Let’s design and build— the pool party starts here
At Chameleon, we specialize in building gunite pools that are as unique as you. Our team combines truly custom design with exceptional craftsmanship to create stunning pools that seamlessly fit your space.
With Chameleon, you’re not just getting a pool; you’re investing in beauty, durability, and summers of fun!
Inground Gunite Pools
Gunite pools combine durability with limitless design options for a custom, lasting pool.
Why you’ll dig working with us
High-End Equipment & Materials
Leading the way with creative technology and advanced automation like unique smartphone-controlled features. We use only the finest materials and state-of-the-art equipment to build pools that last.
25 Years of Pool Building Experience
Our seasoned team has honed their craft to ensure your pool is constructed with the highest standards of quality.
Superior Customer Service
Get personalized responses within 1 business day to ensure your needs are met promptly.
Custom Design Department
Your back yard paradise will be uniquely yours and we can do everything to make it happen
Endless possibilities for your private oasis
Explore some of the limitless design options for your pool project:
- Water features and waterfall installations
- Smartphone-controlled features
- Custom-built spas
- Stamped concrete and patios
- Automatic pool and spa safety covers
- Automatic pool covers
- Winter safety pool & spa covers
Our proven process
-
step one
Consultation
Make mention of it being at their home. Remove verbiage about the estimate, please
-
step two
Design & Estimate
Next, our in-house designer will use everything we learned during the consultation to create a custom 3D rendering of your future backyard. Along with the design, we’ll provide a detailed estimate so you can clearly see your dreams taking shape.
-
step three
Deposit & Contract
Once you’re ready to move forward, we collect a deposit and prepare your contract documents. This step officially locks in your spot in our construction schedule and allows us to begin preparations.
-
step four
Permitting & Layout Marking
Our office team handles all necessary permitting with your town. Before excavation begins, we return to your property to spray out the pool layout so you can see exactly where your new pool will be located.
-
step five
Excavation Day
It’s time to break ground! Excavation involves multiple truck trips in and out of your yard—sometimes up to 30 loads—to remove soil and shape your pool’s footprint.
-
step six
Gunite & Waterline Tile
We apply the reinforced gunite shell—this is one of the biggest milestones and truly brings your pool to life. Once the shell has cured, we install the 6″ waterline tile you selected during the design phase.
-
step seven
Decking Installation
Once you’re ready to move forward, we collect a deposit and prepare your contract documents. This step officially locks in your spot in our construction schedule and allows us to begin preparations.
-
step eight
Plumbing & Electrical
Our licensed trades install the necessary plumbing and electrical components to power your pool, equipment, and lighting features.
-
step nine
Plaster & Fill
The interior finish you chose—whether a smooth plaster or a textured pebble—is hand-applied by our skilled plaster crew. Once complete, your pool begins to fill with water!
-
step ten
Pool School & Handover
After construction is complete, our Service Manager meets with you for “Pool School.” This one-on-one walkthrough teaches you how to operate and maintain your pool, ensuring every Chameleon family becomes a confident and educated pool owner.
Happy swimmer reviews
-
I highly recommend Chameleon Pools to anyone considering investing in an in ground pool. Chameleon Pools is without a doubt top of the line in communication, professionalism, creativity and class.
Susan D.
North Tonawanda, NY
Our projects, your paradise
Explore the stunning pools and backyard transformations we’ve created in your community.
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.
