Custom gunite pools, done right.
Gunite is the most customizable pool path we offer. If you want a pool designed around your yard, finish selections, outdoor living goals, and long-term ownership needs, this page gives you a cleaner path forward.
Family-owned since 1976 · 900+ pool projects · Licensed & insured
Anatomy of a build
One 2026 backyard, step by step.
A custom gunite project photographed in September 2026. Scroll to walk through it.
01
A pool shaped for the whole patio.
A rectangular gunite pool set into a wide field of large-format pavers, with entry steps tucked into the corner.
02
A raised spa beside the pool.
A square spa sits just above the deck: its own warm room for cooler evenings, steps from the swim.
03
A strong line along the water.
A long raised feature runs the length of the pool edge, giving the deck one clean, architectural line.
04
Composed with the whole property.
From above, pool, spa, pergola, patio, and lawn read as one plan that belongs to the house.
05
Made to be lived in.
At patio level it is simply a place to be: water, shade, and room for everyone.
Photography: Krock Photography
Gunite Pools
Choose the next step that fits your stage.
Since 1976
Family-owned and rooted in Lafayette.
900+
Pool projects across Tippecanoe County and beyond.
Licensed & insured
With a CPO-certified service team.
Real reviews
From local homeowners. Read them on Google
Gunite Pools
Built for clients who want the highest level of customization.
Gunite pools are built on-site and allow the most flexibility in shape, depth, finish, tile, and integrated feature planning. If you want a pool designed specifically around your yard, layout, and backyard goals, gunite is often the strongest fit.
Custom shapes and depths
Built around your yard, layout, design direction, and how you want the backyard to function.
Premium finish direction
Plaster textures, color direction, waterline tile, step detail, inlays, and refined visual choices.
Integrated features
Spas, benches, ledges, shelves, lighting, automation, and water features can be designed into the pool from the start.
Process clarity matters
Because gunite includes more on-site construction stages, clear selections, scheduling, and scope control matter more.
Gunite Pools
Choose a path before you commit to a direction.
Whether you are still comparing pool types, exploring finish packages, or trying to understand gunite pricing, these sections help narrow the decision.
01
Why gunite
Best fit for the highest design freedom, premium finishes, and integrated features.
02
Finishes + tile
Compare plaster, color direction, waterline tile, inlays, and step details.
03
Process
Understand the path from consultation through construction, startup, and handoff.
04
Pricing drivers
See the major variables that move a custom gunite pool budget up or down.
Questions
Finishes, tile, and custom detail selections.
These are some of the most common customization areas for gunite pools. If you want a simpler path, tell us your design style, water color preference, and budget direction.
Want help choosing?
Tell us your style and budget range and we can recommend a cleaner finish and tile direction that fits the rest of the project.
Gunite Pools
Gunite pool project gallery.
Custom shape and waterline tile
Finish color and decking integration
Step details and lighting
Freeform layout with integrated features
Gunite Pools
Clear next steps from consultation through handoff.
Gunite builds include more on-site construction stages than other pool types, so process clarity matters. The goal is to reduce surprises and keep expectations clear.
01
Consultation
We learn your goals, timeline, budget direction, and how custom you want the backyard to be.
02
Scope and design clarity
Layout, features, assumptions, finish direction, and priorities get documented before larger commitments are made.
03
Permits and scheduling
When required, permit coordination and timeline planning are handled with clearer expectations during prep.
04
Build and handoff
Excavation, steel, plumbing, gunite, curing, finish work, startup, and support after completion.
Gunite Pools
What affects gunite pool pricing.
Gunite pricing is driven heavily by design complexity, integrated feature scope, and site conditions. These are some of the biggest variables that move the budget up or down.
Pool size and depth profile
Larger pools and more complex depth transitions usually increase construction scope.
Shape complexity
Custom curves, radiuses, and unique layouts add labor and detailing.
Finish type and plaster color
Upgraded finishes and more premium color directions can change materials and labor.
Waterline tile and inlays
Tile selection, inlay patterns, and detail work can meaningfully affect budget.
Decking scope and materials
Deck size, layout, and material choice are often major cost drivers in premium projects.
Access and site conditions
Tight access, elevations, drainage needs, and utility conditions can affect both cost and timeline.
Permitting and utilities
Permits, inspections, and utility coordination vary by location and project scope.
Integrated upgrades
Spas, water features, lighting, automation, heaters, fire features, and sanitation upgrades add scope.
Gunite Pools
Features many gunite clients add.
Gunite projects are often paired with upgrades that improve usability, nighttime experience, and long-term ownership convenience.
Automatic safety covers
Safety, heat retention, reduced evaporation, and a cleaner finished look.
Pool heaters
Extend the season and make water temperature more predictable.
Colored LED lighting
Upgrade the nighttime atmosphere with efficient lighting scenes.
Automation and controls
Control lights, temperature, features, and equipment from your phone.
Water features
Waterfalls, sheer descents, bubblers, and accent features for movement and sound.
UV and sanitation upgrades
Add another layer of sanitation support for cleaner water management.
Deck jets
Arcing streams that add motion, sound, and strong visual impact.
Built-in spa
Integrated spa and spillover design for comfort and a more premium layout.
Decking and hardscape
Concrete, pavers, natural stone, and outdoor-living areas to complete the backyard.
Questions
Gunite pool FAQs.
Quick answers to common gunite questions. For a more project-specific answer, request pricing and share your goals, address, and budget direction.
How long does a gunite pool take to build?
Timelines vary based on design complexity, weather, site conditions, selections, and permitting when required. Gunite includes multiple construction stages, so process clarity and early decisions matter more than with simpler pool types.
What plaster finishes and colors do you offer?
We can guide multiple finish and color directions. Finish and color influence water appearance, surface feel, and the overall visual tone of the backyard. Samples and comparisons help narrow the right fit.
Can I do custom tile, inlays, and step details?
Yes. Gunite is ideal for waterline tile, border tile, inlay patterns, and step details. We guide selection and placement so the finished result feels cohesive instead of overdesigned.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Permit and inspection coordination is handled when required. What applies depends on the municipality, site, and overall project scope.
What impacts the price the most?
The biggest drivers are usually pool size and depth, shape complexity, finish and tile selections, decking scope, integrated features, access, drainage conditions, and utilities or permitting requirements.
Can you build freeform designs and integrated features?
Yes. Gunite allows true freeform or geometric customization plus integrated benches, shelves, spas, lighting, water features, and broader outdoor-living design tie-ins.
Gunite Pools
Ready to start your gunite design with clearer next steps?
Share your goals, budget range, and a few property details. We will help confirm fit, outline the right next action, and build a cleaner plan around your backyard.
No pressure. Get clearer direction on whether gunite is the right fit before making larger project decisions.
Gallery
Get a quote for a pool
Speak with our experts at Aquarius Pools and Spas to learn more about our swimming pools for sale and begin your personalized pool project.
Explore custom gunite pools we’ve built across Greater Lafayette. When you’re ready, request pricing to discuss finishes, tile, and design options.
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Next step
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Prefer to talk? Call (765) 447-7982
Highly recommend them
“They installed my pool 6 years ago. Every pool is going to be a challenge, keeping the chemistry right, keeping the equipment working, etc. Their service has been great throughout the years. If there’s a problem they address it quickly. Also, We have used their more expensive chemicals as…”
- Since 1976Family-owned in Lafayette
- 900+Pool projects
- AuthorizedSundance® dealer
- Showroom523 S Earl Ave