Gunite Swimming Pool Designs: What to Know Before You Build

Thinking about adding a pool, but not sure where to start? Gunite swimming pool designs offer flexibility, style, and durability that fit how you actually live.

You

You can choose clean lines or natural curves, add custom features, and build a space that works for both relaxing and entertaining.

At Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, we’ve spent decades creating gunite pools that look great and hold up over time. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to design one that works for you.

Key Takeaways

• A well-designed gunite pool blends beauty and functionality, creating a backyard you’ll want to spend time in.

• From spas to waterfalls, the right details make your pool feel custom-built for the way you live.

• Quality craftsmanship and smart planning keep your pool looking great and running strong year after year.

You

What Is a Gunite Pool and Why Choose It?

A gunite pool is built by spraying a mix of cement, sand, and water over a steel rebar frame. The result is a strong, seamless shell that can be shaped into nearly any style or size.

Unlike poured concrete, gunite doesn’t need forms and won’t crack along seams. Compared to shotcrete, it’s mixed dry and combined with water at the nozzle, giving more control during application.

Gunite pools are built to last and handle temperature swings well, making them a solid choice for long-term durability and custom pool design.

Gunite Pool Designs: Shapes That Fit Your Lifestyle

When you're planning your pool design, one of the first decisions is shape. It affects both the look and function of the entire space.

Rectangular pools offer a timeless look and work well for lap swimming or modern aesthetics. They're simple, clean, and easy to design around.

Freeform pools mimic the curves of natural water bodies. They fit beautifully into landscaped backyards and pair well with waterfalls, rock features, and organic gardens.

Kidney and figure-8 shapes are popular for smaller yards. They create a gentle flow and still leave room for tanning ledges, benches, or a hot tub.

L-shapes and Roman ends provide multiple zones for play, lounging, and swimming. These are great if you’re planning a pool for both family time and entertaining.

Choosing a shape that fits your home’s style and the contours of your yard helps everything look intentional and well-crafted.

Pool Design Features to Make Your Gunite Pool Stand Out

This is where you get to be creative. The right features can completely change the feel of your swimming pool.

LED lighting

LED lights aren’t just practical. They’re part of the overall style. Choose warm white for a subtle glow or color-changing options for added fun and flexibility. They’re energy-efficient and great for evening swims, entertaining, or highlighting water features and landscaping.

Tanning ledges and bubblers

A shallow ledge offers the perfect place to relax partially submerged in water. Add a few loungers or bubblers for a bit of movement, and you’ve got yourself a spot that’s both stylish and family-friendly.

Built-in spa

A custom spa can be designed into the pool or raised with its own spillway. Rim-flow spas take it a step further, letting water overflow on all sides like an infinity edge. Add therapy jets, and you’ll got year-round comfort built right into your backyard.

Waterfalls and grottos

Rock waterfalls work well with natural-style pools, and a grotto adds a shaded nook behind the fall. It’s part water feature, part retreat.

Sheer descents and cascade waterfalls

Prefer something modern? A sheer descent is a thin, clean sheet of water falling from a raised wall or spa. It adds movement and a peaceful sound without overpowering the space.

Swim-up bars and slides

Slides can be custom-built into rock features, blending right into the pool’s look. A swim-up bar is great for entertaining and keeps the conversation going without leaving the water.

Deck jets and laminars

Deck jets shoot elegant arcs of water into the pool. Laminars take it up a notch with streams so smooth they look like glass, especially when lit with LED color.

Fire Bowls and Hybrid Features: Add Drama and Style

Fire bowls are one of the most striking ways to bring warmth and contrast to your backyard. They work with modern, rustic, or natural pool designs and come in square, round, concrete, or metallic finishes.

For even more visual impact, hybrid fire-water bowls combine flowing water with flame. They’re great for cool evenings, adding both atmosphere and light around your pool or deck.

Tile and Finish Options for Custom Style

The finish on your pool affects both how it looks and how it feels underfoot.

Plaster is a classic choice and comes in a wide range of colors. Pebbled finishes give added texture and durability, while glass tile adds high-end sparkle that catches the light.

Use tile to accent steps, benches, waterlines, or even cover an entire spa wall. Mixing materials lets you create something truly one-of-a-kind.

Custom Gunite Pool Design Planning Tips

A good pool design goes beyond looks. It should match the way you use your yard and fit naturally into your outdoor space.

Size and depth

Think about how your pool will be used. Want to swim laps? Plan for length. Have kids? Include shallow areas. Love hosting? Create enough space for seating, tanning ledges, and easy access to the deck.

Backyard flow

Your pool should work with the rest of your yard. Consider how it connects to patios, outdoor kitchens, shaded seating, or garden areas. Zoning your yard into useful spaces makes the whole backyard feel more open and functional.

Design tools

Design tools like 3D renderings make it easier to plan your pool with confidence. You can preview the layout, features, and finishes before construction begins, helping you visualize how everything will look in your yard.

Gunite Pool Construction Process: What to Expect

Building a gunite pool is a detailed process that takes careful planning and skilled execution. Here’s a step-by-step look at what goes into bringing your custom pool to life:

1. Permits and prep

Before any digging begins, the necessary permits are secured, and the site is prepped. This includes marking out the design, checking for underground utilities, and making sure the layout fits properly within the yard.

2. Excavation

Once the plan is set, excavation begins. The yard is carefully shaped to match the exact size, depth, and contours of your pool design. Soil conditions and access can affect the timeline here, but experienced crews keep things on track.

3. Steel framework

After the hole is dug, steel rebar is installed to create a strong framework. This acts as the skeleton of the pool and adds structural strength. The rebar is bent and tied into place based on your pool’s shape and features.

4. Gunite spraying

Gunite is then sprayed over the rebar using a high-pressure hose. It’s shaped immediately, giving the pool its final structure. This step is crucial to the long-term strength and flexibility that gunite is known for.

5. Curing

Once the gunite is applied, it needs time to cure. For about 28 days, the shell is kept moist to build strength and prevent cracking. This stage is all about patience, and it pays off with a solid, long-lasting pool.

6. Plumbing and electrical

With the shell cured, the plumbing and electrical systems are installed. This includes lines for water circulation, lighting, spas, bubblers, and any water features. Everything is tested before moving forward.

7. Finish and tile

Your chosen tile, plaster, or pebble finish is applied with precision. This step defines the final look and feel of your pool, and it’s where all the design choices come together.

8. Fill and start-up

Finally, the pool is filled with water, balanced with the proper chemicals, and inspected for proper function. Once that’s done, it’s ready to use.

Because of seasonal weather, especially in colder climates, projects are scheduled carefully to avoid delays and keep the process moving smoothly. Planning ahead helps make sure your backyard is ready right on time.

Maintenance Tips for Your Gunite Swimming Pool

Maintaining your pool doesn’t have to take a lot of time if you stay consistent. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping it looking great and running smoothly.

• Brush the walls and steps weekly to prevent algae buildup, especially in shaded or low-circulation areas.

• Test and balance the water regularly to protect your pool finish and equipment.

• Vacuum as needed or use a robotic cleaner to remove debris from the floor and corners.

• Resurface the finish every 10 to 15 years, depending on the material and overall care.

• Winterize the pool properly if you close it seasonally. This includes draining lines, protecting the equipment, and securing a cover.

A clean, well-maintained pool not only looks better but also helps protect your investment year after year.

What Sets Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living Apart

When it comes to building a gunite pool, experience, craftsmanship, and full-service support matter. Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living has been designing and building custom pools, spas, and outdoor living spaces since 1966.

Each pool is uniquely designed to fit your space, complete with options like hot tubs, spas, water features, custom decks, and more. We take care of everything, from planning and design to construction and finishing.

Our services include:

• Custom gunite pool and spa designs with 3D planning

• Pool and hardscape construction and renovations

• Hot tubs and swim spas

• Water features, tile, and finish options

• Weekly maintenance, equipment replacement, and seasonal services

• Flexible financing to fit your budget

If you're ready to design a pool that fits your lifestyle and adds lasting beauty to your backyard, contact Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living today.

Conclusion

A gunite pool is more than a place to swim. It should reflect your style, suit your property, and bring real functionality to your backyard.

With features like a spa, hot tub, benches, or a waterfall, you can create a space that feels personal and looks beautiful. The right design adds lasting value and turns your pool into a true highlight of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a gunite pool?

A quality gunite pool can last 50 years or more with proper care. The shell is extremely durable, but the interior finish usually needs resurfacing every 10 to 15 years to maintain beauty and functionality.

What is the best color for a gunite pool?

The best color depends on your style and backyard design. Light blues create a bright look, dark blues or greys give a contemporary feel, and sand tones offer a natural vibe. Choose a shade that pairs well with features like a waterfall, tile, or benches.

What maintenance does a gunite pool need?

Brush weekly, test and balance water, vacuum or use a robotic cleaner, and maintain water features. Resurface every 10 to 15 years and winterize if closing for the season to keep your pool looking and working its best.