ORANGEVALE, CA – Century Pools, a multigenerational family-owned pool construction company serving California homeowners since 1964, is addressing widespread misconceptions about residential gunite pool construction that continue to compromise homeowner satisfaction and long-term pool durability. With 60 years of experience building custom gunite pools, the Orangevale-based company is clarifying its position on quality standards, construction timelines, and the true meaning of “custom” in an industry where shortcuts have become increasingly normalized.
The announcement comes as California homeowners face growing confusion about gunite pool quality, with many assuming that simply specifying “gunite” as a material automatically guarantees a durable, long-lasting pool. According to Century Pools, this misconception has allowed substandard construction practices to proliferate throughout the industry, leaving homeowners with pools that develop structural problems within just a few years rather than lasting the decades that properly constructed gunite pools are engineered to deliver.
“When someone says, ‘I want a gunite pool,’ they often assume that simply using gunite automatically guarantees quality,” explains Patrick O’Neal, CEO of Century Pools, who has led the company for 15 years. “The biggest misconception is thinking all gunite pools are built the same. In reality, gunite is just the material. The quality comes from how it’s engineered, applied, cured, and finished. Two pools can both be labeled ‘gunite,’ but one may last decades while the other develops problems in a few years.”
The Hidden Differences That Determine Pool Longevity
Industry data supports Century Pools’ position on the dramatic variance in gunite pool longevity. When designed and built properly, gunite pools should last for 100 years or more. However, the general consensus among professional pool builders places the average lifespan at just 30 to 50 years for typical gunite pools. This wide range exists due to varying construction quality and maintenance practices, with inadequate construction practices greatly reducing a gunite pool’s lifespan.
Century Pools has witnessed firsthand the consequences of corner-cutting construction methods. In one recent case, the company was contacted by a homeowner whose gunite pool, installed by another contractor, appeared fine initially but developed cracks along the shell, loosening tiles, and plumbing issues within just a few years. Upon investigation, Century Pools discovered that the rebar wasn’t properly tied, the gunite hadn’t been adequately cured, and plumbing runs were poorly supported.
“Those shortcuts might have saved time or money upfront, but they compromised the pool’s integrity,” O’Neal notes. “Fixing it required extensive repairs including resurfacing, structural reinforcement, and plumbing corrections. It’s a clear example that just calling something a ‘gunite pool’ doesn’t guarantee it was built to last.”
Rebar Placement: The Foundation of Structural Integrity
One of the most critical yet often compromised elements of gunite pool construction is proper rebar placement and securing. Century Pools emphasizes that when rebar isn’t properly tied, the steel isn’t secured correctly within the pool shell. Bars might be spaced too far apart, loosely tied, or even shifted during the gunite spray. While this may seem minor during construction, over time it compromises the pool’s structural integrity, leading to cracks, shifting, or long-term damage.
The importance of this step is underscored by building code requirements. Concrete swimming pools are structures and, therefore, by code, require structural engineering. The International Building Code and International Residential Code mandate structural engineering, soil reports, deputy inspectors monitoring the entire shotcrete placement process, and independent inspections of the reinforcement. Industry standards require rebar inspections before gunite application, with proper spacing typically between 12 inches on center for standard residential pools.
“Some contractors skip or rush this step to save labor time or cut costs, not realizing or sometimes not caring that even small gaps or misalignments can lead to cracks, shifting, or long-term damage,” O’Neal explains. “Properly tying every bar is essential. It’s what ensures the steel and gunite work together as a single, durable structure that lasts decades.”
The consequences of inadequate rebar work extend beyond immediate structural concerns. Most contractors don’t use enough rebar, and some use zero-grade rebar because it’s cheap and easy to bend, despite having no guaranteed tensile strength. This represents a critical shortcut that compromises pool longevity. Pool construction experts recommend never using less than 40 or 60 grade rebar for gunite pools.
The Curing Process: Where Quality Is Won or Lost
Perhaps no aspect of gunite pool construction is more frequently rushed or inadequately performed than the concrete curing process. Century Pools maintains that proper curing requires patience and consistent care in the first critical days after the gunite is sprayed. This means keeping the surface moist, sometimes using curing blankets, and monitoring temperature and humidity to ensure the concrete hydrates evenly.
“It’s not just sprinkling water once or twice. It’s a controlled, ongoing process,” O’Neal emphasizes. “Many competitors rush this step or skip it entirely to save time. They might let the shell dry too quickly or neglect to maintain moisture, which can lead to hairline cracks, weakened shell strength, or premature failure.”
Industry standards support Century Pools’ position on curing duration and methodology. The American Shotcrete Association recommends a minimum of 7 days of continuous wet curing to help control shrinkage issues, increase strength, and reduce permeability. Concrete takes 28 days to achieve a relatively full cure and achieves its best cure when water is introduced to the surface. Experts recommend that the concrete pool shell be sprayed with water 2 to 3 times per day over a 28-day period, with the first 7 days being critical for achieving full 28-day strength.
Century Pools makes the decision to use curing blankets based on weather conditions. High heat, strong sun, or dry winds can cause the gunite to lose moisture too quickly. The blankets help keep the surface consistently hydrated so the concrete cures evenly and gains maximum strength.
“If a contractor skips that step to save money, the pool shell can develop hairline cracks, weakened areas, or uneven surfaces before it’s ever filled with water,” O’Neal notes. “What seems like a small cost upfront can end up causing major problems and expensive repairs down the line. For us, it’s a simple decision: protecting the integrity of the pool is never optional.”
The consequences of interrupted curing are significant. If the curing process is interrupted, such as when the surface dries too quickly, the concrete’s strength is compromised, leading to a weaker structure and an increased risk of shrinkage cracks or other defects. Shotcrete requires careful attention to curing because its exposed surface area can dry out quickly, especially in hot or dry climates like California.
Understanding the True Cost of Lower Bids
When homeowners receive significantly lower bids from competing contractors, Century Pools urges them to understand what specific corners are likely being cut. These shortcuts aren’t obvious in proposals but inevitably manifest as problems years later.
“When a contractor comes in significantly cheaper, it’s often not because they’re more efficient. It’s usually because they’re cutting corners in ways homeowners can’t see,” O’Neal explains. “That might mean skipping proper rebar placement, rushing the gunite curing, using lower-quality materials, or skimping on plumbing and electrical installation. Those details aren’t obvious in a proposal, but years down the line, they show up as cracks, leaks, or costly repairs.”
The pool construction industry acknowledges this reality. Swimming pools are custom construction projects built by individuals and pool contractors with different standards. Unlike an automobile manufactured in a factory under controlled conditions, all swimming pools are not built the same. Much of what homeowners do not see during construction will impact both the cost and quality of their pool.
Century Pools maintains that buyers who choose cheap swimming pools often find themselves dealing with shoddy workmanship and bargain-basement materials. Ironically, swimming pool construction with cheaper products can be more expensive in the long run if they result in frequent replacements or higher energy costs. Some contractors use specifications at the lower end to save money on construction, but investing in better quality during initial construction can save money and stress in the long run.
“At Century Pools, we stick to the full process from start to finish, even if it takes more time or labor, because the goal is a pool that lasts decades, not one that looks fine for a season and then starts failing,” O’Neal states.
Redefining Custom Pool Design
Beyond construction methodology, Century Pools is also clarifying what “custom pool design” actually means in contrast to template-based approaches that many contractors market as custom work. According to the company, many contractors claim to do custom work, but for most, it really means picking from pre-set templates or making small adjustments.
“At Century Pools, our design process starts with the site itself: topography, soil conditions, sun exposure, and how the family plans to use the space,” O’Neal explains. “Every contour, every feature, every plumbing and electrical run is planned from scratch to work with that specific backyard. That allows us to create shapes, features, and layouts that a template simply can’t replicate. True custom isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about engineering a pool that fits perfectly, functions flawlessly, and lasts for decades.”
This approach reflects the company’s understanding that backyard pools are more than a luxury. These are treasured meeting places where memories are made, family events are held, and new beginnings are celebrated. That philosophy drives Century Pools to carefully inject personalized experience into all customer pools, ensuring each project reflects the specific needs and dreams of the homeowners who will use it for generations.
A Multigenerational Commitment to Quality
Century Pools’ stance on construction standards is rooted in six decades of family tradition. Founded in 1964 by Brian O’Neal, a hard worker often found with a shovel in hand, the company was built on a foundation of supporting family members and pride in heritage. Today, Brian’s three sons, including CEO Patrick O’Neal, continue his legacy with the help of second-generation family members.
“One practice that’s become all too common in the industry is rushing the curing process or skimping on rebar placement to save time,” O’Neal reflects. “Many contractors treat these steps as routine or ‘good enough,’ but at Century Pools, we refuse to compromise. Even if it would make the project faster or cheaper, we stick to meticulous engineering, careful gunite curing, and precise rebar installation. Cutting corners in those areas might not show immediately, but it always shows over time.”
The O’Neal family’s position represents a broader philosophy about the pool construction industry. Being a multigenerational pool contractor isn’t just about longevity; it’s about building lasting relationships based on trust and shared dreams. Each project is an opportunity for the company to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and to earning homeowner trust. The company remains honored to continue its family legacy by creating spaces that families cherish for generations.
From those humble beginnings, Century Pools has grown into the pool contractor used for everything from celebrity mansions to local neighborhood hangouts, with each project focusing on building client trust, providing exceptional craftsmanship, and remaining at the forefront of custom pool innovation. The company’s mission, “Building Your Dreams Since 1964,” reflects this ongoing commitment, while its vision offers “a quality and affordable solution to escaping the California heat” through custom pools that don’t compromise on construction standards.
Moving Forward: Transparency and Education
Looking ahead, Century Pools remains committed to transparency in construction processes and client education throughout the build. The company recognizes that informed homeowners make better decisions and are more satisfied with their investment over the long term.
“We spend a lot of time helping homeowners understand that craftsmanship, experience, and attention to every step of the process are what truly make the difference,” O’Neal notes. “When homeowners understand what proper construction looks like, they can ask better questions and make informed decisions that protect their investment.”
Century Pools’ short-term goals focus on building more swimming pools than the previous year, while long-term goals center on creating a sustainable business that will carry on over the years. This sustainability isn’t just about business growth but about maintaining the construction standards and family values that have defined the company since 1964.
As the pool construction industry continues to face pressure to reduce costs and speed up timelines, Century Pools stands firm in its position that lasting quality always takes priority over convenience. For California homeowners seeking a pool that will serve their families for generations rather than just a few seasons, the company offers a clear alternative to the shortcuts that have become normalized throughout the industry.
About Century Pools
Century Pools is a family-owned residential gunite pool construction company headquartered in Orangevale, California. Founded in 1964 by Brian O’Neal, the company has been building custom pools for California homeowners for 60 years. Under the leadership of CEO Patrick O’Neal and his brothers Michael and Casey, along with second-generation family members, Century Pools continues the O’Neal family tradition of meticulous construction, personalized design, and commitment to building pools that last for generations. The company specializes exclusively in residential gunite pool construction, serving homeowners from celebrity mansions to local neighborhood properties throughout California.
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