Thinking about adding a pool and feeling like you’re drinking from a firehose of options?
Fiberglass, vinyl liner, concrete—what’s what, and which one won’t fall apart or leave you high and dry?
Let’s keep it real: gunite pools have been our bread and butter for a reason. We’re Agua Construction, your Florida-based custom gunite pool builders, and we’ve built enough backyard paradises to know what holds up in this heat, humidity, and ever-shifting soil.
Let’s break down why gunite is used for pools—and why it’s the MVP for homeowners who want a custom, long-lasting swimming pool that doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
What Is Gunite, Anyway?
Gunite = dry-mix concrete + compressed air + water at the nozzle.
It gets sprayed over a steel rebar framework and shaped like clay into whatever wild or classy shape you want. The result? A rock-solid, seamless shell that becomes your pool.
Why not just use regular concrete or shotcrete?
- Gunite gives us more control on-site. It cures slow and strong.
- It’s perfect for custom shapes, water features, baja shelves, spas—you name it.
- And yeah, it’s tough as nails.
Why Is Gunite Used for Pools?
Short answer: Because it checks every box homeowners care about.
🧱 1. Built to Last (Like, 50+ Years)
Gunite pools don’t just outlast fiberglass and vinyl—they run circles around them.
| Pool Type | Lifespan | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite | 50+ years | Needs resurfacing every 10-15 yrs |
| Fiberglass | 20–30 years | Cracking, warping, size limits |
| Vinyl Liner | 10–15 years | Tears, fading, liner replacement |
Florida truth bomb: Hurricanes, shifting sand, and heat waves don’t faze a gunite shell.
🛠 2. Totally Custom Shapes (Not Just Ovals and Kidney Beans)
Got a narrow backyard? Want a pool that curves around a firepit? Dreaming of a sunken spa with spillover?
Gunite is hand-shaped right on-site. No molds. No prefab limits.
Popular Florida features we shape with gunite:
- Beach entries
- Sun shelves (aka tanning ledges)
- Raised spas with waterfalls
- Infinity edges
- Swim-up bars (yes, really)
🌴 3. Handles Florida Like a Champ
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Florida is rough on pools.
We’ve got:
- Sandy, shifting soil
- Hot sun beating down
- Saltwater systems growing in popularity
- Occasional freeze-thaw cycles in North Florida
- Storms and hurricanes
Gunite’s strength lies in how it bonds with the rebar skeleton and cures into one monolithic shell. It flexes just enough with the soil and doesn’t crack easily.
🧽 4. Finish It Your Way
Want that dreamy, smooth pebble finish? Glass beads that sparkle? Natural-looking plaster?
Gunite lets you choose your finish. And if you get tired of it 15 years down the road? You can resurface without starting over.
Popular Finish Options:
| Finish Type | Looks Like | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| White Plaster | Classic, smooth | 7–10 yrs |
| Pebble Tec | Natural, textured, durable | 15–20 yrs |
| Glass Bead | Reflective, colorful, high-end | 15–20 yrs |
🔧 5. Easier Repairs Than You’d Think
Here’s the thing—every pool needs TLC. But with gunite, you can:
- Resurface it without digging it up
- Reseal tiles and coping easily
- Modify it years later (add a spa, reshape steps)
You don’t get that with a fiberglass shell or vinyl liner.
Real Talk: When Gunite Isn’t for You
We keep it honest.
You might lean towards fiberglass if:
- You’re on a super tight timeline (gunite takes 6–12 weeks)
- You want lower initial costs (though it’ll catch up long term)
- You don’t care about shape or size customization
But if you want a one-of-a-kind backyard built to stick around—gunite’s your go-to.
Bottom Line: Why We Only Build Gunite Pools in Florida
Gunite isn’t just concrete—it’s your pool’s bones, backbone, and beauty.
And in Florida, where the ground moves and the weather’s a wildcard, gunite’s strength and flexibility are worth every penny.
We’re Agua Construction. We don’t just pour gunite—we shape it into dream backyards.
Want a custom gunite pool built to last in Florida? Let’s talk.
Call us today!
(386) 246-7212
