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
April 2023
“I reviewed multiple proposals on rebuilding a pool upon the purchase of our new house. The previous owner had deferred maintenance on literally every aspect of the pool. Our pool required 100% replacement of the filtration system, heater, skimmers and reconstruction of the drainage system, pool floor, tile and coping. Beltway Pools was by far the most responsive of the bidders with the most reasonable and easiest to understand pricing. Anything that I required clarity on they provided. We now are almost a year past the initial work and they did not deviate one penny from their original pricing. They continue to support us with weekly visits (incremental cost but well worth it) for cleaning and chemical balancing. We are very pleased with our service from Beltway Pools. -Andrew T. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Cleaning, General construction, Remodelling, Swimming pool summerisation, Swimming pool water analysis, Winterisation”
April 2024
“Beltway Pools is Amazing. Their service is top notch. Hands down the best pool company in the DMV area. The one thing that I love about Beltway pools is not just the pool service and repairs but the timely responses I always get when I have an issue. The staff is very on point and amazing. The pricing is great as well. Services Above-ground pool installation, Cleaning, General construction, Custom swimming pool design, Design, General repairs & maintenance, Hot tub equipment maintenance, Hot tub equipment repair, In-ground pool installation, Jetted lap pool construction, Remodelling, Spa and hot tub installation, Swimming pool summerisation, Swimming pool crack repair, Swimming pool equipment maintenance, Swimming pool equipment repair, Swimming pool resurfacing, Swimming pool tile repair, Swimming pool water feature construction, Swimming pool water feature maintenance, Swimming pool water feature repairs, Hot tub test soaking, Swimming pool water analysis, Winterisation”
January 2026
“Beltway Pools is truly the best pool company in Alexandria. I know both Dragan and Rob and they are so professional - between the options in their showroom, punctuality, craftsmanship, suggestions for fixing other company's mistakes, the high level of detail, they are the very top of their industry. If you need a pool renovation, repairs, or regular service or maintenance in Alexandria and surrounding DMV areas, you'll be very pleased with Beltway Pools.”
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.