How Much Does It Cost to Gunite a Pool? What to Expect

If you’re asking, “How much does it cost to gunite a pool?” you’ve probably already ruled out the quick and temporary options. You’re looking for something custom, long-lasting, and built for how you actually use your backyard.

The cost of a gunite pool usually falls between $90,000 and $140,000. That range depends on a handful of factors like pool size, added features, site conditions, and your choice of finishes.

At Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, we’ve been designing and building gunite pools for decades. This blog lays out what really goes into the price, what can raise or lower it, and how to make the most of your investment without cutting corners.

Key Takeaways

• A gunite pool costs more upfront, but it’s built to last and fully custom to your space.

• Square footage, features, and site conditions are the biggest drivers of total cost.

• With the right builder, your new pool can be the best part of your home for decades.

What Is a Gunite Pool?

A gunite pool is a custom-built inground swimming pool made with a dry concrete mix sprayed onto a steel rebar frame. Water is added at the nozzle with pressurized air, creating a dense, durable shell that outlasts many other pool types.

This gunite process offers nearly unlimited design flexibility. Built on-site, cured for several weeks, and finished with plaster or tile, it gives homeowners and pool builders full control over shape, depth, and features.

Unlike fiberglass or vinyl liner pools, gunite pools are permanent, long-lasting, and fully customizable to your backyard’s layout and style.

What’s the Average Gunite Pool Cost?

If you’re asking how much does it cost to gunite a pool, the typical range is between $90,000 and $140,000. Smaller, simpler builds can fall closer to $50,000, while more elaborate setups with custom features or challenging site conditions can exceed $180,000.

Expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $280 per square foot, depending on how large and complex your inground gunite pool is.

On average:

• Materials make up around 67% of the cost

• Labor costs account for the remaining 33%

This includes everything from dry concrete mix and steel rebar to plaster, tile, and plumbing lines. It also covers skilled trades like masons, electricians, and pool installers, all of whom play a role in building a gunite pool properly.

What Impacts the Cost of a Gunite Pool?

There’s no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to pool cost. What you pay depends heavily on your design and your property.

Size and shape

Larger pools cost more—simple as that. A standard rectangular pool is more budget-friendly, while curved or geometric shapes require more time, materials, and labor.

Site conditions

Things like steep slopes, tight access, and rocky soil can raise excavation costs. If you need land clearing, grading, or additional prep, your final cost will reflect that.

Materials and equipment

Gunite isn’t poured—it’s sprayed. That means you’ll need a strong rebar frame, a pressurized air system, and quality materials from the ground up. Add in pool equipment like pumps, heaters, and filtration systems, and costs rise quickly.

Labor and permits

Professional work takes skilled hands—tile contractors, plumbers, fence installers, and masons all contribute. And depending on where you live, the permitting process may add another $450 to $1,800.

Landscaping and add-ons

Not all quotes include final grading, seeding, or patio work. If you want your yard finished at the same time as your pool, expect to see that reflected in your final total.

Optional Add-Ons That Increase Price (But Also Value)

A gunite pool is a blank canvas. While it's entirely possible to keep things basic, many homeowners choose to customize with additional features that make the space more comfortable, functional, or visually impressive.

Some popular gunite pool add-ons include:

• Integrated spas or hot tubs ($8,000 to $25,000)

• Waterfalls and grottos ($1,500 to $15,000)

• Diving boards and slides ($300 to $5,000)

• Pool heaters, which can range from $1,700 to $6,500

• Pool covers, both manual and automatic

Features like LED underwater lighting, tanning ledges, bubblers, and built-in benches are also common. While not every add-on is a must-have, they can dramatically increase the enjoyment and the value of your backyard oasis.

Long-Term Costs of Owning a Gunite Pool

Installing a pool isn’t the end of your investment. A gunite pool needs regular maintenance and occasional repairs to stay in good shape.

Here’s what to expect over time:

• Annual maintenance can run between $2,700 and $4,000, including cleaning, chemicals, and inspections

• Electricity to power pumps and lighting may add around $300 per year

• Acid washing every few years keeps surfaces clean and algae-free ($250 to $1,000)

• Resurfacing may be needed every 8 to 15 years, at a cost of $6,000 to $15,000

• Equipment such as pumps or filters may need replacement after 10 to 15 years, often costing $3,000 to $8,000

• Repairs like crack sealing average about $75 per linear foot

Factor these into your total cost so you’re not caught off guard a few years down the road.

Gunite vs. Fiberglass vs. Vinyl Liner Pools

If you’re still comparing pool types, here’s how gunite stacks up:

• Gunite pools last 50 to 100 years and can be fully customized, but they require more upkeep and a longer build time.

• Fiberglass pools install quickly and need less maintenance, but shapes are limited, and repairs can be difficult.

• Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable upfront, but the liner typically needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

For homeowners looking for long-term value and full design freedom, concrete pools made from gunite are hard to beat.

Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality

You don’t need to strip down your vision to cut costs. There are smarter ways to save money during your gunite pool installation:

• Stick to a simple shape like a rectangle—it’s easier and faster to build

• Schedule your build during the off-season, when many crews have more availability

• Go with standard finishes now, and add extra features like lighting or a spa later

• Handle your own landscaping or fencing after the pool is complete

• Always get at least three quotes from pool companies and compare apples to apples

These strategies can keep your budget in check without sacrificing the final result.

What’s Included in a Full Gunite Pool Installation

A complete gunite pool installation involves more than just digging a hole and spraying concrete. You’re getting a fully built, functional inground pool, ready for use.

Most installations include:

• Custom pool design and layout planning

• Permitting process and inspections

• Excavation, grading, and site prep

• Installation of steel rebar, plumbing, and electrical

• Spraying and curing of the dry concrete mix

• Finishing work such as plaster, tile, and coping

• Setup of all pool equipment, like pumps and filters

• Initial water fill and chemical balancing

Not all pool installers offer turnkey service, so it’s important to ask what’s included in the quote.

Why Choose Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living

When building a gunite pool, most homeowners want more than just a basic install. They want quality, customization, and a team they can trust from start to finish. That’s what we’ve been delivering since 1966.

At Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living, we specialize in custom inground pools, hot tubs, hardscapes, and swim spas throughout Boston and the Greater New England area. With over 67 years of experience, we design and build outdoor spaces that fit your vision and are built to last.

What you can expect:

• Personalized pool design and full-service pool installation

• High-quality construction with proven materials and expert craftsmanship

• Optional features like lighting, built-in spas, and equipment upgrades

• Additional services, including pool renovations, outdoor living design, and seasonal maintenance

If you're planning a new swimming pool or looking to update your current one, we’re ready to help.

Call Ferrari Pools: Custom Outdoor Living to schedule your consultation.

Conclusion

A gunite pool is a significant investment, but it delivers long-term value, durability, and custom design options that many pool types can’t match.

Compared to fiberglass pools, custom gunite pools offer more flexibility, a longer lifespan, and room for special features like pool heaters or energy-efficient equipment.

If you're planning a new swimming pool, working with experienced gunite pool builders can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to convert a pool to gunite?

Converting a swimming pool to a gunite pool usually costs between $60,000 and $120,000. The final total cost depends on the size, design, and condition of the pool.

Since installing a gunite pool involves spraying a dry concrete mix with a high-pressure hose, the old structure often needs major prep or removal. Adding new pool equipment, decking, or special features can raise the price but also increase value.

Is a gunite pool more expensive?

Yes. A gunite pool typically costs more than fiberglass pools or vinyl liners. Expect to pay $90,000 to $140,000, depending on the size and design.

That higher pool cost comes with more durability, design freedom, and a longer lifespan. For most homeowners, it’s a smart investment in a custom concrete pool that’s built to last.

What are the disadvantages of a gunite pool?

While gunite pools offer many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• Higher average cost upfront compared to other pool types

• Slower build time due to curing and finishing

• Ongoing expenses like maintenance costs, chemical costs, and resurfacing

• Occasional acid washing needed to keep the surface clean

Still, with the right builder and proper care, a custom gunite pool offers unmatched quality and endless possibilities for your backyard.