Concrete vs. Gunite Pool: Is There Really a Difference?

Yes, there is a difference, but it is not the one most people think. Gunite is a type of concrete, so every gunite pool is a concrete pool, but not every concrete pool is described as a gunite pool because “concrete pool” is the broader category.

If you’re getting quotes from pool builders, you’ll hear terms like concrete, gunite, and shotcrete used throughout the process. This guide explains what each term means, how they relate to one another, and what you should compare before choosing a pool builder.

Quick Answer: Concrete vs. Gunite Pool

A gunite pool is a concrete pool. The word concrete describes the type of pool, while gunite describes one method of building the concrete shell.

This is why comparing concrete vs. gunite can be confusing. If you’re choosing between the two, the real comparison is between gunite and shotcrete, since both are methods of building a concrete pool.

What Is a Concrete Pool?

A concrete pool is an inground pool built with a reinforced concrete shell over a steel rebar framework. This type of construction gives you the freedom to create almost any size, shape, or depth that fits your yard.

The term concrete pool includes gunite, shotcrete, and poured concrete pools. If a builder says they install concrete pools, ask which construction method they use because that is what sets the building process apart.

What Is a Gunite Pool?

A gunite pool is a concrete pool built by spraying a dry mix of cement and sand through a hose, with water added at the nozzle before the material reaches the steel rebar frame. This process creates a strong concrete shell that can be shaped into almost any pool design.

Gunite is one of the most common methods for building custom concrete pools. If you are getting quotes, ask how the crew controls water at the nozzle, since that is where most workmanship problems start. 

What Is a Shotcrete Pool?

A shotcrete pool is a concrete pool built by spraying a wet, premixed concrete through a hose onto a steel rebar framework. Because the concrete is already mixed before it is sprayed, the crew can apply it evenly to create a strong pool shell.

Shotcrete is a popular construction method for both residential and commercial pools. Since the mix arrives ready to spray, ask how the crew handles placement and finishing. That is where quality differences show up.

Gunite vs. Shotcrete vs. Concrete: What Homeowners Actually Need to Know

If you’re trying to choose between a gunite pool and a concrete pool, the first thing to know is that you’re comparing a construction method with a pool type. Gunite and shotcrete are both ways to build a concrete pool, so the real comparison is gunite vs shotcrete.

For most homeowners, the finished pool will look and perform much the same when an experienced contractor builds it. Your decision should focus on the builder’s experience, the quality of the installation, and the design you want, instead of the construction method alone.

Is Gunite Better Than Concrete?

This question is misleading because gunite is not a different type of pool. A gunite pool is a concrete pool, so you are comparing a construction method with the finished pool itself.

If you are trying to choose the better option, compare gunite to shotcrete rather than concrete. Both methods create a strong, durable concrete pool, so your builder’s experience and the quality of the installation matter more than the method used.

Cost Difference Between Concrete and Gunite Pools

There is no significant price difference between a concrete pool and a gunite pool, since gunite is a type of concrete. The final cost is determined by the pool’s size, shape, depth, finish, and site conditions, rather than whether someone calls it “concrete” or “gunite.”

If you’re comparing quotes, pay attention to what is included instead of the label. One contractor may say “concrete pool,” while another says “gunite pool,” even though they are offering the same construction method.

For a detailed breakdown of pricing, read our Gunite Pool Cost guide. If you’re comparing all inground pool options, including fiberglass and vinyl, see our Inground Pool Cost guide.

Maintenance and Lifespan

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose a concrete or gunite pool is longevity. With proper care, these pools can last for decades. The tradeoff is that they require more hands-on maintenance than fiberglass pools because the plaster or aggregate surface is porous.

• Brush the pool regularly: Brushing prevents algae from settling into the surface and keeps stains from becoming permanent. This is one maintenance task you should not skip.
• Keep water chemistry balanced: Proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels protect the finish and help prevent scaling, etching, and premature wear. Learn more in our pool maintenance guide.
• Watch for stains: Leaves, metals, and algae can leave marks on concrete surfaces if they sit too long. Cleaning stains early is much easier than removing them later.
• Acid wash only when necessary: An acid wash can remove stubborn stains and discoloration, but it also removes a thin layer of the finish. It should only be done when normal cleaning no longer restores the surface.
• Plan for resurfacing every 10 to 15 years: Plaster and other interior finishes wear down over time. Resurfacing restores both the appearance and protection of the pool shell. Learn what to expect in our pool resurfacing guide.
• Choose the right finish: Standard plaster is the most affordable but feels rougher and requires more upkeep over time. Pebble and quartz finishes cost more upfront, but they are more durable, resist staining better, and provide a smoother feel underfoot.

Design Flexibility

If you want a pool that fits your yard instead of forcing your yard to fit the pool, concrete and gunite give you the most design freedom. You can build almost any shape, size, or depth, making it easy to work around landscaping, property lines, or unique lot layouts.

This flexibility also makes it easy to add features such as tanning ledges, beach entries, built-in spas, infinity edges, benches, and custom steps. If your goal is a one-of-a-kind backyard instead of a standard pool shell, concrete construction gives your builder far more options.

Concrete and Gunite Pools by Region

Local ground conditions matter just as much as the pool design. A builder who understands your area’s soil, drainage, and weather will deliver a pool that performs better for the long term.

Florida: High water tables and coastal conditions require careful engineering before excavation begins. Many homeowners also add screen enclosures, which must be engineered to meet county-specific wind-load requirements, and the pool itself has to meet local hurricane and wind-load codes.

Virginia and North Carolina: Concrete pools handle Virginia’s climate well, but proper winterization is essential before freezing temperatures arrive, and construction tends to slow during colder months, so scheduling early helps avoid delays. In North Carolina, clay soil expands and contracts as moisture changes, so grading and drainage matter from day one. A well-prepared base reduces movement and protects the shell over time.

South Carolina: Sandy and coastal soils require extra attention to excavation, drainage, and stormwater management. Local building codes and permitting requirements also play a bigger role in coastal communities, so working with an experienced local contractor helps keep the project on track.

Texas: Clay soil and shifting ground are common across much of the state, which puts extra weight on proper site prep and rebar work, exactly where gunite’s steel-reinforced construction earns its keep. Coastal markets like Houston and Corpus Christi carry additional wind-load and drainage requirements similar to Florida.

Arizona: Rocky or caliche soil can complicate excavation and add cost before construction even begins. Intense heat and low humidity also accelerate water evaporation and chemical use, so plan for that in your long-term maintenance budget, not just the build.

California: Sloped lots are common in many markets, which increases engineering requirements to keep the shell stable over time. Seismic activity is also a real factor for concrete construction in parts of the state, worth discussing directly with your builder regardless of pool type.

FAQs

Is a gunite pool the same as a concrete pool?

Yes. A gunite pool is a type of concrete pool, distinguished by the fact that concrete is applied through a high-pressure hose rather than poured into forms.

What is the difference between gunite and shotcrete?

Both use concrete to build the pool shell, but gunite is a dry mix that combines with water at the nozzle, while shotcrete is a pre-mixed wet concrete. When installed correctly, both create a strong, durable pool.

Is gunite better than poured concrete?

For swimming pools, yes, because gunite allows builders to create custom shapes, curves, and depths that poured concrete cannot match. Poured concrete works well for flat structures like decks and foundations, but is rarely used for modern inground pool shells.

Are gunite pools more expensive?

Gunite pools cost more than vinyl liner pools, and often more than fiberglass, because they are built on-site and offer unlimited customization. The final price is driven more by the pool’s size, geographic location, design, finishes, and site conditions than by the word “gunite.”

Is shotcrete cheaper than gunite?

Not meaningfully. Both are ways of applying the same reinforced concrete shell, so material and labor costs land in a similar range. Your final price depends far more on pool size, design complexity, and site conditions than on which spray method your builder uses.

How do I know which method my builder actually uses?

Ask directly, some builders use the terms “concrete” and “gunite” loosely, even when they’re really building with shotcrete. A reputable builder should be able to explain their exact process, crew experience with that method, and how they control quality at the nozzle or during placement.

Can a gunite or shotcrete pool be repaired the same way?

Yes, both methods produce a similar reinforced concrete shell, so cracks, structural repairs, and resurfacing are handled the same way regardless of which spray method built the original pool. The finish material matters more for repair approach than the construction method underneath it.