Why Gunite Pools Outperform Fiberglass

Professional Pool Company — Engineering-First Pool Construction

When choosing a new pool, homeowners often compare gunite (concrete) and fiberglass. While fiberglass pools can be suitable in certain environments, gunite pools consistently outperform fiberglass in durability, customization, longevity, and structural strength — especially in Central Florida soil and climate conditions.

This guide breaks down the reasons we exclusively build gunite pools at Professional Pool Company.

⭐ 1. Gunite Provides Unlimited Customization

Fiberglass pools are manufactured in pre-made molds, which limits:

• Pool shape
• Size
• Depth profiles
• Bench placements
• Sunshelves
• Spa integrations
• Water features

Gunite pools, however, are fully custom. You can design:

• Any size or shape
• Freeform or geometric layouts
• Custom sunshelves
• Integrated spas
• Raised walls & waterfalls
• Deep ends
• Infinity edges
• Custom steps & benches

If you can imagine it, gunite can build it.

⭐ 2. Gunite Is Far More Structurally Durable

Gunite is reinforced concrete, built on-site with:

• Steel rebar
• High-strength concrete
• Engineered beam structure

This creates a pool shell that lasts 50+ years when built properly.

Fiberglass shells are:

• Thin composite structures
• Prone to flexing
• Vulnerable to backfill pressure
• Susceptible to cracking under soil movement

Central Florida’s sandy soil + high water table makes fiberglass less reliable.

⭐ 3. Gunite Handles Florida Soil Movement Better

Florida experiences:

• Seasonal ground shifting
• High moisture
• Elevated water tables
• Expansive sandy soils

Gunite’s reinforced shell is designed to withstand these conditions.

Fiberglass shells can:

• Bow
• Warp
• Float (a serious risk in high water tables)
• Crack from pressure differences

This is one of the biggest reasons fiberglass is not ideal for Florida.

⭐ 4. Gunite Offers Premium Finishes

With gunite, homeowners can choose:

• Pebble
• Quartz
• Mini-pebble
• Polished aggregates
• Tile interiors

Fiberglass shells offer one-piece colored gelcoat, which:

• Fades faster
• Scratches easily
• Can blister or bubble over time

Gunite finishes are luxury-grade and longer lasting.

⭐ 5. Gunite Pools Are Easier to Repair & Upgrade

Gunite is repairable on site:

• Structural adjustments
• Tile changes
• Feature additions
• Finish refinishing
• Plumbing/equipment upgrades

Fiberglass repairs:

• Require manufacturer-grade materials
• Often never perfectly match
• Can discolor
• Are limited by shell structure

Gunite allows long-term flexibility. Fiberglass locks you into the original shape forever.

⭐ 6. Gunite Integrates Better with Modern Features

Gunite pools support premium add-ons:

• Raised spas
• Baja shelves
• Waterfalls
• Fire bowls
• Deck jets
• LED lighting
• Infinity edges
• Custom coping & decking

Fiberglass limits these because the shell cannot be modified.

⭐ 7. Gunite Pools Add More Property Value

Because of their:

• Lifespan
• Customizability
• Premium finish options
• Long-term stability

Gunite pools are considered a higher-value real estate asset.

Fiberglass pools are often seen as budget-friendly and may not provide the same return.

⭐ 8. Why Professional Pool Company Builds Gunite Only

We choose gunite because it provides:

• Maximum durability
• Engineering reliability
• Custom design flexibility
• Premium look and feel
• Far better compatibility with Florida conditions

Our focus is building long-lasting, luxury-grade pools engineered for Central Florida’s climate.

⭐ Thinking About a New Pool?

If you want a pool that’s custom, durable, and built to last decades, a gunite pool is the superior choice.

👉 Start your free 3D design and estimate today.

Updated on: 28/11/2025