Gunite and Shotcrete Pool Construction
Gunite and shotcrete pools are the gold standard for custom in-ground pool construction. Built with pneumatically applied concrete over a steel rebar framework, these pools can be designed in any shape, size, or depth imaginable. Pools-Now builds custom gunite pools.Design Inspiration Gallery
Every pool below started as a vision — and every one of these shapes, features, and finishes can be built in gunite/shotcrete. Browse our gallery, then keep scrolling to see how we turn any design you love into a fully custom concrete pool.
Build a Custom Gunite Pool That Looks Like Any of Our Fiberglass Models
Love the shape of one of our fiberglass pools but want it bigger, deeper, or fully customized? We can build it in gunite or shotcrete.Browse our complete fiberglass pool collection and pick any model that catches your eye — the Allure, Belize, Amazon, Catalina, or any other shape. We will recreate that look in a custom-poured shotcrete/gunite shell, with any modifications you want:
- Make it longer, wider, or deeper than the fiberglass version allows
- Add a built-in spa, tanning ledge, swim-up bar, or vanishing edge
- Combine features from multiple fiberglass models into one custom pool
- Adjust the entry style — beach entry, zero-entry, or step pattern of your choice
- Pick any interior finish — plaster, pebble, quartz, glass bead, or full tile
What Is a Gunite Pool?
Gunite (dry-mix) and shotcrete (wet-mix) are two methods of pneumatically applying concrete to a steel rebar cage. Both produce a dense, high-strength concrete shell that forms the structural body of your pool. The terms are often used interchangeably, though the mixing process differs. The end result is the same: a fully custom, rock-solid pool shell.Why Choose Gunite/Shotcrete?
- Unlimited Design Freedom – Any shape, any size, any depth. Freeform, geometric, vanishing edge, zero-entry, grottos, and more.
- Maximum Durability – Steel-reinforced concrete shells last 50+ years with proper maintenance.
- Premium Features – Beach entries, tanning ledges, swim-up bars, integrated spas, water features, and fire features.
- Any Finish You Want – Plaster, pebble, quartz, glass bead, full tile, or natural stone.
- Increase Property Value – Custom gunite pools consistently deliver the highest ROI among pool types.
- Florida’s Most Popular Choice – The overwhelming majority of in-ground pools built in Florida are gunite/shotcrete.
Construction Process
- Design and Permitting – 3D pool design, structural engineering, and local permit acquisition.
- Excavation – Precision dig to exact pool dimensions and grade.
- Steel (Rebar) Installation – Engineered steel rebar cage tied to form the pool’s structural skeleton.
- Plumbing – All underground plumbing for returns, skimmers, main drains, water features, and spa jets.
- Gunite/Shotcrete Application – Concrete pneumatically applied over the steel cage to form the shell.
- Tile and Coping – Waterline tile, coping stone, and any decorative tile features installed.
- Interior Finish – Plaster, pebble, quartz, or your selected surface applied by hand.
- Equipment Installation – Pump, filter, heater, salt system, automation, and lighting.
- Deck Construction – Pavers, travertine, concrete, or stamped deck installed around the pool.
- Fill, Balance, and Startup – Pool filled, water balanced, equipment commissioned, and you’re swimming.
Popular Design Features
- Vanishing (infinity) edges
- Beach / zero-entry slopes
- Tanning ledges (sun shelves)
- Raised spillover spas
- Swim-up bars and bar stools
- Grottos and waterfalls
- Fire bowls and fire features
- Bubblers and deck jets
- LED color-changing lighting
- Automatic pool covers
Interior Finish Options
- White or colored marcite plaster
- Pebble finishes (PebbleTec, PebbleSheen, PebbleFina)
- Quartz aggregate (Diamond Brite, Hydrazzo)
- Glass bead finishes (BeadCrete)
- Full glass mosaic tile