries
Use design flexibility for a clear purpose
Concrete construction can support custom geometry, integrated spas, shelves, varied depths, and detailed relationships with retaining walls or outdoor living areas. Start with swimming, accessibility, entertaining, maintenance, and yard-use priorities. Ask each Pool Builder to explain which design choices solve those needs and which add construction or ownership complexity.
Compare the complete structural proposal
Identify who designs the structure, what site and soil information supports it, which excavation assumptions apply, and how penetrations, plumbing, groundwater, movement, and inspections are addressed. The proposal should define steel, concrete or shotcrete, waterproofing assumptions, tile, coping, interior finish, deck interfaces, drainage, barriers, restoration, testing, and unknown-condition procedures.
Treat finish and startup as construction stages
Finish performance depends on product selection, preparation, application, filling, startup chemistry, brushing, and care. Record the exact finish, permitted appearance variation, responsible startup party, initial water-care procedure, owner restrictions, and evidence required for a later material or workmanship claim.
Map lifecycle and warranty responsibilities
Separate structural, interior-finish, equipment, deck, plumbing, and workmanship terms. Ask what maintenance, water chemistry, drainage, movement, misuse, or third-party work can affect coverage. Compare likely surface-care and future renovation needs without treating a generic lifespan or national price as a property-specific promise.
Sources and further verification
US Consumer Product Safety Commission: Pool Safely ↗Confirm current product instructions and requirements with the manufacturer, responsible authority, and qualified project professionals.
PRACTICAL ANSWERS
Concrete and Gunite Pools FAQs
Is gunite different from concrete?
Gunite and shotcrete describe pneumatically applied concrete processes. Compare the specified materials, design, placement, curing, quality controls, finish, responsible parties, and warranty rather than the label alone.
How long does a concrete pool take?
Timing depends on design, approvals, access, excavation, engineering, inspections, weather, curing, finish, surrounding work, and owner decisions. Ask for dependencies and update procedures rather than an unsupported guaranteed date.
What belongs in the quote?
Define the complete boundary from design and excavation through structure, plumbing, equipment, electrical work, finish, deck interfaces, drainage, barriers, startup, restoration, records, and exclusions.
Does a custom shape always cost more?
Cost depends on the complete design and site. Compare quantities, engineering, access, features, finishes, surrounding work, and risk assumptions across equivalent scopes.