What Is a Concrete Wall Vinyl Pool?
A concrete wall vinyl pool combines the structural strength of poured concrete walls with the smooth, customizable finish of a vinyl liner. Unlike a traditional gunite pool where the entire shell is hand-applied concrete (shotcrete), a concrete wall vinyl pool uses formed and poured concrete walls with a vinyl liner draped over the interior surface.
For Huntington homeowners, this means you get the permanence and rigidity of concrete — no bowing, no shifting, no flex — with the cost savings and design flexibility of a vinyl liner finish. It's the best of both worlds, and it's why this pool type has become one of the most requested options in our Huntington and Dix Hills projects.
A recent Cardi Design & Build project featuring a concrete wall vinyl pool paired with a custom sport court and full turf backyard.
Concrete Wall Vinyl vs. Gunite: What's the Difference?
Both pool types use concrete for structure, but the interior finish and construction method differ significantly. Here's how they compare for Huntington homeowners:
| Feature | Concrete Wall Vinyl | Full Gunite |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Poured concrete walls | Shotcrete/gunite shell |
| Interior Finish | Vinyl liner (replaceable) | Plaster, pebble, or tile |
| Cost (20x40) | $65,000–$120,000 | $90,000–$200,000+ |
| Build Time | 6–10 weeks | 10–16 weeks |
| Liner Replacement | Every 10–15 years (~$5K–$8K) | Replaster every 10–15 years (~$8K–$15K) |
| Shape Flexibility | Rectangular, L-shape, geometric | Any freeform shape |
| Durability | 50+ year structure | 50+ year structure |
| Best For | Budget-conscious luxury, clean geometric designs | Freeform shapes, vanishing edges, beach entries |
Why Huntington Homeowners Choose Concrete Wall Vinyl
Huntington sits in the sweet spot of Long Island — affluent neighborhoods that value quality but also appreciate smart investments. Here's why concrete wall vinyl pools have become the go-to choice in Huntington, Cold Spring Harbor, Dix Hills, and surrounding communities:
1. Same Structural Integrity, Lower Investment
The concrete walls are identical in strength to a gunite pool. They won't bow, shift, or deteriorate. The savings come from the interior finish — a high-quality vinyl liner costs significantly less than plaster or pebble finishes while providing a smooth, stain-resistant surface that's comfortable underfoot.
2. Faster Installation Timeline
In Huntington's competitive construction market, timing matters. Concrete wall vinyl pools typically complete 4–6 weeks faster than full gunite builds. That means if you start in fall, you're swimming by Memorial Day — not waiting until July.
3. Design Flexibility That Matches the Neighborhood
Modern Huntington backyards favor clean, geometric pool shapes — rectangles, L-shapes, and linear designs with defined edges. Concrete wall vinyl pools excel at these shapes. Pair it with a stone paver surround, LED lighting, and a raised spa wall, and you have a pool that looks identical to a $200K gunite installation.
4. Easy Liner Replacement = Fresh Look Every Decade
When a gunite pool's plaster wears out, it's a messy, expensive replastering job. With a vinyl liner pool, you simply drain, remove the old liner, and install a new one in 2–3 days. You can even change the color or pattern — go from a deep blue to a light sand bottom, or add a tile-look border. It's like getting a brand-new pool for a fraction of the cost.
A Cardi Design & Build pool installation featuring clean geometric lines, stone paver surround, and professional landscaping.
What to Expect: The Build Process in Huntington
Building a concrete wall vinyl pool in Huntington involves navigating Town of Huntington permits, setback requirements, and sometimes wetland considerations. Here's what the process looks like with Cardi Design & Build:
3D Design & Site Planning
We create photorealistic 3D renders of your pool, patio, and landscape before breaking ground. You see exactly what you're getting — no surprises.
Permits & Engineering
We handle all Town of Huntington permits, engineering drawings, and inspections. Typical permit timeline: 3–5 weeks.
Excavation & Concrete Walls
Excavation takes 1–2 days. Concrete walls are formed and poured, then cured for structural integrity. Steel rebar reinforcement throughout.
Plumbing, Electric & Equipment
All plumbing, filtration, heater, and LED lighting installed. We use variable-speed pumps for energy efficiency and quiet operation.
Liner Installation & Fill
Custom-measured vinyl liner installed, pool filled, and chemistry balanced. You're swimming within days of liner installation.
Patio, Landscape & Final Touches
Stone paver patio, landscape plantings, fencing, and any additional features (sport court, fire pit, outdoor kitchen) completed.
Professional landscaping and hardscaping complete the pool environment — creating a cohesive outdoor living space.
Cost Breakdown: Concrete Wall Vinyl Pool in Huntington
Every project is different, but here's what Huntington homeowners can expect for a complete concrete wall vinyl pool installation:
| Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Pool structure (16x32) | $45,000–$65,000 |
| Pool structure (20x40) | $65,000–$90,000 |
| Stone paver patio (800–1200 sq ft) | $25,000–$45,000 |
| Landscape & plantings | $10,000–$30,000 |
| Fencing (code-compliant) | $8,000–$15,000 |
| LED lighting package | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Total (pool + patio + landscape) | $90,000–$180,000 |
*Prices reflect 2026 Huntington-area market rates. Add-ons like sport courts ($25K–$50K), outdoor kitchens ($20K–$60K), and fire features ($8K–$20K) are quoted separately.
Pairing Your Pool with a Complete Backyard Design
The best concrete wall vinyl pool projects don't stop at the pool. Huntington homeowners are increasingly building complete outdoor living environments — pool + sport court + fire pit + outdoor kitchen — all designed together for a cohesive look.
Our design-build approach means one team handles everything: the 3D design, pool construction, hardscaping, landscape installation, and any additional features. No coordinating between 5 different contractors. No finger-pointing when something doesn't line up. One vision, one team, one result.
The complete package: pool, patio, landscape, and outdoor living — designed and built by one team.
Ready to Start Your Pool Project in Huntington?
Fall is the ideal time to begin the design process for a spring/summer build. We create photorealistic 3D renders so you can see your new pool and backyard before we break ground. Schedule a free on-site consultation and let's talk about what's possible for your property.
Free Pool Design Consultation
See your new pool in 3D before construction begins. Serving Huntington, Dix Hills, Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, and all of Long Island.