Gunite Pool Builder
Gunite vs. the Alternatives
Three methods dominate residential pool construction. They are not equivalent — and the right choice depends on what you’re building and how long you plan to own it.
| Factor | Gunite (Beltway) | Fiberglass Shell | Vinyl Liner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape flexibility | Fully custom — any shape, depth, or feature | Limited to manufacturer molds | Some flexibility, limited depth options |
| Structural lifespan | 50+ years with proper maintenance | 25–35 years before oxidation and fading | Liner replacement every 7–12 years |
| Interior finish options | Plaster, quartz, pebble, glass tile — your choice | Factory gelcoat only, limited color range | Pattern liner — replaced as a unit |
| Depth options | Any depth — 3 ft to 10+ ft | Depth fixed by mold (usually max 6 ft) | Limited — typically 3.5 to 8 ft |
| Custom features possible? | Yes — infinity edge, tanning ledge, grotto, spa | Limited to pre-built shell features | Very limited integration |
| DMV climate suitability | Excellent — freeze/thaw resistant structure | Good — but gelcoat fades over time | Fair — liner vulnerable to cold and UV |
| Suitable for sloped lots? | Yes — hand-sprayed in-place; works any terrain | No — pre-made shell requires level excavation | Limited — requires fairly level site |
Why Beltway Pools Builds Gunite Only
Specialization isn’t a limitation — it’s a quality signal. Builders who offer all three pool types are general contractors. We are gunite pool specialists. Every project we take on, every tool we own, every subcontractor we partner with is optimized for gunite construction.
- ✓Gunite enables true custom shapes — no mold constraints
- ✓Our crews have built hundreds of gunite pools in VA, MD, and DC
- ✓We can integrate any feature — infinity edge, spa, grotto — into the shell design
- ✓Gunite pools can be resurfaced repeatedly, extending life indefinitely
- ✓The structure is permanent — it appreciates with your property
- ✓We have established relationships with the best gunite crews in the region
Frequently asked
“Do you install fiberglass pools?”
No — and this is intentional. Fiberglass shells are manufactured off-site and dropped into an excavation. They look attractive in showroom photos, but they arrive in a fixed shape, fixed depth, and one gelcoat finish you didn’t choose.
If you call us about a fiberglass pool, we will tell you we’re not the right builder for that project. We’d rather be honest than try to upsell you into a custom gunite pool if fiberglass fits your budget and goals better.
If you want a fully custom pool built to last 50+ years — that is exactly what we build.
How a Gunite Pool Is Built
Phase 01
Excavation
The pool shell is excavated to your exact depth and shape specifications. The excavated earth is removed from the site.
Phase 02
Steel Rebar Framework
A engineered steel rebar cage is installed inside the excavation — forming the structural skeleton of the shell. This is inspected before gunite is applied.
Phase 03
Gunite Application
Gunite — a pneumatically applied concrete mix — is shot over the rebar at high pressure, forming a dense, reinforced shell that's typically 8–12 inches thick.
Phase 04
Interior Finishing
Once the shell cures, the interior is troweled with your selected plaster finish (white plaster, quartz, pebble, or glass tile) and the pool is filled and balanced.
Budget & Financing
Gunite pools in the DMV start at $75,000–$95,000
Final cost scales with size, features, finish, and site conditions. See our full DMV pricing guide and explore flexible financing options.
Start your project
Ready to build a gunite pool?
See the full construction process — from site visit and 3D design through excavation, shell construction, and final walkthrough.
Related Services
Custom Pool Construction →
See what's included in a complete Beltway Pools custom gunite build from first site visit to final walkthrough.
Custom Pool Design →
Every gunite build starts with a full 3D design — no surprises before excavation begins.
Sloped Lot Construction →
Gunite is the only method suited to complex sloped or irregular sites — learn why fiberglass can't compete.
What Our Customers Say
February 2025
“I had been searching for a new company for my weekly pool maintenance when I came across Beltway Pools, and I'm so glad I did. Sandra has been managing our pool's opening and weekly maintenance, and her attention to detail and expertise are truly outstanding. She has been incredibly patient with all my questions and maintains a friendly and professional demeanor at all times. Thanks to Sandra and her maintenance team, our pool is exceptionally clean and well-maintained. I cannot recommend Beltway Pools enough!”
May 2025
“Beltway Pools saved us when our pool was leaking. The team was quick to diagnose the issue, and Dragan made sure everything was fixed properly. The repair process was smooth and efficient.”
January 2026
“Rob was fantastic at always keeping up communication and walking us through each step of the process for our pool renovation. The pool turned out fantastic and his team made sure all of my questions/concerns were addressed. Couldn’t be happier! Services Swimming pool crack repair, Swimming pool resurfacing, Swimming pool tile repair, Swimming pool equipment repair”
Areas We Serve
Serving homeowners across Northern Virginia, Maryland & Washington, DC.
View all service areasGunite Pools — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gunite pool and a fiberglass pool?
Gunite (concrete) and fiberglass are the two main inground pool construction methods, with fundamental differences in durability, customization, and long-term ownership:
- Gunite / concrete — fully custom shape and size; structural shell is cast in place; any interior finish can be applied; no size or shape limitations; lifespan of 40–50+ years with proper maintenance; higher upfront cost; resurfacing needed every 10–20+ years depending on finish
- Fiberglass — pre-manufactured shell dropped into excavation; limited to available shapes and sizes; smooth gel-coat surface that resists algae; lower upfront cost on simpler designs; gel coat may need refinishing after 20–25 years; not available in very large or highly custom shapes
Beltway Pools specializes exclusively in gunite construction — it's the format that allows the design flexibility and longevity our clients expect for their investment in the DMV market.
How long do gunite concrete pools last?
A well-built gunite pool shell will last 40 to 50+ years — and in many cases, indefinitely with proper care. The structural concrete shell itself does not wear out under normal conditions; what needs periodic renewal is the interior finish (plaster, quartz, or pebble — typically every 10–25 years depending on material) and equipment (pumps, heaters, and automation systems on their own replacement cycles). This longevity is the primary reason high-end residential pool owners across the DMV prefer gunite over fiberglass — the initial investment pays off over decades.
How much do gunite pools cost in the DMV area?
Gunite inground pools in Northern Virginia and Maryland typically cost:
- $115,000–$150,000 — standard residential design, straightforward lot, standard equipment, plaster or quartz finish
- $150,000–$220,000 — premium finishes (pebble), custom features (waterfall, automation, LED lighting), or moderate site complexity
- $220,000–$350,000+ — complex designs (infinity edge, multi-level, large footprint), premium custom features, or challenging site conditions
These are installed prices including design, permitting, construction, equipment, and standard deck scope. For a full breakdown of what drives these numbers, see our Pool Cost Guide. Request a consultation for a site-specific estimate.
How long does it take to build a gunite pool?
From permit approval to your first swim, most gunite pools in the DMV take 12 to 24 weeks of active construction. Key phases and approximate durations:
- Excavation — 1 to 3 days
- Steel rebar and gunite shell — 1 to 2 weeks
- Plumbing and electrical rough-in — 1 to 2 weeks
- Tile, coping, and deck — 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope
- Interior finish (plaster or pebble) — 1 to 3 days (then 7–14 days of startup chemistry)
- Equipment installation and commissioning — 1 to 2 weeks
Permitting (before construction begins) adds another 4–16 weeks depending on your county. We include a full project schedule in your proposal.