If you're researching pools in Bradenton, Sarasota, or anywhere along Florida's Gulf Coast, you've probably seen three main types: gunite (concrete), fiberglass, and vinyl liner. Each has pros and cons, but the reality is that one of them dominates custom pool construction in Southwest Florida for very good reasons. Let's break it down honestly. For pricing specifics, see our complete pool cost guide for Florida.
Gunite vs Fiberglass vs Vinyl: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Gunite | Fiberglass | Vinyl Liner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom shapes | Unlimited | Pre-molded only | Limited templates |
| Custom sizes | Any size | Max ~16' x 40' | Flexible |
| Durability | 50+ years | 25–30 years | 15–20 years |
| Finish options | Plaster, quartz, pebble, tile | Gel coat (factory color) | Printed pattern |
| Integrated features | Spa, sun shelf, grotto, waterfall | Limited built-in options | Very limited |
| Install time | 8–14 weeks | 3–5 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Upfront cost | $50,000–$150,000+ | $25,000–$65,000 | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Lifetime cost | Lower (resurface every 10–15 yrs) | Moderate (gel coat issues) | Higher (liner replacement every 7–10 yrs) |
| Resale value | Highest | Good | Lower |
| Hurricane resilience | Excellent | Good (can shift) | Poor (liner tears) |
| FL sandy soil | Built for it | Can shift/float | Can collapse |
What Is a Gunite Pool?
Gunite is concrete sprayed at high pressure over a steel rebar framework. It's the same construction method used for bridges, dams, and retaining walls. Once cured, the shell is incredibly strong and can be shaped into literally any design you can imagine.
Why Gunite Dominates SW Florida
- Fully custom. Any shape, any size, any depth, any feature. Want a 32-foot freeform pool with a 75 sq ft sun shelf, attached spa, and waterfall? Done. Try doing that with fiberglass.
- Built for our soil. Southwest Florida's sandy soil is actually ideal for gunite construction. The steel-reinforced shell sits in the ground as a permanent monolithic structure. It doesn't float, shift, or buckle.
- Hurricane-rated. A gunite pool is engineered with structural steel and designed to withstand the lateral and hydrostatic forces that come with Florida storms. The shell is the last thing you need to worry about in a hurricane. See our hurricane pool prep guide for details.
- Finish variety. Choose from white plaster ($6,000–$8,000), colored quartz (+$2,000–$4,000 more), pebble finishes like Pebble Tec (+$4,000–$8,000 more), glass bead (+$8,000–$12,000 more), or full-tile. Each dramatically changes the look and feel of the water.
- Longevity. A well-built gunite pool lasts 50+ years. The interior finish needs resurfacing every 10–15 years for plaster, while pebble finishes last 15–25 years. The structure itself is permanent.
- Resale value. Real estate agents in our market consistently tell us that a custom gunite pool adds more value than fiberglass. Buyers know the difference.
The Tradeoffs
- Longer build time. Expect 8–14 weeks from permit to splash, depending on size and complexity. Fiberglass is faster. See our week-by-week construction timeline for what to expect.
- Higher upfront cost. You're paying for custom engineering, on-site construction, and skilled labor. It costs more because it is more.
- Surface maintenance. Gunite pools need brushing and chemical monitoring. The interior finish is porous (unlike fiberglass gel coat), so water chemistry matters.
Are Fiberglass Pools Good for Florida?
Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured shells that arrive on a truck and get lowered into an excavated hole with a crane. They're popular in some markets because of fast installation.
The Appeal
- Fast install. The shell goes in the ground in a day. Total project is typically 3–5 weeks.
- Smooth surface. The gel coat is non-porous, which means less chemical usage and easier cleaning.
- Lower maintenance. Less brushing needed compared to gunite.
The Problems in Florida
- No customization. You pick from a catalog of pre-made shapes. Can't change the depth, width, or add custom features. What you see is what you get.
- Size limits. Most fiberglass shells max out around 16 feet wide (shipping constraint — they have to fit on a highway). If you want a large or wide pool, fiberglass can't do it.
- Osmotic blistering. Florida's UV exposure and humid climate accelerate osmotic blistering (spider webbing) on fiberglass gel coats. It's cosmetic at first but can become structural, and it's expensive to repair.
- Floating and popping. Fiberglass shells are lightweight. In Florida's sandy soil with high water tables, an improperly backfilled fiberglass pool can literally pop out of the ground during heavy rain or when drained for maintenance. This is a well-documented risk in SW Florida.
- Storm vulnerability. During hurricanes, saturated soil and rising groundwater can shift a fiberglass shell. The shell itself won't crack from wind, but ground movement is a real risk in our area. Gunite shells are anchored by their weight and steel reinforcement.
- Difficult to renovate. Want to change the interior finish in 15 years? Add a sun shelf? Extend the pool? You can't. With gunite, all of those are possible.
Are Vinyl Liner Pools Worth It in Florida?
Vinyl liner pools use a metal or polymer wall structure with a custom-fit vinyl sheet as the waterproof surface. They're the budget option.
The Appeal
- Lowest upfront cost. A vinyl liner pool can be built for $20,000–$50,000.
- Soft surface. The liner is smooth and comfortable underfoot.
Why They're Rare in Florida
- Liner replacement. The vinyl liner typically lasts 7–10 years before it fades, wrinkles, or tears. Replacement costs $4,000–$8,000 each time. Over 30 years, you've spent as much as a gunite pool.
- Puncture risk. Dogs, pool cleaning equipment, sharp objects, and even the chemistry of Florida's water can damage the liner.
- Hurricane vulnerability. Liner pools perform the worst in storms. Debris can tear the liner, and the wall structure can buckle under hydrostatic pressure from rising groundwater.
- Limited features. Integrated spas, sun shelves, and water features are difficult or impossible with vinyl.
- Not the Florida standard. Vinyl liner pools are common in the Northeast and Midwest, where the ground freezes and pools are seasonal. In Florida, where you swim year-round, homeowners expect gunite.
The Verdict for SW Florida
Gunite wins for custom pool construction in Southwest Florida. It handles our soil, our weather, and our lifestyle better than the alternatives. Fiberglass has a place for homeowners who want a quick, simple pool on a budget. Vinyl liner pools are functionally out of the conversation in our market.
The real question isn't which material to choose — it's finding a builder who will engineer your gunite pool correctly for your specific lot, soil conditions, and design goals.
What Is the True Lifetime Cost of Each Pool Type?
This is the metric that matters. Upfront cost is only part of the equation.
| Cost Factor | Gunite | Fiberglass | Vinyl Liner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost (avg) | $85,000 | $50,000 | $35,000 |
| Resurface/replace (30 yrs) | $15,000–$20,000 (2 resurfaces) | $10,000–$15,000 (gel coat repairs) | $16,000–$24,000 (3–4 liner replacements) |
| Annual maintenance | $2,500–$3,500/yr | $1,800–$2,500/yr | $2,000–$2,800/yr |
| 30-year total | $175,000–$210,000 | $114,000–$140,000 | $111,000–$143,000 |
| Resale value added | 7%+ of home value | 4–5% | 2–3% |
Yes, gunite costs more upfront and over 30 years. But it also adds significantly more to your home's resale value, gives you a fully custom design, and will still be structurally sound when you sell the house. In the Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota markets, buyers expect a custom pool — it's a standard feature, not a luxury. The fiberglass and vinyl pools will likely need major work or replacement in that same timeframe. Annual maintenance figures include chemicals, electricity, service calls, and equipment upkeep — real-world costs, not just chemical tabs.
What Should You Ask a Pool Builder Before Signing?
- "Can I see a 3D render of my pool in my actual backyard?" — If they can't do this, they're guessing. We do this for every client, free.
- "What's included in the price?" — Engineering, permitting, steel, gunite, finish, equipment, electrical, decking. Get it in writing.
- "Who will be on-site during construction?" — Factory builders rotate project managers. Ask if the person who designed your pool will be the same person supervising the dig.
- "What happens if we hit unexpected soil conditions?" — A good builder does a site visit first and gives you a locked price. If surprises happen, the process for change orders should be transparent.
- "What's the warranty?" — Look for a lifetime structural warranty on the shell, plus manufacturer warranties on equipment.
"Every pool type has its place. But for year-round swimming in Florida's climate and soil, gunite is the only material I'd put my name on."
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Get Your Free Design →Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gunite pool better than fiberglass in Florida?
For custom pool construction in Southwest Florida, gunite is the preferred choice. It handles Florida's sandy soil, high water tables, and hurricane conditions better than fiberglass. It's also fully customizable — any shape, any size, any feature — while fiberglass is limited to pre-molded shells.
How long does a gunite pool last?
A well-built gunite pool shell lasts 50+ years. The interior finish needs resurfacing every 10–15 years for plaster, or 15–25 years for pebble finishes like PebbleTec. The steel-reinforced concrete structure itself is permanent.
Can a fiberglass pool pop out of the ground in Florida?
Yes. Fiberglass shells are lightweight, and Florida's sandy soil with high water tables creates conditions where an improperly backfilled or drained fiberglass pool can float upward. This is a well-documented risk in SW Florida, especially during heavy rains and hurricane season.
Why are vinyl liner pools rare in Florida?
Vinyl liner pools are designed for seasonal use in colder climates. In Florida, the year-round UV exposure, hurricane risk, and buyer expectations for permanent construction make vinyl liners impractical. The liner needs replacement every 7–10 years, and the wall structure can buckle in storms.
References
- Osmotic blistering: Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) technical guidelines
- Pebble finish lifespan: Pebble Technology International product specifications
- Hurricane resilience: Florida Building Code (FBC) structural requirements for in-ground pools
Pricing reflects 2026 estimates for Southwest Florida and may vary by project. Final pricing is determined after a free site visit. Contact us for an accurate quote.