So you have decided it is time to get a pool. Fantastic! Pools are a fantastic way to instantly turn your backyard from a barren plot of half dead crab grass to a backyard people want to spend time. A well-designed pool creates a natural gathering spot for family and friends, encourages you to get outside more often, and makes summer days feel like a getaway instead of just another afternoon at home. Beyond fun and relaxation, a pool can increase property value and open the door to a complete outdoor living space with patios, seating areas, and lighting. Whether it’s for entertaining, staying active, or simply unwinding after a long day, a backyard pool adds both lifestyle and long-term value to your home.
What is a Gunite Pool?
We got together with Peter Cook, a pool contractor based in NH and owner of Stone Ridge Outdoor experineces. He answered all our questions about Gunite pool and if they are a good choice for your home. According to Peter, a gunite pool is a type of in-ground swimming pool built using a concrete-based material that’s sprayed over a reinforced steel framework, creating an extremely strong and durable structure. This construction method allows for complete design flexibility, making it possible to build custom shapes, sizes, depths, steps, benches, and integrated features like spas or waterfalls. Because gunite is so durable, these pools are known for their long lifespan and ability to handle heavy use and changing weather conditions. Once the shell is formed, the pool is finished with a surface like plaster, pebble, or tile, giving homeowners both long-term performance and a fully customized look.
The #1 Advantage of Gunite Pools
Custom, Custom, Custom! This is the advantage of Gunite pools. Gunite pools allow for complete creative in the final design of the pool. Because the pool is formed and built on-site, it can be designed in virtually any shape or size, making it an ideal option for unique or irregular backyard layouts. Gunite also allows for custom depths and multi-level designs, giving homeowners the flexibility to create shallow lounging areas, deeper swim zones, or a combination of both. Built-in features such as infinity edges, tanning ledges, and swim-up seating can be seamlessly integrated into the design, along with architectural poolscapes that complement the style and character of your home.
Many homeowners are choosing to integrate their pool into a larger backyard project, and gunite pools make this seamless. Gunite works beautifully with attached spas, waterfalls, and custom water features, as well as fire features that add warmth and ambiance to the space. It also pairs naturally with stonework, patios, outdoor kitchens, sun shelves, and custom seating areas, allowing the entire backyard to feel cohesive and intentionally designed. Because the pool is built on-site, materials, masonry details, color schemes, and the overall layout can be carefully matched to the rest of your landscape for a polished, long-lasting result.
Unmatched Strength & Durability
Gunite pools are constructed using a reinforced steel framework that’s coated with pneumatically applied concrete, creating an exceptionally strong and durable pool shell. This proven construction method results in a structure designed to stand the test of time, and with proper maintenance, gunite pools can last for decades. Their strength makes them a smart long-term investment for homes. This durability also allows gunite pools to be built on properties with challenging terrain or dramatic changes in elevation, where other pool types may not be suitable.
Long-Term MaintenanceÂ
Gunite pools do require more maintenance than fiberglass or vinyl liner pools, which is an important factor for homeowners to consider. Over time, the interior surface may need to be resurfaced, and because plaster is porous, it often requires more consistent brushing, cleaning, and careful chemical balancing to keep the water clear and the finish in good condition. That said, many New England homeowners feel the added upkeep is well worth it. Gunite pools offer a truly custom, high-end look and can be designed to grow with your outdoor living space, allowing for future upgrades like spas, water features, or expanded patios that enhance both lifestyle and long-term value.
Thank you to Peter from Stone Ridge Outdoor Experiences for your input in this article!