For many homeowners in the Inland Northwest, a pool is more than a luxury—it’s an extension of lifestyle and a reflection of taste. Whether overlooking the rolling hills of South Spokane, nestled in the woodlands of Liberty Lake, or accenting a contemporary home in the Valley, a well-designed pool has the power to transform an outdoor space into a personal retreat.

But before you picture the shimmer of water under a summer sunset, the first question to answer is what kind of pool is right for you? The decision often comes down to three primary options—Gunite, Vinyl, and Fiberglass—each offering distinct benefits, maintenance expectations, and design possibilities.

Below, we’ll explore these three types in depth, as well as discuss the elegance of reflection pools and the critical role of hardscape design in creating a truly breathtaking outdoor environment.

1. Gunite Pools: Timeless Customization and Enduring Craftsmanship

Gunite pools are often considered the gold standard for homeowners seeking complete design freedom. Constructed from a mixture of concrete and sand that’s sprayed over a steel rebar framework, a Gunite pool can be shaped to nearly any specification—whether that’s a Roman-style pool overlooking a hillside or a naturalistic lagoon with integrated rock features.

Design Flexibility

Gunite pools are virtually limitless in form and finish. This is the pool of choice for homeowners who envision vanishing edges, tanning ledges, integrated spas, or intricate tile inlays. Designers in the Spokane area appreciate Gunite’s adaptability to unique landscapes—particularly on sloped or irregular lots where a prefabricated shell would be impractical.

Installation and Site Limitations

Building a Gunite pool is a construction project in every sense. The process involves excavation, steel reinforcement, plumbing, spraying, curing, and finishing—usually extending over several weeks or months, depending on weather and project complexity. Spokane’s freeze-thaw cycle means proper soil stabilization and drainage design are essential to long-term performance.

Maintenance and Longevity

Gunite’s porous surface requires consistent water chemistry management and periodic resurfacing to maintain its beauty. However, when properly maintained, these pools can last for decades—often becoming a permanent architectural feature that enhances a property’s value and aesthetic sophistication.

Relative Cost

Gunite pools represent the higher end of the investment spectrum. Their price reflects the craftsmanship and customization involved, but for many homeowners, the ability to tailor every curve, step, and accent justifies the expense.

2. Vinyl Pools: Adaptable Elegance on a Budget

Vinyl-lined pools have evolved well beyond their modest beginnings. Today’s versions feature reinforced liners, contoured shapes, and integrated steps or benches that deliver a refined aesthetic without the cost or installation time of concrete.

Design Flexibility

While not as limitless as Gunite, Vinyl pools offer an impressive range of shapes—from geometric rectangles to free-form lagoons. Modern liners come in patterns that mimic tile, stone, or mosaic designs, allowing for creative visual effects. Homeowners often choose Vinyl for its ability to achieve a polished look with a softer touch underfoot.

Installation and Site Limitations

Vinyl pools can typically be installed faster than Gunite, often within a few weeks. They’re built using steel or polymer wall panels supported by a concrete or sand base. Because the liner is flexible, Vinyl pools can adapt slightly to soil movement, which is helpful in regions with moderate ground shifting. However, sharp objects, pet claws, or improper water chemistry can shorten liner life.

Maintenance

Maintenance is straightforward but consistent. Liners usually need replacement every 7 to 10 years, and debris should be removed carefully to avoid punctures. The smooth surface resists algae buildup more effectively than porous concrete, making weekly cleaning simpler.

Relative Cost

Vinyl pools occupy the middle ground in investment level—less expensive than Gunite but typically more customizable and aesthetically pleasing than entry-level Fiberglass installations. They provide a balance of luxury and practicality ideal for homeowners who prioritize comfort and visual appeal.

3. Fiberglass Pools: Speed, Simplicity, and Low Maintenance

Fiberglass pools are factory-molded shells delivered to the home site as a single unit and set into an excavated area. This approach drastically reduces construction time and long-term maintenance demands.

Design Flexibility

Because they’re pre-molded, Fiberglass pools come in a fixed selection of shapes and sizes. Manufacturers have broadened their catalogs in recent years, adding modern rectangular designs, infinity edges, and integrated benches—but true customization remains limited. For homeowners who value speed and reliability over complete design freedom, Fiberglass is an excellent option.

Installation and Site Limitations

Installation can be completed in as little as a week once excavation begins. However, not every site is suitable. Tight access routes, steep slopes, or overhead power lines can make delivery impossible. In Spokane’s older neighborhoods with mature trees or narrow property lines, logistical challenges must be assessed early in the design process.

Maintenance and Longevity

Fiberglass pools are remarkably low-maintenance. The gel-coat surface resists staining and algae growth, and it never requires resurfacing or liner replacement. Water chemistry is easier to maintain, and energy costs are often lower due to smoother water circulation.

Relative Cost

While Fiberglass pools are generally less expensive than Gunite, they can sometimes rival Vinyl in cost depending on shell size and installation conditions. The long-term savings in maintenance, however, can be significant.

4. Reflection Pools: Minimalism Meets Architectural Art

Beyond recreational swimming, many Spokane homeowners are turning toward reflection pools—shallow, mirror-like bodies of water designed primarily for aesthetic impact. These pools capture the sky, surrounding trees, and architecture, transforming a backyard into a living painting.

Reflection pools are especially striking in modern or transitional landscapes, where clean lines and subtle lighting create a sense of serenity. While they’re not intended for swimming, they share many of the same construction principles as Gunite or Fiberglass installations, though with reduced depth and simplified filtration systems.

In the Inland Northwest, where natural scenery often plays a starring role, a reflection pool can serve as a sophisticated alternative to a full swimming pool—delivering visual luxury with lower maintenance and cost.

5. The Hardscape: Framing Water with Stone, Light, and Texture

No pool—regardless of type—achieves its full impact without the artistry of hardscape design. The materials surrounding a pool are what define its sense of place.

Travertine, porcelain, and architectural concrete are popular choices in Spokane, providing both durability and refined texture. Proper hardscape design considers not only aesthetics but also drainage, slip resistance, and temperature retention under direct sunlight.  Browse various pools with their surrounding hardscapes for ideas.

Lighting plays an equally crucial role. Soft LED illumination integrated into coping or water features can extend the pool’s usability well past sunset. Combined with landscaping—whether formal boxwoods or natural basalt boulders—a carefully designed hardscape elevates the pool from amenity to centerpiece.

6. Climate Considerations in Spokane

Spokane’s distinct four-season climate demands thoughtful engineering. Winterization is essential for any pool type, but especially for Gunite installations where freeze-thaw cycles can stress materials. Automatic covers, proper plumbing blowouts, and insulated equipment pads are small investments that protect a significant asset.

Because of the city’s long summer days and crisp evenings, many homeowners integrate fire features, pergolas, and heated seating areas into their poolscapes—further extending seasonal enjoyment and creating year-round visual appeal.

7. Choosing What Fits Your Vision

Selecting the right pool is ultimately about harmonizing design ambition with practical realities:

• Choose Gunite if your vision involves full customization, complex elevations, or luxury finishes that reflect personal style.

• Choose Vinyl if you seek a balance between visual appeal and manageability, with the flexibility to refresh the aesthetic over time.

• Choose Fiberglass if you value simplicity, efficiency, and low maintenance above all else.

Each type can be transformed into an architectural statement with the right hardscape, lighting, and landscaping. In a region known for its natural beauty, your pool should feel as though it belongs to the landscape—not imposed upon it.

Final Thoughts

A well-designed pool does more than cool the summer air—it becomes a focal point of life at home. For Spokane homeowners, the right pool reflects not only design sensibility but also an appreciation for craftsmanship, proportion, and permanence.

When thoughtfully executed, a pool—whether Gunite, Vinyl, Fiberglass, or a tranquil reflection pool—becomes an enduring symbol of balance between nature, architecture, and the art of living well.