Why Cement (Gunite) Pools Are a Complete Disaster

Thinking about buying a gunite pool? Don’t.

Here’s why:

They come with a lot of drawbacks that people don’t realize until they own one.

Here are the main reasons to NOT get a cement (gunite) pool:

1. You’ll Be a Slave to Maintenance

 Gunite is porous. That means algae loves it. You’ll spend weekends scrubbing, vacuuming, shocking, and pouring in chemicals. A fiberglass owner relaxes by their pool; a gunite owner works on theirs.

2. It Bleeds Your Wallet Dry

 A gunite pool isn’t a one-time expense. Every 10–15 years it needs resurfacing — thousands of dollars gone. Add in constant chemical costs and repairs from cracks or leaks, and you’ll realize you’re spending more on upkeep than you did on installation.

3. It’s Rough and Uncomfortable

The surface is hard, rough, and unforgiving. It scrapes feet, tears swimsuits, and feels like sandpaper under your skin.



4. It Takes Forever to Build

 Want to swim this summer? Forget it. Gunite pools can take months to install, tearing up your yard and dragging on with weather delays. Fiberglass pools are in and ready to swim in a fraction of the time.

5. It Cracks — Because Cement Always Cracks

 No matter how “well-built” it is, cement is rigid. If your soil shifts even slightly, gunite cracks. Those repairs aren’t cheap, and they don’t always last.

The bottom line: gunite pools are outdated, expensive, and high-maintenance. You don’t buy a pool to babysit it — you buy it to enjoy it. If you want smooth comfort, low maintenance, and long-term savings, gunite isn’t the answer.