New residential pools · Jacksonville & St. Augustine
Gunite vs. Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools in Jacksonville & St. Augustine, FL
Compare how these common pool construction approaches differ before discussing a new residential pool. Project fit, site access, specifications, warranties and future care depend on the actual design and the contractor or manufacturer.
Discuss your projectA practical comparison
Pros and cons of three pool construction types
Gunite pools are concrete pools; “gunite” refers to a concrete application method rather than a separate pool material. Compare Gunite pools, fiberglass pools and vinyl liner pools against the property, selected products and project documents, and ask the appropriately licensed pool contractor to identify the construction method and complete scope in writing.
Gunite / concrete pools
How it is formed
Gunite pools are concrete pools formed and finished for an individual project. “Gunite” commonly refers to a sprayed-concrete application method; confirm the exact method in the construction documents.
Pros / potential advantages
Gunite pools offer broad project-specific flexibility for shape, depth, steps and integrated features. The interior finish and tile can be selected separately to suit the overall design.
Cons / trade-offs to consider
Gunite pools involve more on-site work, so design, engineering, permitting, weather and finish selections can affect the schedule. The chosen interior finish needs product-specific care and may need renewal.
Design considerations
Gunite pools allow broad project-specific layout flexibility. Engineering, finishes and features still depend on the property and approved plan.
Interior surface
Gunite pools use a separately selected interior finish that may need its own care, inspection and renewal over time.
Questions to confirm
For Gunite pools, confirm the concrete method, interior finish, features and licensed-contractor responsibilities included.
Fiberglass pools
How it is formed
Fiberglass pools use a factory-made shell selected from a manufacturer’s models, transported to the property and set into a prepared excavation.
Pros / potential advantages
Fiberglass pools arrive in a factory-molded shell with the interior surface already formed, and manufacturers offer a range of models. The smooth surface can appeal to homeowners; installation pace depends on site preparation, delivery and placement.
Cons / trade-offs to consider
Fiberglass pools have dimensions and features limited to available shell models. Delivery access, setting equipment and site conditions must work for the property; confirm the selected model’s care instructions and warranty.
Design considerations
Fiberglass pools follow the shape and dimensions of the chosen manufacturer model; access and placement must be workable at the site.
Interior surface
Fiberglass pools include a manufacturer-applied interior surface; review the maker’s product and care guidance.
Questions to confirm
For fiberglass pools, confirm the shell model, delivery route, placement plan and manufacturer warranty.
Vinyl liner pools
How it is formed
Vinyl liner pools use a fitted liner as the interior surface, separate from the pool structure.
Pros / potential advantages
Vinyl liner pools offer a smooth interior surface and product color and pattern choices. Depending on the structure system and builder, their shapes and dimensions can be planned in a range.
Cons / trade-offs to consider
Vinyl liner pools use a separate wearing component that may need replacement. Care and replacement timing vary by product and use, so ask how future liner replacement is handled and include it in long-term planning.
Design considerations
Vinyl liner pools vary in shape and details according to the structure system, builder and liner choices.
Interior surface
Vinyl liner pools have a flexible, replaceable interior component; follow product-specific care and replacement guidance.
Questions to confirm
For vinyl liner pools, confirm the structure and liner products, and how liner care and future replacement are handled.
| Consideration | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is formed | Gunite pools are concrete pools formed and finished for an individual project. “Gunite” commonly refers to a sprayed-concrete application method; confirm the exact method in the construction documents. | Fiberglass pools use a factory-made shell selected from a manufacturer’s models, transported to the property and set into a prepared excavation. | Vinyl liner pools use a fitted liner as the interior surface, separate from the pool structure. |
| Pros / potential advantages | Gunite pools offer broad project-specific flexibility for shape, depth, steps and integrated features. The interior finish and tile can be selected separately to suit the overall design. | Fiberglass pools arrive in a factory-molded shell with the interior surface already formed, and manufacturers offer a range of models. The smooth surface can appeal to homeowners; installation pace depends on site preparation, delivery and placement. | Vinyl liner pools offer a smooth interior surface and product color and pattern choices. Depending on the structure system and builder, their shapes and dimensions can be planned in a range. |
| Cons / trade-offs to consider | Gunite pools involve more on-site work, so design, engineering, permitting, weather and finish selections can affect the schedule. The chosen interior finish needs product-specific care and may need renewal. | Fiberglass pools have dimensions and features limited to available shell models. Delivery access, setting equipment and site conditions must work for the property; confirm the selected model’s care instructions and warranty. | Vinyl liner pools use a separate wearing component that may need replacement. Care and replacement timing vary by product and use, so ask how future liner replacement is handled and include it in long-term planning. |
| Design considerations | Gunite pools allow broad project-specific layout flexibility. Engineering, finishes and features still depend on the property and approved plan. | Fiberglass pools follow the shape and dimensions of the chosen manufacturer model; access and placement must be workable at the site. | Vinyl liner pools vary in shape and details according to the structure system, builder and liner choices. |
| Interior surface | Gunite pools use a separately selected interior finish that may need its own care, inspection and renewal over time. | Fiberglass pools include a manufacturer-applied interior surface; review the maker’s product and care guidance. | Vinyl liner pools have a flexible, replaceable interior component; follow product-specific care and replacement guidance. |
| Questions to confirm | For Gunite pools, confirm the concrete method, interior finish, features and licensed-contractor responsibilities included. | For fiberglass pools, confirm the shell model, delivery route, placement plan and manufacturer warranty. | For vinyl liner pools, confirm the structure and liner products, and how liner care and future replacement are handled. |
Compare the full project scope
A fair comparison also needs the same assumptions for pool size, layout, spa and features, materials, equipment, engineering, permits and surrounding outdoor work. Ask each provider to clarify what is included and what remains an allowance or owner decision.
For independent consumer background on common pool types, see the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance's pool-type guide.
Answers for homeowners
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between gunite, fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools?
They use different construction approaches: concrete is formed for the project, fiberglass uses a manufactured shell, and a vinyl-liner pool has a separate fitted liner. Specifications vary by builder, manufacturer and property.
What are the pros and cons of concrete, fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools?
Gunite pools offer project-specific design flexibility but involve on-site construction and a separately selected finish that needs product-specific care. Fiberglass pools use manufacturer shell models, so dimensions and delivery access matter. Vinyl liner pools have a replaceable interior liner, making liner care and future replacement part of ownership. Actual details depend on the property, product and builder.
Does Cove & Stone build fiberglass or vinyl-liner pools?
Those pool types are discussed here for general homeowner education. Cove & Stone's currently documented new-pool work is custom concrete design and construction; fiberglass or vinyl-liner availability should not be inferred.
Is gunite the same as concrete?
Gunite is commonly used for a sprayed-concrete method. Terminology and construction details can vary, so confirm the exact method and scope with the appropriately licensed pool contractor.