What is a gunite pool?
Gunite pools are created by shooting a cement, sand, and water mixture onto a steel frame, forming a strong, customizable shape. Once hardened, it’s finished with plaster, quartz, or pebble material, resulting in a durable, long-lasting pool.
- Endless design possibilities
- Durable and resistant to cracks
- Longest Lifespan
Big benefits of going gunite
Superior Strength & Durability
Made from a rebar framework shot with a concrete/gunite mixture, these pools are highly resistant to impact and ground movement compared to vinyl or fiberglass.
Premium, High-End Appearance
Finished with luxurious materials like plaster, pebble, quartz, or glass bead interiors, these pools feature crisp corners and straight lines and can be paired with custom tile, stone coping, and water features for a resort-like look.
Chameleon Gunite Guarantee
Our gunite shells will never crack
We ensure the highest quality and durability with our gunite pools. Our expertly crafted shells are designed to prevent cracks, providing long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
The layers of your gunite pool
Excavation
On excavation day you will be amazed at the activity at your home. Our excavator and trucks will enter your yard and exit with the dirt from the excavation site. As many as 30 trips will be necessary to remove all the dirt.
Steel Framing
One your pool is dug, a steel crew places and ties the steel to form a complete steel rod basket inside the pool.
This operation varies in time depending on size, shape, and soil conditions. The rough plumbing, which includes the skimmer,
main drains, and all piping, will also be completed at this time.
Gunite
Gunite is a special concrete, which consists of type 1 Portland cement, and sharp, coarse sand in a 1:5 ratio. This material is mixed dry, forced through the gunite hose by compressed air and hydrated as it emerges from the hose end. The result is a dense concrete, which is stronger than typical “poured” concrete. This step is particularly exciting because you finally get to see your pool coming to life!
Tile
After the gunite has dried, our tile setters will return to install the 6″x6″ waterline tile that you chose.
Decking
Whether you choose broom concrete, a beautiful deocrative concrete, or a paver, the area surrounded by the pool will be prepped, then the area set up, then either the concrete poured or the pavers set.
Plaster
Depending on what finish you choose, plaster, quartz, or pebble, this is a 1-2 day process. Our plasters will hand apply the finish, once complete, they begin filling your pool with water, and it is almost time to swim!
Construction FAQs
How long does it take to build a gunite pool?
Every project is different depending on size, complexity, weather, and permitting. On average, our gunite pool builds take about 10 to 14 weeks from the time we break ground. We’ll provide you with a projected timeline during the design and contract phase.
How much does a custom gunite pool cost?
Costs vary depending on design, size, materials, and included features like spas, waterfalls, automation systems, and decking. Most of our projects start around $90,000 and can go well above that for full backyard transformations. We provide a detailed, transparent estimate during the design phase.
Do you build spas or hot tubs with your pools?
Yes! We specialize in custom-built gunite spas that can be integrated into your pool design or stand alone as a separate feature. Spas can include hydrotherapy jets, custom tile, lighting, and automation for easy temperature control.
Do you offer 3D designs?
Absolutely. During the design phase, you’ll receive a fully customized 3D rendering of your backyard so you can visualize your pool, spa, decking, and surrounding features before construction even begins.
What kind of maintenance does a gunite pool require?
Gunite pools require regular water testing and maintenance just like any inground pool. You’ll need to balance chemicals, clean filters, and brush the plaster finish routinely. We offer Pool School after construction to teach you the basics, and maintenance plans are available if you prefer to leave it to us.
Do I need a permit for a pool? Will you handle it?
Yes, almost every town requires a permit for inground pool construction. The good news? We handle all permitting for you. Our office team will submit applications, work with inspectors, and manage the entire process on your behalf.
Can I customize my pool design?
Definitely. That’s the beauty of gunite! You can customize shape, depth, tile, decking, lighting, benches, tanning ledges, spas, water features, and more. Your pool will be completely tailored to your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
What is a gunite pool, and why choose one?
A gunite pool is a type of inground swimming pool constructed using a steel rebar framework that is then coated with a high-strength concrete mixture, known as gunite. Unlike vinyl or fiberglass pools, gunite is applied onsite using a high-pressure hose, allowing for unlimited design flexibility. This makes it the ideal choice for custom shapes, integrated spas, tanning ledges, waterfalls, and other luxury features.
But beyond aesthetics, the biggest advantage of a gunite pool is its strength and durability. Gunite pools are the longest-lasting pools available, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy use without compromising structure. With proper care, they can last 50+ years — making them a true investment in your home and lifestyle.
At Chameleon Pools & Patio, we go even further. Every gunite shell we install is backed by a lifetime structural warranty against cracking. That means peace of mind for you, knowing that the foundation of your pool is engineered to last for generations.
If you’re looking for a high-end, fully customizable pool that’s built to stand the test of time — gunite is the gold standard.
Are gunite pools harder to maintain?
Not necessarily! While gunite pools are often considered “luxury” pools, their maintenance needs are very similar to any other inground pool. The key to keeping your pool in top shape is consistent care — regardless of the type of pool
The most important factors are you choose:
- Balancing your water chemistry – This protects your pool’s interior finish, prevents staining, and keeps the water safe for swimming.
- Regular cleaning – Brushing the walls, vacuuming, and
- Equipment care – A well-maintained pump, filter, and heater will last longer and perfo
- When you build with Chameleon Pools & Patio, we make maintenance easy. After your pool is complete, we provide every homeowner with “Pool School”, a one-on-one training session to ensure you feel confident in caring for your new pool. We also offer maintenance packages if you’d rather leave it to the pros.rm better. skimming debris keeps the pool looking beautiful and prevents buildup.
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