The Pros & Cons of Gunite Pools

A custom in-ground pool can make your outdoor living space more luxurious and fun. It also adds sellability, property value, and long-term curb appeal. But there are several different swimming pool construction options to choose from, and selecting the right one can ensure your new pool lasts for decades without expensive repairs. Gunite and shotcrete pools are a popular, long-lasting option that offers unique advantages for homeowners who want a beautiful, durable pool. Learn more about how builders make gunite and shotcrete pools and review gunite pools pros & cons.

Thinking About a Gunite Pool in Greenville or Upstate SC?

Gunite pools offer unmatched durability and design flexibility — but they’re a significant investment. If you’re considering building one, it’s important to understand the costs, timeline, and long-term maintenance requirements before making a decision.

Our team designs and builds custom gunite pools tailored to your yard, lifestyle, and budget.

Get a Custom Gunite Pool Quote

Talk to a Pool Designer

What’s the difference between Gunite Pools and Shotcrete Pools?

While the term “gunite pools” is more commonly used, many pool builders actually use shotcrete, which is very similar to gunite. The main difference between the two is that gunite pools are constructed using a dry mix that is shot through a hose and mixed with water at the nozzle. In contrast, shotcrete pools are built with pre-mixed, wet concrete that is sprayed through a nozzle.

Both methods involve spraying the material onto a steel framework, creating the desired shape based on the framework design. However, gunite employs a dry mix process, while shotcrete utilizes a wet mix process. Due to the familiarity of the term among customers, pool builders often refer to shotcrete pools as gunite pools.

Benefits of Gunite Pools & Shotcrete

Gunite Pools

Gunite pools offer several advantages over other pool construction methods. One of the biggest benefits is the customizability—because the pool is built onto a steel framework, you can choose virtually any shape, whether it’s built-in islands and seating, steps, or a unique perimeter. Additional benefits to consider are:

Durability: Gunite pools can last for over 50 years with minimal risk of cracking and breakage. They also withstand extreme weather and impact damage, making them a great choice for areas with tropical storms or temperature extremes during the summer and winter.
More accurate construction: Builders don’t have to rush to pour wet concrete. Instead, they can accurately apply layer after layer of drying concrete to create exactly the right final shape.
Low maintenance: Gunite pools have a non-porous surface. This minimizes the risk of staining, algae growth, and other buildup.
Increased home value: Because gunite pools are built to last, they can significantly increase your home’s resellability and sales price compared to other pool options.

With a gunite pool, you can enjoy a completely customized outdoor oasis that lasts.

Shotcrete Pools

Shotcrete pools offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for homeowners seeking durability and design flexibility. Unlike traditional poured concrete, shotcrete is sprayed onto a reinforced surface, allowing for greater strength and reduced construction time. This method supports custom shapes and intricate designs, making it ideal for unique pool layouts. Additionally, shotcrete is highly resistant to cracks and wear, resulting in a long-lasting and low-maintenance pool solution. Consider these benefits of shotcrete:

Durability: Shotcrete is best known for its strength. When properly applied, shotcrete can result in one of the strongest and most watertight pool materials. Similar to gunite, shotcrete, when properly maintained, can last for more than 50 years.
Customization Options: Shotcrete is highly customizable. When working with shotcrete, you have the opportunity to create a pool that is unique to your tastes and home aesthetics.
High Compressive Strength: Shotcrete has a relatively high compressive strength of 6000-7500 psi. The compressive strength of the materials used to create your pool determines how the pool structure handles loads. This is important for foundational security, settling, and shock absorption.
Faster Installation: Shotcrete allows for faster installation than traditional concrete because it is sprayed directly onto surfaces, often without the need for formwork. This method combines placement and compaction in one step, reducing labor and equipment time. Its high early strength enables quicker progression to the next construction phases, and it’s especially efficient in hard-to-reach or complex areas like tunnels, slopes, and pools. Overall, shotcrete streamlines the construction process, saving time and resources.
Low Maintenance: Shotcrete is low maintenance because it forms a dense, durable, and highly adherent concrete layer that resists cracking, weathering, and water infiltration. Its compact application and reduced need for joints minimize weak points where damage typically occurs, resulting in fewer repairs over time. Additionally, shotcrete’s strong bond to surfaces helps prevent delamination and spalling, making it ideal for long-term structural integrity in harsh or exposed environments.

Things to Consider with Gunite Pools or Shotcrete Pools

Gunite pools and shotcrete pools offer impressive strength and design versatility, but there are a few aspects worth noting. Their construction involves specialized tools, such as high-pressure hoses used to apply concrete in layers. Because of the precision and customization involved, the process requires skilled professionals. The application method can also result in some excess material around the pool’s edges, so it’s important to choose a builder who ensures a thorough cleanup after the project is complete.

Get In Touch Today

Gunite pools offer premium luxury that other pool construction methods can’t promise: custom designs with a smooth, error-free surface that can last for 50 years and more. At Genco Pools & Spas, we specialize in designing and building beautiful pools so our clients can relax in their own personal oasis. Contact us today to tell us what you’re looking for in your in-ground pool, and we’ll schedule an at-home consultation to begin the design phase.