Building an in-house or outdoor swimming pool is not an easy task. Knowledge of materials, quality, budget, and maintenance costs must be pre-decided. It helps to construct such a dream bath without hustle. For that, Gunite vs fiberglass pools can be heard most in the market.
Gunite (concrete) and fiberglass (fiber-reinforced plastic) are used in swimming pool construction. However, “Inground swimming pools” are more famous in the USA. It means a Gunite pool that offers freeform design and structural strengths. Fiberglass pools are also trendy in the market. Users mostly loved this pool’s pre-build shells that easily fit in different locations. However, the significant difference comes in price between these pools.
So this guide gives you a detailed review of Gunite vs fiberglass pool. Here we discuss their pros/cons, price, maintenance, and installation time. It will help to analyze the features of these pools. So that you can easily align your desire with your pocket and benefits. Dropdown to review Gunite vs fiberglass pool.
What is Gunite Inground Pool?
Gunite pool is a custom-made in-ground swimming pool. It means the bath is built under the ground, so water is visible at the bottom level. Indeed, the swimming pool is customizable according to the owners. So you can add caves, tanning ledges, and even create fun shapes. How is a gunite inground pool made? First, the builder digs the ground to give your dream swimming pool shape.
After that, builders install steel bars across the side and bottom of the pool. It helps to spray the Gunite concrete (water, cement, and sand) throughout the structure. This is crucial to reinforce the concrete and make a perfect pool-shaped mold.
So Gunite pool creates plaster finishes in the ground. What are the advantages and disadvantages of customized in-ground pools? Check below.
Pros of Gunite Pool
- This is a substantial concrete pool that has been used since the 1970s.
- Select your shape and design based on your landscape. This flexibility of the pool makes it a favorite for everyone.
- You can add different colors, layouts, and high-end materials to make the pool premium-looking.
- Due to its 360-degree steel construction, the pool offers dependable structural strength for a long time.
- The Wall of Gunite pools is 8 to 10 inches thick, which keeps them durable for long.
Cons of Gunite Pool
- Due to plaster construction, the pool takes time to convert into rock solid (approximately five days).
- Water is filled while the pool concrete is still wet. This Filling brings more dust into your pool. So you are unable to swing until the break-in period is complete.
- Avoid heating the pools for the first three weeks after its completion.
- More chemicals are used in the gunite pool to keep the pool surface secure.
Design
As mentioned, Gunite Inground Pool is customizable. If you have the budget and space in your landscape, feel free to design. You can add waterfalls, an underwater bench, and different swimming pool shapes.
Size
18 feet by 36 feet is the most popular inground pool size. Users can also construct 10 x 20, 15 x 30, and 20 x 40, which are considered standard-size swimming baths. The average depth of the pool should be 5.5 to 6 ft for your safety.
Durability
The longevity of the construction is a top feature in gunite swimming pools. Professional builders can make gunite pools that last for decades or more. You don’t even need to resurface or repair the swimming bath.
Installation time
Compared with fiberglass construction, gunite pools take more time. On average, it takes six to eight weeks before you start swimming. It all depends on the digging time and dryness of the plaster.
Costing
Honestly, the actual price of a Gunite swimming pool depends on size, design, and used materials. Historically, an inground swimming bath takes between $55,000 and $100,000 in the overall construction. However, today’s market has higher inflation rates, making material prices high. So it is noticeable that the current inground swimming pool will cost $80,000 to above $100,000.
Safety and Maintenance
On average, a Gunite pool should resurface between 7 to 10 years. Weekly or monthly maintenance is also required to keep your pool safe and looking new.
Also Read: How to Inflate a Pool With An Air Compressor
What is a Fiberglass Pool?
Fiberglass is a fiber-reinforced plastic used in swimming pool construction these days. Games Slayter is the inventor of this material. This material is mostly used in thermal building insulation in the initial stage. After the late 60s, pre-built fiberglass shells were used to construct swimming pools. The primary goal is to build faster and long-lasting swimming baths. Later it became a great alternative to concrete-made pools.
Within a few days, Fiberglass pools are made in your desired location. Both inground and above-ground construction is possible with these pre-built fiberglass shells. After ordering, this pre-mold fiber-reinforced plastic comes in one monolithic shell. In simple terms, a huge single-piece bathtub. Every required cutout from drain to skimmers is available in this tub. Builders dig the ground and place it accordingly.
Pros of Fiberglass Pool
- Due to its fiber-reinforced plastic, these pools eliminate algae growth.
- Quick and straightforward adjustments make this pool lower maintenance.
- Users spent less money and chemicals on these swimming baths.
- A fiberglass pool is more resilient in different conditions like sun rays or harsh weather. So it requires fewer repairs and resurfacing.
- Overall construction is much fewer than concrete-made swimming pools.
Cons of Fiberglass Pool
- A fiberglass pool can be insecure if it is placed on losing or messy ground
- The bottom surface of these pools are gel coated
- The Wall of this premade bath is only ½ to ⅜ inches thick
- Strong force or lost installation can cause a crack in the side walls
- Poor quality Fiberglass can cause leakage problems in the future
Design
These pools come in pre-built fiberglass shells. It means a complete swimming bath that is placed and used instantly. However, owners can order desired molds before installing the tub.
Size
Users have limited options to increase or decrease the size of fiberglass pools. Generally, these pre-built fiberglass shells come 16 feet wide and 40 feet long. However, you can customize it based on available sizes.
Durability
Fiberglass pools have better resilient quality in harsh conditions. So it is durable enough for a specific time. Still, the pools added thick walls and gel-coated bottoms. In the future, these qualities can occur with damage and crack.
Installation
Fiberglass pools are fast and easy to install. These pre-build shells come in a single bathtub. The majority of time takes in digging and transportation. On average, fiberglass pools are installed within two days. However, the patio and decking will take a few weeks.
Costing
Depending on the pool size, most fiberglass pools cost between $12,000–$45,000. The price can increase according to style, landscape type, accessories, and other features.
Safety and Maintenance
Undoubtedly, these pools take lower maintenance and safety than Gunite’s construction. Most owners spend $4000 in 10 years on chemical and electricity maintenance.
FAQs Related Gunite vs Fiberglass pool
Below are some most frequent asked questions about Gunite vs fiberglass pool. Go through the quick answer to solve your queries.
Does Gunite pools have a long life expectancy?
Gunite pools take resurfacing and repairing between 7 to 10 years. On the other hand, a fiberglass pool has lower maintenance. Regarding durability, Gunite or concrete pools win with an average life span of 100 or more years. Fiberglass pool has an average lifespan of 25-30 years.
Is Gunite takes a long time for installation?
Gunite or concrete pool takes months to install and swim. On the other hand, fiberglass pools are installed within a week or even days.
Is Gunite required more chemicals for maintenance?
Most swimming pool cleaning processes are simple and quick. However, it depends on how long you should clean the swimming tub. Concrete or gunite pools have a higher cleaning rate than others in this case. A user should use chemicals between two to three months for Gunite pool maintenance. It is because of their poor resilient quality that promotes the growth of algae on the surface.
Do fiberglass pools look cheap?
A fiberglass pool costs much less than a gunite swimming tub. It doesn’t mean, Fiberglass pools look cheap in your landscape. Properly building and maintaining fiberglass pools looks luxurious on your ground.
Conclusion- Which is more preferred?
So these are the detailed reviews of Gunite and fiberglass pools. Both swimming tubs have different features and benefits for users. Gunite costs double the price of a fiberglass pool. In contrast, pre-built fiberglass tubs take lower maintenance and faster installment. So which one should you prefer for your landscape? It depends. If you want a long-lasting, stable, quality swimming pool, go for Gunite construction.
Users who have a lower budget can choose fiberglass tubs. In our opinion, the Gunite pool is a much-valued investment in swimming tub construction. Indeed, these pools have a high lifespan and have several facilities that don’t come from fiberglass. So try to increase your budget and invest in a luxurious experience.
We also welcome our readers to share their opinions on our blog through write for us home decor page. Also, comment us if it is helpful while making a decision.
