Short answer: For most North Texas homeowners who want a custom pool, gunite is the best choice: it can be any shape or size, it's the most durable option, and a properly built, steel-reinforced shell handles the region's expansive clay soil. Fiberglass can work for simpler designs, and vinyl is the least expensive upfront but the least durable.
The quick comparison
| Type | Design freedom | Durability | Ongoing upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gunite | Any shape, size and depth | Decades when built properly | Interior resurfacing every 10–20 years depending on finish |
| Fiberglass | Limited to factory molds; width limited by highway shipping | Long-lasting shell | Low; smooth surface resists algae |
| Vinyl liner | Some custom shapes | Liner wears and tears | Liner replacement every several years |
Vinyl liner pools
Vinyl pools use a flexible liner inside a wall system. They're usually the cheapest option upfront, but the liner can be punctured, fades in the Texas sun and needs periodic replacement, which adds up over the life of the pool. They're rarely chosen for high-end backyards.
Fiberglass pools
Fiberglass pools are factory-made shells delivered by truck and set into the ground. Installation is fast and the smooth surface is easy to maintain. The trade-off is design: you choose from a manufacturer's shapes, and widths are limited by what can be shipped on the highway. Integrating raised spas, custom sun shelves and water features is harder.
Gunite pools
Gunite (or shotcrete) pools are built in place: a steel rebar cage is formed to the exact design and sprayed with concrete. Anything you can design, from a long lap pool to a raised spa with sheer descents, can be built. The interior is finished with plaster, quartz or pebble, which eventually needs resurfacing. Gunite takes longer to build and costs more than the alternatives, but it's the standard for custom and luxury pools.
Why North Texas soil changes the math
Much of Dallas–Fort Worth sits on expansive clay that swells when wet and shrinks in drought, sometimes by inches. That movement puts stress on anything in the ground. A gunite shell that's built for the site, with the right steel, thickness and drainage, is built to handle it. Whatever type you choose, make sure your builder designs for your specific soil.
Which should you choose?
If you want a custom shape, a raised spa, water features or a pool that fits your architecture, choose gunite. If you want a simple pool installed quickly and your design fits a mold, fiberglass can work. We build gunite only, because it's the right fit for the custom projects we design. See our custom pools page.
Frequently asked questions
Which pool type lasts longest?
A well-built gunite shell can last for decades, with periodic interior resurfacing. Fiberglass shells are also long-lasting. Vinyl liners need replacement every several years.
Is gunite worth the extra cost?
If you want a custom design, raised spa or water features, or you're on expansive clay soil, gunite is usually worth it.
Do you build fiberglass pools?
No. Ridge Outdoor Living builds custom gunite pools only.
Written by Jesus Arias, founder of Ridge Outdoor Living, a custom pool and outdoor living builder in Dallas–Fort Worth. Figures are typical ranges from our projects and are a guide, not a quote.