Gunite Swimming Pool Cost: What to Expect

A backyard pool can turn everyday summers into something special, giving you a place for cookouts, family fun, and quiet evenings by the water. Gunite pools are known for their durability and fully customizable designs, and Ferrari Pools has been building them for decades.

The average gunite swimming pool cost ranges from $65,000 to $120,000, with simpler builds starting lower and luxury designs climbing beyond $150,000. This guide explains the factors that shape the price, how gunite stacks up against other pool types, and the steps involved in creating one.

Key Takeaways

• A gunite pool is a long-lasting, fully customizable choice that can be designed to fit any backyard in Massachusetts.

• The gunite pool cost typically runs $65,000 to $120,000, with size, features, and finishes shaping the final price.

• Working with an experienced pool builder ensures your new concrete pool is built right and ready for decades of enjoyment.

What is a Gunite Pool and Why It’s Different

A gunite pool is a type of concrete pool made by building a steel rebar framework and spraying a dry concrete mix through a high-pressure hose. The mixture is combined with water at the nozzle, creating a dense, durable shell. This method gives you endless possibilities for pool design, from sleek rectangles to freeform lagoon-style shapes.

Unlike fiberglass pools, which are delivered as pre-molded shells, or vinyl liner pools, which rely on liners that need replacing every decade, gunite pools can be shaped to fit your space exactly. With proper regular maintenance, an inground gunite pool can last over 50 years, making it one of the longest-lasting pool types available.

Average Gunite Swimming Pool Cost

Gunite pool prices typically range from $65,000 to $120,000. Basic designs may come in closer to $50,000, while larger pools with special features like waterfalls or diving boards can exceed $180,000.

Measured per square foot, a gunite pool typically costs between $100 and $280, with the final price shaped by size, finishes, and site conditions. For example, a standard 14x28 pool might fall between $39,200 and $98,000 before landscaping, decking, and extra features.

Main Factors That Affect Gunite Pool Cost

Every inground gunite pool is unique, and your price depends on design, site conditions, and finish choices. These are the key factors that shape the total cost of a gunite pool installation.

Pool size and depth

Bigger pools require more dry concrete mix, steel rebar, and labor. A deep end for diving adds excavation, concrete, and water needs, which all increase pool cost.

Shape and design complexity

Rectangles are more budget-friendly. Freeform or lagoon designs, tanning ledges, and integrated spas take more time and skill, raising the per-square-foot price.

Location and access

Easy access to equipment keeps costs down. Sloped yards, rocky soil, or narrow entry points can mean extra work and higher labor costs.

Site preparation

Includes excavation per cubic yard, grading, retaining walls, and tree removal. Challenging terrain adds to the budget before construction even starts.

Materials and finishes

Plaster is the most affordable finish. Pebble, quartz, tile, and custom coping increase pool prices but offer a more upscale look.

Labor

From the excavation team to the tile contractor and electricians, multiple trades are involved. Complex designs require more hours and skilled work.

Permits

Most towns require a building permit with fees that vary. Local codes may also require fencing or other safety features.

Typical Cost Breakdown for a Gunite Pool Installation

A typical gunite pool installation includes:

• Materials: $60,000–$70,000

• Labor: $5,000–$30,000

• Excavation: $500–$4,500

• Permits: $450–$1,800

• Landscaping: $1,300–$6,050

For example, a 14x28 pool with standard finishes and basic landscaping will often total around $100,000.

Popular Add-Ons and Their Prices

Many homeowners choose features that make a new swimming pool more enjoyable. 

In-ground hot tubs range from $8,000 to $25,000. Waterfalls or slides can cost $1,500 to $5,000 each, and diving boards range from $300 to $5,000. Pool lighting can add $200 to $1,700, while a new deck may add anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000. 

An automatic pool cover is a higher investment at $8,000 to $20,000, but it protects the pool and can help lower energy bills.

Ongoing Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

A gunite pool has a long lifespan, but maintenance is part of ownership. Expect maintenance costs between $2,700 and $4,000 annually for cleaning, chemicals, and minor repairs. Acid washing every four years can run $250 to $1,000, while replastering every 10 to 15 years costs around $10,000.

Operating costs include electricity for pumps and lighting, which averages $300 per year, though energy-efficient equipment can lower this. Repairs, such as fixing cracks, are often billed by the linear foot at around $75.

Compared to fiberglass pools, which have lower upkeep, and vinyl liner pools, which require liner replacement every decade, gunite maintenance is higher but comes with superior longevity and customization.

How to Save Money on Gunite Pool Costs

Reducing the size or opting for a simpler shape can significantly lower your pool cost. You can also delay additional features like waterfalls or elaborate lighting until later. 

Scheduling your pool installation in the off-season may result in better pool prices from pool companies. Choosing energy-efficient equipment not only saves on utilities but also offers ongoing savings over time.

The Gunite Process

Building a gunite pool is a detailed process. It starts with design and the permitting process, followed by excavation and the installation of a steel rebar frame. 

Plumbing comes next, then the gunite process, where the dry concrete mix is sprayed into place using pressurized air and a pressurized nozzle.

After the shell cures, the tile contractor installs tile and coping, and any decking or landscaping is completed. The final steps include plastering the surface, filling the pool, and starting up the systems so your pool is ready for use.

Your Local Gunite Pool Experts

Ferrari Pools has been building gunite pools in Massachusetts since 1966, earning a reputation for quality pool construction and exceptional service. We design and install custom pools that suit your outdoor space, from elegant concrete pools to compact cocktail pools and family-friendly inground swimming pools.

Our process starts with a personalized consultation and covers permitting, coordinating skilled pool installers, fence installers, and hour masons, and managing every stage until your pool is complete. We also offer regular maintenance, plus professional openings and closings to keep it in top shape year-round.

With flexible financing, clear communication, and decades of experience, we make it simple to turn your backyard into a space you’ll enjoy for a lifetime. Contact us today to get started.

Conclusion

A quality gunite pool offers decades of enjoyment, adds value to your home, and can be designed to fit any lifestyle. From compact cocktail pools to spacious retreats with custom features, it’s an investment in both comfort and property.

At Ferrari Pools, we’ve been building lasting custom pools across Massachusetts for generations. If you’re ready for a new pool built with skill and designed for your outdoor space, contact us today to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a gunite pool?

In Massachusetts, the average cost of a gunite pool runs $65,000–$120,000. Basic builds start near $50,000, while high-end custom pools can top $150,000. Expect $100–$280 per square foot, with extras like spas or a pool cover adding to the total cost.

Is a gunite pool worth it?

Yes, if you want a pool that’s durable and fully customizable. A gunite pool can fit any outdoor space, from a cocktail pool to a large retreat. While an inground pool cost is higher than vinyl or fiberglass, the lifespan and flexibility make it a smart long-term choice.

What are the disadvantages of a gunite pool?

• Higher gunite pool cost and longer build time

• More upkeep, including acid washing every few years

• Replastering is needed every 10–15 years

• More prone to algae if not maintained regularly

How much does it cost to re-gunite a pool?

Resurfacing a gunite pool usually costs $10,000–$20,000. Extensive repairs, replacing other materials, or fixing structural damage can increase the total cost. Get a quote from experienced gunite pool builders to know your exact price.

How long does it take to build a gunite pool?

Most gunite pools take 8–12 weeks from design to completion. Larger custom pools or projects needing land clearing can take longer. Timeline depends on excavation (cubic yard), curing time, added features, and the schedule of your pool builder and pool installers.