Fiberglass vs Gunite Pools: Which Is Better for Your Tennessee Backyard?

Thinking about adding a swimming pool to your Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg home? You’re not alone! We’ve been helping East Tennessee families create their backyard paradise for years, and the biggest question we hear is always the same: “Should I go with fiberglass or gunite?”

Here at Special Care Patios & Pools, we’re proud to be authorized dealers of Imagine Pools fiberglass systems and experts in gunite/shotcrete construction. That means we can give you the straight scoop on both options without trying to push you toward one or the other. Let’s break down what works best for Tennessee backyards.

Why Tennessee’s Climate Makes a Difference

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about something unique to our area: Tennessee weather. Those occasional winter freezes and our humid summers create specific challenges that not every pool type handles equally well.

Fiberglass pools have a major advantage here. The flexible gel-coat surface can handle freeze-thaw cycles much better than rigid concrete. Some gunite pools in the Smoky Mountains area could develop hairline cracks after a particularly harsh winter if not properly built, while properly installed fiberglass pools just keep on trucking.

Fiberglass Pools: The Low-Maintenance Champion

As authorized Imagine Pools dealers, we’ve installed hundreds of fiberglass pools across Sevierville and the surrounding areas. Here’s why so many of our neighbors choose this route:

Lightning-Fast Installation

When we say fast, we mean fast. Fiberglass pool installation typically takes just 3 to 5 days once we start the actual install process. Picture this: we excavate on Monday, set your pool shell on Tuesday, and you’re swimming by the weekend. Compare that to gunite pools, which can take 2-6 months from start to finish.

Built for Salt Water Systems

Love the idea of a saltwater pool? Fiberglass is your friend. The non-porous gel-coat surface is 100% compatible with salt systems, unlike gunite pools where salt can be harsh on the concrete surface over time. We install tons of salt systems here in Tennessee because they’re gentler on skin and hair – perfect for families.

Lifetime Warranty Peace of Mind

Here’s something that makes us stand out: our Imagine Pools come with structural lifetime warranties. That’s not a marketing gimmick – these shells are built with 100% full vinyl ester resin that’s designed to last decades. We’ve been installing these pools for years and have incredible confidence in their durability.

Practically Maintenance-Free

The smooth surface means algae has nowhere to hide. You’ll use about 75% fewer chemicals compared to gunite, and you’ll never need to brush the walls. One of our customers in Gatlinburg told us she spends maybe 15 minutes a week on pool maintenance now, compared to hours with her old concrete pool.

Gunite Pools: When Custom Design Rules

Now, let’s be clear – we’re also gunite and shotcrete experts, and there are definitely times when gunite is the right choice. Here’s when it makes sense:

Unlimited Design Possibilities

Want a pool that curves around your deck? Need specific depth variations for diving? Planning an elaborate water feature? Gunite pool installation lets us build literally any shape or size you can dream up. We’ve built kidney-shaped pools, geometric designs, and even pools that follow the natural contours of sloped lots here in the Smoky Mountains.

Integration with Hardscaping

Gunite pools can seamlessly blend with stone work, retaining walls, and complex outdoor living spaces. If you’re planning a complete backyard renovation with multiple levels and custom features, gunite gives us the flexibility to make it all work together.

Size Freedom

While fiberglass pools are limited to what fits on a truck (typically maxing out around 16×40 feet), gunite has no size restrictions. We’ve built massive pools for large families and tiny plunge pools for cozy spaces.

Head-to-Head: The Real Differences

Let’s get practical about what matters most to Tennessee homeowners:

Installation Timeline

• Fiberglass: 1-2 weeks total project time
• Gunite: 3-6 months from start to finish

Maintenance Reality

• Fiberglass: Minimal chemical usage, no brushing needed
• Gunite: Regular brushing required, resurfacing every 7-10 years

Climate Performance

• Fiberglass: Excellent freeze-thaw resistance
• Gunite: More vulnerable to temperature

Upfront Investment

• Fiberglass: Typically $55,000-$70,000 installed
• Gunite: Usually starts higher and varies widely based on customization

Long-Term Costs: The Real Eye-Opener

Here’s where fiberglass really shines for Tennessee families. Yes, both pool types require regular maintenance, but the difference is dramatic:

Fiberglass pools need basic cleaning and chemical balancing – that’s it. The gel-coat surface typically lasts 20-25 years without major work.

Gunite pools require resurfacing every 7-10 years (that’s $8,000-$15,000 each time), plus higher ongoing chemical costs and more frequent equipment repairs due to the harsh chemicals needed.

We always tell our Sevierville customers: if you’re planning to stay in your home for more than 10 years, fiberglass almost always wins on total cost of ownership.

Salt Water Compatibility: A Game-Changer

Since we mentioned it earlier, let’s dive deeper into salt systems. About 60% of our customers in the Pigeon Forge area choose saltwater, and here’s why:

Fiberglass pools love salt systems. The non-porous surface means salt won’t damage anything, and you get that silky-smooth water feel that’s so much gentler than traditional chlorine.

Gunite pools can handle salt, but it’s tougher on the concrete surface over time. You might need more frequent resurfacing, which adds to those long-term costs we mentioned.

Which Pool Type Is Right for Your Tennessee Backyard?

After installing pools across East Tennessee for years, here’s our honest recommendation framework:

Choose Fiberglass If:

• You want to be swimming ASAP
• Low maintenance is a priority
• You’re planning a saltwater system
• Your lot works with standard pool shapes
• Long-term cost savings matter to you

Choose Gunite If:

• You need a completely custom design
• You have unusual space constraints
• You’re building an elaborate outdoor living complex
• Upfront budget isn’t as much of a concern

The Special Care Difference

Whether you choose fiberglass or gunite, you’re getting our decades of experience serving families throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. We’re not just pool installers – we’re your neighbors who understand Tennessee weather, soil conditions, and what works best in our unique climate.

As authorized Imagine Pools dealers, we offer those incredible lifetime structural warranties. Most importantly, we’ll give you honest advice about what makes sense for your specific situation, budget, and dreams.

Ready to Start Your Backyard Paradise?

The truth is, both fiberglass and gunite can create amazing backyard pool experiences here in Tennessee. The key is choosing the right option for your family’s specific needs and priorities.

Want to see some of our recent fiberglass pool installations in action? Check out our fiberglass pools gallery to see what’s possible. Planning something more custom? Our pools portfolio shows off some of the incredible gunite projects we’ve completed across East Tennessee.

Ready to talk specifics? Give us a call for a free consultation. We’ll come out to your property, assess your space, discuss your vision, and give you honest recommendations about which pool type will give you the best value and enjoyment for years to come.

After all, we’re not just building pools – we’re creating the backyard paradise where your family will make memories for decades. Let’s make sure we get it exactly right.