How Much Is a Gunite Pool? Essential Cost Insights for Homeowners

When people first ask, “How much is a gunite pool?”, the answer isn’t as simple as a single price tag. That’s because gunite pools are custom pieces of outdoor architecture, shaped to your property and lifestyle. From the depth of the shell to the stone on the deck, every detail influences the final figure.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the real cost ranges, the factors that drive them, and how to plan a pool project that feels tailored for you. Think of it as a clear, stylish roadmap to help you understand what goes into a pool that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Key Takeaways

• Gunite pools are custom investments. Their cost depends on design, site conditions, finishes, and features, not a flat number.

• Long-term value matters. While upfront costs are higher than vinyl or fiberglass, a gunite pool offers durability, flexibility, and a longer lifespan.

• Smart planning saves stress. Itemized budgets, clear timelines, and phasing additional features help homeowners balance vision with cost.

Today’s Typical Ranges

So, what does a gunite pool cost today? For most homeowners, installing an inground gunite pool falls between $65,000 and $120,000+, with many projects settling close to the $100,000 mark depending on design choices and site conditions.

Another way pros frame it is per square foot. Expect anywhere from $100 to $280+ per sq ft for quality pool construction.

In New England, where pool builders have to account for frost depth, site work, and permitting, prices often lean toward the higher end. It’s not unusual for local pool companies to show a planning band of $75,000 to $150,000+ for a fully customized new swimming pool with decking, finishes, and features.

Compared with fiberglass pools or vinyl liner pools, gunite offers more design freedom and a longer lifespan, but it also requires a larger upfront investment.

What Drives the Number (The Levers You Control)

The price of a gunite pool installation is shaped by dozens of decisions and conditions. Here are the major levers that affect pool cost:

Size, shape, and depth: A compact cocktail pool is far different from a sprawling backyard oasis. Freeform designs, deep ends, tanning ledges, or a diving board all mean more steel rebar, more dry concrete mix, and more labor.

Site & soil: Is your yard easy to access, or will equipment have to squeeze through tight spaces? Rock removal, hauling, dewatering, or uneven terrain can add time and cost to the construction process.

Finish & tile: Standard plaster is one option, but aggregate finishes, glass tile, or intricate waterline details push a concrete pool into luxury territory.

Equipment & water care: Gunite pools require pumps, filters, and circulation systems. Options like variable-speed pumps, automation, salt systems, and heaters all influence ongoing costs.

Safety & covers: An automatic cover can run between $8,000 and $20,000.

Hardscape & outdoor living: Your pool deck, patio, and surrounding outdoor space can add significantly—pavers, stone, or travertine run $10–$27+ per sq ft installed. Add a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, or shade structure, and you’re closer to creating that full new pool lifestyle.

Permits & utilities: Electrical work, gas lines, fencing codes, and drainage aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential. Compliance ensures safety, protects your investment, and keeps your swimming pool installation on schedule.

When you look at it this way, asking “how much does a gunite pool cost?” really means asking how you want your custom pool to fit your property, your lifestyle, and your vision.

Ownership & Lifecycle Costs

Building an inground pool is just the start—the real story is in how you care for it over the years. Gunite is known for its longer lifespan, but like all pool types, it requires proper maintenance. One of the bigger line items is resurfacing: most concrete pools need replastering every 7 to 15 years, which typically runs $6,000–$15,000 depending on the finish and special features you’ve chosen.

Then there’s the rhythm of everyday care. Chemicals, heating, and seasonal service depend on your equipment setup, climate, and how often your pool is in use (family swims to that perfect summer pool party).

Add-ons like automatic covers, energy-efficient pumps, or smart automation systems can help you save money in the long run, while water features, spas, or customization options naturally raise the bar (and the budget).

Generally speaking, the more bells and whistles, the more maintenance, but also the more enjoyment.

Where Premium Features Fit (and What They Typically Add)

When you picture your dream inground pool, it’s the extras that make it extraordinary.

From integrated spas and baja shelves to raised walls with sheer descents and dramatic waterfalls, these additional features each come with their own price tag. Lighting packages, automation hubs, and sound systems add ambiance and control, while custom tile or stone elevates the finish with texture and style.

Many of these upgrades are priced either per square foot or per linear foot, depending on the design features and other materials involved. The good news is you don’t have to decide on everything at once.

Installing a gunite pool allows you to phase enhancements over time, like adding a spa one year and expanding your deck the next. Planning this way helps balance labor costs, stretch your budget, and even take advantage of off-season pricing.

In short, premium features transform a pool free of extras into a showpiece centerpiece of your surrounding area, but they’re best approached as à-la-carte decisions, tailored to your priorities.

New England Specifics: Designing for Seasons

Building an inground gunite pool in New England means designing for four distinct seasons. Frost lines and soil movement influence how the shell and plumbing are engineered, while drainage planning ensures melting snow and spring rains don’t create costly issues around your pool.

A thoughtful cover strategy (from automatic safety covers to durable winter tarps) protects the surface and extends the life of your finishes.

Because of our climate, winterization isn’t optional. It’s part of the pool construction process that protects your investment year after year. These factors make skilled design and installation essential.

A well-built gunite pool weathers the freeze-thaw cycles gracefully, so your backyard retreat is ready to shine again each summer.

Budgeting Playbook

Talking numbers doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start by separating your must-haves from your nice-to-haves—the essentials that make your pool functional versus the features that make it feel like a resort.

Think in tiers:

• Shell & essential equipment – the structure, plumbing, and circulation that bring the pool to life.

• Finish & tile – from standard plaster to glass mosaics.

• Decking & siteworks – the pavers, patios, and grading that connect your pool to the rest of your backyard.

• Features & tech – lighting, covers, automation, spas, and water features that transform the experience.

When you sit down with your builder, ask for itemized allowances or costs broken down by square foot for decking, by unit for heaters and covers, and by package for lighting or automation. This way, you can phase upgrades over a few seasons.

Ferrari Pools Helps You Price Precisely

At Ferrari Pools, we believe clarity is just as important as craftsmanship. That’s why we offer on-site consultations to size your shell, assess access, and walk through finishes, equipment, and features in detail. You’ll see how every choice fits into your budget before the first shovel ever hits the ground.

And because we do more than just pools, our team keeps every detail connected. From custom pool construction and renovations to hardscapes, patios, hot tubs, swim spas, maintenance, inspections, and leak detection, you’ll have one trusted partner managing the entire timeline.

Licensed and insured, with a showroom in Shrewsbury, MA, we proudly serve Boston and Greater New England. Flexible financing options make it easier to bring your dream to life.

Schedule a consultation with Ferrari Pools today, and let’s design the backyard you’ve been imagining.

Conclusion

A gunite pool is an investment in your home and your lifestyle. Costs vary because every design is unique, shaped by size, finishes, site conditions, and the features you choose to include. Thinking about the full picture (installation and long-term care) helps you make decisions with confidence instead of surprises.

When you approach the process with clarity, it becomes less about numbers and more about possibilities. By breaking down the factors that influence gunite pool cost, you can tailor your pool to fit your vision for outdoor living. With the right planning, the backyard you imagine is achievable and built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average gunite pool cost compared to other pool types?

A gunite pool cost is typically higher than vinyl liner or fiberglass pools, ranging from about $65,000 to $120,000+, depending on size, finish, and features. While the upfront investment is larger, gunite offers unmatched durability and design flexibility.

How does an inground pool cost vary with size and features?

The inground pool cost depends heavily on dimensions, finish, and additional features like spas, lighting, or automation. A smaller inground pool may start closer to $65,000, while larger, custom builds with hardscape and water features can climb well above $100,000.

How long is the typical installation timeline for a new pool?

The installation timeline for a new pool usually runs 8–12 weeks, depending on site access, permitting, and weather. More complex designs or extensive hardscape can extend the schedule, while simpler builds may be completed faster.

Should I get multiple quotes before deciding on a gunite pool?

Yes, getting multiple quotes helps you compare pricing and service offerings. Just be sure you’re comparing similar scopes of work—factors like decking, finishes, and equipment can change how much a gunite pool actually costs in the end.