Pool Designs

Thinking about adding a pool to your LBI property? When weighing your pool options, it helps to understand why so many homeowners invest in a gunite pool and what sets it apart from other options. The right choice comes down to factors like durability, customization, long-term value, and how you use your outdoor space. Before making a decision, take a closer look at what a gunite pool is, how it differs from other options, and the advantages it offers in a coastal environment like Long Beach Island.

What You'll Learn:

• What a gunite pool is and how it is constructed

• How a gunite swimming pool compares to fiberglass

• Why LBI's coastal environment and water table affect which pool type performs best

• What customization options are available with a gunite pool

• What the installation process looks like from start to finish

What Is a Gunite Pool?

A gunite pool is constructed by spraying a concrete and sand mixture onto a framework of steel rods. Once applied and cured, the shell is extremely strong and can be finished in a variety of materials, including plaster, aggregate, or tile. The result is a pool that is entirely custom in shape, depth, and layout.

Gunite Pool vs Fiberglass Pool

The decision between a gunite pool and a fiberglass pool goes beyond appearance alone. Factors such as design flexibility, installation time, maintenance, and longevity can all influence which option makes the most sense for your home.

Design Flexibility

Gunite is the clear winner here. Because the pool is formed on site, it can be built in virtually any shape, size, or depth configuration. A fiberglass pool arrives as a pre-formed shell and is simply set into an excavated hole. A gunite swimming pool is built entirely on site from the ground up. That distinction gives it much more flexibility in terms of design. 

Many LBI properties have limited backyard square footage, and a gunite pool can be shaped to work within those constraints in a way a fiberglass shell simply cannot. Whether the available space is small, narrow, or irregular, gunite can be designed to make the most of every square foot. Freeform designs, geometric layouts, built-in spas, tanning ledges, and custom water features can all be incorporated seamlessly. 

Fiberglass pools, by contrast, come in fixed shapes and sizes determined by the manufacturer. This can limit what is possible on any given lot.

Durability and Longevity

A properly built gunite swimming pool is built to last for decades. The concrete shell does not flex, warp, or fade the way fiberglass can over time. With the right finish and regular maintenance, a gunite pool holds up exceptionally well in coastal environments where salt air, humidity, and temperature swings are part of life year-round.

Cost Considerations

Gunite pools do carry a higher upfront cost than fiberglass. The on-site construction process is more labor-intensive, and the finishing options add to the overall investment. That said, the design flexibility, lifespan, and resale value a gunite pool adds to an LBI property make it a strong long-term investment for many homeowners. 

Why Does Pool Type Matter on LBI?

Long Beach Island presents specific conditions that affect how a pool performs over time. Salt air accelerates wear on materials that aren't designed for coastal exposure. Sandy soil shifts more than inland ground, and LBI's high water table creates hydrostatic pressure beneath pool structures that must be managed correctly during installation.

Hydrostatic pressure occurs when groundwater pushes up against the pool shell from below. If not addressed properly, it can cause cracking, structural movement, or, in serious cases, the pool shifting upward. A gunite pool, because it is built in place with a reinforced steel framework, is generally better equipped to handle these pressures than a pre-formed fiberglass pool.

Experienced local contractors manage this through drainage solutions like sump pump installation and by engineering the pool structure specifically for the site conditions. This is one of the most important reasons to work with a builder who is knowledgeable about LBI's terrain rather than a general contractor. 

What Customization Options Does a Gunite Pool Offer?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a gunite pool is how much it can be tailored to the specific property and the people using it. The finishes and features available go well beyond what most homeowners initially expect.

Finish options for a gunite swimming pool include:

• Plaster: the most common finish, available in a range of colors

• Aggregate finishes: a blend of plaster and small pebbles or glass beads that adds texture and visual depth

• Tile: used across the entire surface or as a border, tile is highly durable and easy to clean

Beyond the finish, a gunite pool can incorporate a wide range of features. Some of the most popular additions on LBI properties include built-in spillover spas, tanning ledges, waterfall elements, fountain jets, and integrated lighting systems. Each of these can be designed into the original build rather than added on afterward. Pairing the pool with the right surrounding hardscape is just as important as the pool itself.

What Does the Gunite Pool Installation Process Look Like?

Building a gunite pool is a multi-step process that takes longer than installing a fiberglass shell, but the result is a fully custom structure built specifically for your property. The general sequence looks like this:

• Design and permitting: the layout is finalized, permits are pulled, and the site is assessed for soil and water table conditions

• Excavation: the hole is dug to the exact dimensions of the pool design

• Steel framework: rebar is tied into a grid that forms the structural skeleton of the pool

• Gunite application: the concrete mixture is sprayed onto the steel framework and shaped by hand

• Curing: the shell cures over several weeks before finishing work begins

• Finishing and features: plaster, tile, or aggregate is applied; plumbing, electrical, and any additional features are completed

• Decking and landscaping: the surrounding patio, coping, and plantings are installed to complete the space

Planning ahead is essential. Summer schedules on LBI fill up quickly, and the permitting and construction timeline for a gunite swimming pool means that fall or winter planning is often the only way to guarantee a summer completion. 

Is a Gunite Pool the Right Choice for Your LBI Property?

At Ash Outdoor, we have been designing and building custom gunite pools on Long Beach Island for over 30 years. We know this island's soil, its water table, its salt air, and exactly what it takes to build a pool that looks and performs the way it should season after season. From the first design conversation to the final finishing detail, our team handles every step of the process. For a look at our completed projects, visit our featured project portfolio.

If you are ready to explore what a gunite pool could look like on your property, book a consultation or take a look at our pools and water features page to start planning your backyard oasis!

Gunite Pool FAQs

What is a gunite pool? 

A gunite pool is a concrete pool built on site by spraying a dry concrete and sand mixture onto a reinforced steel framework. The shell is then finished with plaster, aggregate, or tile.

How long does a gunite pool last? 

A well-built and properly maintained gunite pool can last several decades. The concrete shell is highly durable and holds up well to the wear and tear of coastal environments like LBI.

Is a gunite pool better than fiberglass? 

It depends on your priorities. Gunite offers far more design flexibility and a longer lifespan. While fiberglass is faster to install and typically less expensive upfront. For homeowners who want a fully custom design, gunite is usually the stronger choice.

Does LBI's water table affect gunite pool installation? 

LBI's high water table creates hydrostatic pressure beneath pool structures. Gunite pools, built with reinforced steel frameworks, are better suited to handle this pressure than pre-formed shells when installed correctly by an experienced local contractor.

What finish options are available for a gunite swimming pool? 

The three main finish options are plaster, aggregate, and tile. Each varies in cost, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Aggregate and tile finishes tend to be more durable and visually distinctive.

How long does it take to build a gunite pool? 

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the design and site conditions, but the process typically takes several months from permitting through final finishing. Starting the planning process well before summer is strongly recommended on LBI.

Can a gunite pool include a spa or water features? 

Yes. One of the main advantages of gunite construction is that spas, tanning ledges, waterfalls, and fountain jets can all be built directly into the pool structure as part of the original design.