Material decision card
Gunite / Concrete Pool
Sprayed concrete shell finished with plaster or aggregate. Unlimited shape and the longest structural life, at the cost of a 2-4 month build and a resurfacing bill every 10-15 years.
Verified August 2026
Is gunite / concrete pool worth it?
50–75 year service life
Best for: Custom shapes, deep ends, and any pool with integrated features. Maintenance is high and durability rates 5/5.
Decision card
| Service life | 50–75 years |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | High |
| Durability | 5 / 5 |
| DIY difficulty | 5 / 5 (5 = hardest) |
| Warranty | Structural warranty varies; plaster 10-15 years |
| Relative installed cost | 120% of the typical job |
Climate suitability
Only the exposures that actually change this material's performance.
Handles well: Cooling load / heat exposure
Handles well: Named-storm exposure
Shortens its life: Freeze-thaw cycles