Gunite Pool Images to Inspire Your Backyard Design Plans

If you’re anything like most homeowners we talk to, you want a pool that stands out and fits your lifestyle. You’ve probably been scrolling through gunite pool images, trying to picture what would actually work in your backyard. That’s a great place to start.

Real photos can spark ideas you hadn’t considered, from water features to spa shapes to lighting that completely changes the feel of your space. Gunite pools are flexible, built to match a wide range of styles, sizes, and budgets.

In this blog, you’ll find standout gunite pool images and expert tips from our team at Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living.

Key Takeaways

• Inspiration starts with photos, but the best gunite pool designs are tailored to your yard and lifestyle.

• Small details like tile, lighting, and water features can make the biggest impact in your backyard pool.

• Working with the right team makes planning, building, and enjoying your custom gunite pool simple and stress-free.

What Makes Gunite Pools So Unique

Gunite pools are built with a mix of concrete and sand sprayed over a steel framework. This method allows for full design flexibility, including custom shapes, depths, spas, tanning ledges, and water features.

That level of freedom is one of the main reasons homeowners choose gunite. You can design a pool that fits your yard, matches your style, and includes features like a raised spa, clean geometric lines, or a free-form shape with natural rock details.

It’s also built to last. With proper care, a gunite pool can hold up beautifully for decades, making it a smart long-term investment for your property.

Gunite Pool Design Features That Make a Splash

When you look through gunite pool images for inspiration, it’s the details that catch your eye. Features like lighting, waterfalls, and custom spas take an ordinary pool and turn it into a standout backyard design. 

Here are some of the most popular elements you'll see in top pool photos.

LED lighting for that wow factor after dark

LED lighting can shift the entire feel of your pool. Color-changing LEDs let you create a relaxing glow or a bold light show, perfect for evening swims or entertaining. They also highlight nearby water features and landscaping.

Deck jets and laminars

Deck jets add playful streams of water that arc into the pool. Laminars offer a more refined look, with smooth, glass-like arcs that can be lit at night. Both bring movement and style to your pool design.

Spillways and raised spas

A raised spa with a spillway adds both visual height and a relaxing water flow into the pool. The sound and motion create a calming atmosphere and help connect the pool and spa as one cohesive feature.

Rim-flow spas

This modern design allows water to spill evenly over every edge of the spa. It gives a clean, sculptural look and pairs well with natural materials like tile or stone.

Rock waterfalls

These dramatic features use natural or faux stone to create multiple cascades. Along with the visual impact, they bring the soothing sound of flowing water to your backyard.

Grotto waterfalls

Grottos offer a tucked-away, shaded spot behind a large waterfall. They add a playful, private space within the pool and work well in free-form or tropical-style designs.

Water bowls and fire bowls 

These compact features add elegant finishing touches. Whether it’s flowing water or flickering flames, bowls placed around the pool offer a striking mix of sound, light, and texture.

Scuppers and spouts

These architectural water features channel narrow streams into the pool from raised walls or spa edges. Available in bronze, stainless steel, or copper, they add movement and a sleek, modern edge to any pool.

Glass tile accents

Glass tile brings shimmer and color to spas, waterlines, and steps. It reflects sunlight during the day and glows under LED lights at night, making it one of the most eye-catching materials in any pool design.

Each of these features brings something unique to the table. The right mix of lighting, water features, and finishes can completely transform how your pool looks and feels, not just in photos, but in everyday use.

Gunite Pool Shapes & Styles You’ll Love

The shape of your pool sets the tone for your entire backyard design. As you browse gunite photos for inspiration, you’ll notice certain layouts appear again and again because they’re both practical and visually striking. 

Here are some of the most common pool designs we create and why they work:

Classic rectangle pools

Clean lines, timeless appeal, and practical for lap swimming or pool covers. This design is a favorite for modern pool design, but also pairs nicely with traditional architecture.

Free-form gunite pools

Curved, flowing shapes that blend naturally with the landscape. These pools feel organic and help the backyard look more like a natural setting.

Lagoon-style pools

Free-flowing edges, rock accents, waterfalls, and lush planting bring a tropical resort look to your own backyard. Grottos and fire features often make an appearance in these designs.

Geometric and Roman pools

Strong angles and bold curves create a more formal layout. These pools frequently include raised spas, tanning ledges, and symmetrical water features for a balanced design.

Modified rectangle or L-shaped pools

Great for yards that are smaller or have irregular layouts. These designs allow for shallow lounging areas alongside deeper swimming zones, making them versatile for families.

Commercial gunite pool designs

Larger layouts from hotels or clubs can spark ideas for backyard entertaining. Features like wide entry steps, integrated lighting, and extended seating zones can easily be adapted to residential pool design.

No matter which style you lean toward, reviewing gunite pool photos can help clarify your preferences and guide the right design for your property.

How to Use Gunite Pool Images to Plan Your Dream Pool

With so many photos online, it helps to focus on images that match how you want to use your pool. If relaxation is key, look at spa layouts and soft lighting. For entertaining, pay attention to seating areas, wide steps, and patio connections.

Save your favorite photos and group them by themes like water features, tile, or overall shape. Notice what keeps catching your eye and how each pool design connects with the backyard.

Rather than copying one photo, use it as inspiration to shape a pool that feels right for your space. Bring your top picks to your consultation to give your designer a clear sense of your style and priorities.

Why Massachusetts Homeowners Trust Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living

At Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, we’ve been building custom gunite pools since 1966. Many clients come to us with pool images for inspiration, and we turn those ideas into backyard spaces that fit their home and lifestyle.

Our services include custom pool design, pool renovations, hardscapes, Hydropool hot tubs, swim spas, and ongoing maintenance. With skilled designers and contractors handling every detail, you can count on quality and lasting results.

Ready to bring your inspiration to life? Call Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living today to start planning your backyard retreat.

Conclusion

One photo can be enough to spark the perfect pool idea. With the flexibility of gunite, your dream backyard pool is closer than you think. From glass tile to raised spas and fire bowls, the design options are endless and entirely yours.

Save the gunite pool images that inspire you and bring them to Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living. Let’s build a pool that makes your neighbors jealous for all the right reasons. Schedule your free design consultation with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of a gunite pool?

Gunite pools are durable and versatile, but they do have a few downsides. They take longer to build than vinyl or fiberglass because of the curing process. The plaster surface is porous, so regular cleaning is important to prevent algae. Over time, resurfacing may be needed to keep the pool looking new.

What is the most popular gunite pool color?

Blue is the go-to color for gunite pools, with light and medium shades creating that classic, sparkling look. Darker blues, grays, and even black are also popular for a more modern, lagoon-style appearance. The best choice comes down to the style of your backyard and how you want the water to look.

What is the average cost of a gunite pool?

Most custom gunite pools range from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on size and design. Features like spas, water elements, or glass tile can add to the cost, but they also make the pool truly custom. Many homeowners see it as a long-term investment thanks to the durability and design flexibility.