Custom gunite pools, done right.
Gunite is the most customizable pool path we offer. If you want a pool designed around your yard, finish selections, outdoor living goals, and long-term ownership needs, this page gives you a cleaner path forward.
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.
Built around your yard, layout, design direction, and how you want the backyard to function.
Plaster textures, color direction, waterline tile, step detail, inlays, and refined visual choices.
Spas, benches, ledges, shelves, lighting, automation, and water features can be designed into the pool from the start.
Because gunite includes more on-site construction stages, clear selections, scheduling, and scope control matter more.
Choose a path before you commit to a direction.
Whether you are still comparing pool types, exploring finish packages, or trying to understand gunite pricing, these sections help narrow the decision.
Why Gunite
Best fit for the highest design freedom, premium finishes, and integrated features.
View SectionFinishes + Tile
Compare plaster, color direction, waterline tile, inlays, and step details.
Explore DetailsProcess
Understand the path from consultation through construction, startup, and handoff.
Review TimelinePricing Drivers
See the major variables that move a custom gunite pool budget up or down.
See FactorsFinishes, tile, and custom detail 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.
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
- Smoother versus more textured surfaces
- 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 broader backyard palette.
- Light to deeper water-tone options
- Color sample comparisons
- Selection help based on visibility and style
Waterline tile
Waterline tile adds a 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 and 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 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?
Tell us your style and budget range and we can recommend a cleaner 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. These image URLs can stay in place or be swapped later for tighter project-specific captions.
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 and keep expectations clear.
Consultation
We learn your goals, timeline, budget direction, and how custom you want the backyard to be.
Scope and Design Clarity
Layout, features, assumptions, finish direction, and priorities get documented before larger commitments are made.
Permits and Scheduling
When required, permit coordination and timeline planning are handled with clearer expectations during prep.
Build and 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.
Gunite projects are often paired with upgrades that improve usability, nighttime experience, and long-term ownership convenience.
Automatic safety covers
Safety, heat retention, reduced evaporation, and a cleaner 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. For a more project-specific answer, request pricing and share your goals, address, and budget direction.
How long does a gunite pool take to build?
Timelines vary based on design complexity, weather, site conditions, selections, and permitting when required. Gunite includes multiple construction stages, so process clarity and early decisions matter more than with simpler pool types.
What plaster finishes and colors do you offer?
We can guide multiple finish and color directions. Finish and color influence water appearance, surface feel, and the overall visual tone of the backyard. Samples and comparisons help narrow the right fit.
Can I do custom tile, inlays, and step details?
Yes. Gunite is ideal for waterline tile, border tile, inlay patterns, and step details. We guide selection and placement so the finished result feels cohesive instead of overdesigned.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Permit and inspection coordination is handled when required. What applies depends on the municipality, site, and overall project scope.
What impacts the price the most?
The biggest drivers are usually pool size and depth, shape complexity, finish and tile selections, decking scope, integrated features, access, drainage conditions, and utilities or permitting requirements.
Can you build freeform designs and integrated features?
Yes. Gunite allows true freeform or geometric customization plus integrated benches, shelves, spas, lighting, water features, and broader outdoor-living design tie-ins.
Ready to start your gunite design with clearer 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.
No pressure. Get clearer direction on whether gunite is the right fit before making larger project decisions.
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.
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.
