Built on-site with steel reinforcement and a concrete shell. Choose plaster colors, waterline tile, custom inlays, and features with a clear plan from design through construction.
Gunite Swimming Pool
Gunite pools are built on-site with steel reinforcement and a concrete shell, giving you the highest level of customization in shape, depth, and features.
If you want a truly custom backyard design, gunite allows premium finish choices like plaster colors, waterline tile, and custom detailing that elevates the final look.
Burton Pools, the construction team behind Aquarius Pools & Spas, helps you plan the layout, align scope and budget, and move into design, permitting, and scheduling with clear next steps.
A cleaner path to a custom gunite pool with clear next steps from design through handoff.
Gunite is the most customizable pool option. If you want a one-of-one design, premium finishes, tile details, integrated features, and a backyard plan built around your space, this page is designed to help you understand scope, selections, timelines, and what drives budget.
Choose a path and get routed to the right next step.
Whether you are comparing gunite to other pool types, pricing a premium backyard project, exploring finishes and tile, or trying to understand design flexibility, this page is built to help you move forward with clearer direction.
Why Gunite
Best fit for homeowners who want the most design freedom, integrated features, and a premium final result.
Finishes + Tile
Compare plaster, color direction, waterline tile, inlays, and step details before larger decisions are made.
Process + Timeline
Understand how a gunite project moves from consultation to construction, startup, and handoff.
Pricing + Upgrades
See the major budget drivers and the premium features most gunite clients consider.
Built for clients who want the highest level of customization.
Gunite pools are built on-site and allow the most flexibility in shape, depth, finish, tile, and integrated feature planning. If you want a pool designed specifically around your yard, layout, and backyard goals, gunite is often the strongest fit.
- Custom shapes and depths built around your yard and design direction
- Premium finishes with plaster textures and color options
- Waterline tile, inlays, and step details for a more refined final look
- Integrated features like spas, benches, ledges, shelves, and water features
- One-of-one design flexibility with planning around access, elevations, and drainage
A good gunite project is about more than the shape.
Gunite builds involve more on-site construction stages than other pool types. Timelines and costs vary based on design complexity, finish selections, integrated features, access, utilities, site conditions, and permitting when required.
Finishes, tile, and design selections
These are some of the most common customization areas for gunite pools. If you want a simpler path, tell us your design style, water color preference, and budget direction and we can help narrow a clean finish package.
Plaster finish options
Choose the finish type and texture that matches the feel, appearance, and maintenance expectations you want.
- Standard plaster and upgraded finish paths
- Smooth versus more textured feel
- Guidance based on long term care expectations
Plaster color direction
Plaster color influences final water tone and should coordinate with decking, tile, sun exposure, and the overall backyard palette.
- Light to deeper water-tone options
- Color sample comparisons
- Selection help based on visibility and style
Waterline tile
Waterline tile adds a more finished look and helps tie the pool visually into the rest of the backyard design.
- Classic, modern, and patterned styles
- Color families that pair with plaster selections
- Cleaner, more cohesive combinations
Inlay patterns
Inlays can add a custom signature to steps, benches, tanning ledges, or accent areas without overwhelming the design.
- Step and bench inlays
- Accent bands and geometric patterns
- Custom placement planning during design
Step tile + markers
Step details can improve visibility and function while still feeling integrated into the overall finish package.
- Step edge tile and marker options
- Contrasting colors for visibility
- Balanced function and appearance
Custom freeform design
Gunite allows true custom design flexibility for freeform and geometric pools, plus integrated spas and premium outdoor living tie-ins.
- Freeform and geometric layouts
- Benches, ledges, shelves, and deep-end planning
- Feature-ready design for spas, lighting, and water features
Selection timing
Most finish and tile selections should be finalized before construction stages that depend on them. That helps keep the project moving and reduces delays caused by late decisions.
Want help choosing?
If you prefer a simpler process, tell us your style and budget range and we can recommend a clean finish and tile direction that fits the rest of the project.
Gunite pool project gallery
A quick look at gunite projects and outdoor living builds. Keep these image URLs in place or swap captions later if you want to tighten the project descriptions.
Clear next steps from consultation through handoff.
Gunite builds include more on-site construction stages than other pool types, so process clarity matters. The goal is to reduce surprises, keep expectations clear, and help the project move with better coordination from planning through completion.
Consultation
We learn your goals, timeline, budget direction, and how custom you want the backyard to be.
Scope + Design Clarity
Layout, features, assumptions, finish direction, and priorities get documented before larger commitments are made.
Permits + Scheduling
When required, permit coordination and timeline planning are handled with clearer expectations during prep.
Build + Handoff
Excavation, steel, plumbing, gunite, curing, finish work, startup, and support after completion.
What affects gunite pool pricing
Gunite pricing is driven heavily by design complexity, integrated feature scope, and site conditions. These are some of the biggest variables that move the budget up or down.
Pool size and depth profile
Larger pools and more complex depth transitions usually increase construction scope.
Shape complexity
Custom curves, radiuses, and unique layouts add labor and detailing.
Finish type and plaster color
Upgraded finishes and more premium color directions can change materials and labor.
Waterline tile and inlays
Tile selection, inlay patterns, and detail work can meaningfully affect budget.
Decking scope and materials
Deck size, layout, and material choice are often major cost drivers in premium projects.
Access and site conditions
Tight access, elevations, drainage needs, and utility conditions can affect both cost and timeline.
Permitting and utilities
Permits, inspections, and utility coordination vary by location and project scope.
Integrated upgrades
Spas, water features, lighting, automation, heaters, fire features, and sanitation upgrades add scope.
Features many gunite clients add to improve comfort, safety, and atmosphere
Gunite projects are often paired with upgrades that improve usability, nighttime experience, and long term ownership convenience. Tell us what matters most and we can help narrow the right feature path.
Automatic safety covers
Safety, heat retention, reduced evaporation, and a clean finished look.
Pool heaters
Extend the season and make water temperature more predictable.
Colored LED lighting
Upgrade the nighttime atmosphere with efficient lighting scenes.
Automation and controls
Control lights, temperature, features, and equipment from your phone.
Water features
Waterfalls, sheer descents, bubblers, and accent features for movement and sound.
UV and sanitation upgrades
Add another layer of sanitation support for cleaner water management.
Deck jets
Arcing streams that add motion, sound, and strong visual impact.
Built-in spa
Integrated spa and spillover design for comfort and a more premium layout.
Decking and hardscape
Concrete, pavers, natural stone, and outdoor living areas to complete the backyard.
Gunite pool FAQs
Quick answers to common gunite questions. If you want a more project-specific answer, request pricing and share your goals, address, and budget direction.
How long does a gunite pool take to build?
What plaster finishes and colors do you offer?
Can I do custom tile, inlays, and step details?
Do you handle permits and inspections?
What impacts the price the most?
Can you build freeform designs and integrated features?
Ready to start your gunite design with clear next steps?
Share your goals, budget range, and a few property details. We will help confirm fit, outline the right next action, and build a cleaner plan around your backyard.
Gunite Pool Project Gallery
Explore custom gunite pools we’ve built across Greater Lafayette. When you’re ready, request pricing to discuss finishes, tile, and design options.
GET A QUOTE FOR A POOL
Speak with our experts at Aquarius Pools and Spas to learn more about our swimming pools for sale and begin your personalized pool project.
