Gunite pools are built in a series of carefully sequenced steps, each contributing to the strength, durability, and finish of the final product.

The process begins with excavation, followed by the installation of a compacted gravel base to create a stable foundation. Steel rebar is then formed to define the shape and structure of the pool, along with the initial plumbing for circulation and features.

Next, gunite (a pneumatically applied concrete) is sprayed over the rebar framework to form the shell of the pool. Once applied, the gunite must be properly hydrated during the curing process to ensure long-term strength and performance.

While the shell cures, tile and coping are installed. Once the gunite has properly cured, the interior finish, typically a plaster, pebble, or polished surface, is applied. The pool is then filled with water, and the startup process begins, which includes brushing the surface and carefully balancing the water chemistry as the finish continues to cure.

While the process involves many steps, each phase is critical to creating a pool that performs well and looks great for years to come.

Most gunite pools take a minimum of 2.5 to 3 months to complete, depending on the scope of the project and site conditions.

The early stages, excavation, base preparation, rebar, and plumbing, typically take 2–4 weeks as the pool is shaped and prepared for the gunite application. Once the gunite shell is installed, it requires a 28-day curing period to reach its full strength.

While the shell is curing, tile and coping are installed to keep the project moving. After the shell has cured, the interior finish is applied and the pool is filled. From there, a 28-day startup and curing period allows the plaster finish to properly set, with daily brushing and gradual chemical balancing before the pool reaches full operation.

For more comprehensive projects that include outdoor kitchens, fire features, or other elements, our goal is to complete as much, if not the entire space, within that same overall timeframe, so everything comes together efficiently and is ready to be enjoyed as a whole.

In most cases, you can begin swimming after the interior finish has completed its initial 28-day curing period.

Once the plaster, pebble, or polished finish is applied, the pool is filled immediately and the startup process begins. During this time, the surface is brushed regularly and the water chemistry is carefully and gradually balanced. Because the finish is still curing, the pool cannot be brought to full chemical levels right away, which means the water isn’t yet ideal or recommended for swimming.

After approximately 28 days, once the finish has properly set and the water is fully balanced and safe, you’re ready to enjoy the pool as intended.

Gunite pools are fully custom, so pricing can vary significantly based on size, design complexity, site conditions, and the surrounding features included in the project.

As a general starting point, most gunite pool projects begin in the $XXX,XXX range and can increase from there depending on the level of customization. More comprehensive outdoor environments, including features like integrated spas, vanishing edges, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and expanded hardscapes, often fall into the $XXX,XXX to $XXX,XXX+ range.

Several key factors influence the overall investment:

• Design complexity (custom shapes, features, elevations)
• Site conditions (grading, access, soil conditions, retaining needs)
• Finish selections (tile, coping, plaster, decking materials)
• Integrated features (spas, water features, fire elements, structures)
  
  

Because every project is designed from scratch, we guide you through a structured design process to align the scope of the project with your priorities and budget, ensuring you understand where your investment is going and how each decision impacts the final result.

Gunite pools are finished with a plaster-based interior surface, which plays a major role in the overall look, feel, and longevity of the pool.

Many builders offer a standard white marble plaster as their base option. While this is a functional finish, it offers little in terms of color or customization and typically results in a more uniform, bright white appearance.

At Outdoor Dreams, we take a different approach. We’ve established Wet Edge products as our standard, with Luna Quartz as our base offering. This provides a full range of color options and a more refined, consistent finish compared to traditional white plaster,allowing you to better coordinate the pool with your home and surrounding materials.

From there, we offer the full range of Wet Edge finishes, including pebble and polished surfaces. These upgraded finishes provide enhanced texture, depth of color, and a more natural, high-end aesthetic, along with excellent durability over time.

Ultimately, your pool finish is one of the most important design decisions in the entire project. Through our selection process, we help guide you toward options that align with your overall vision and how you want the water to look and feel in your space.

One of the biggest advantages of gunite is design flexibility, there are very few inherent limitations when it comes to shape, size, depth, or features. Because each pool is built from the ground up, nearly every element can be customized to fit your vision.

That said, the primary factors that influence what’s possible are site conditions and budget. Elements like slope, access, soil conditions, drainage, and local regulations can all impact how a design is executed. In many cases, these challenges can be solved through engineering and thoughtful planning, but they may affect the complexity and cost of the project.

Ultimately, with gunite, the design possibilities are almost unlimited. The role of the design process is to align your vision with your property and your investment, ensuring the final result is both achievable and built to perform long-term.

Maintaining a gunite pool primarily comes down to keeping the water chemistry properly balanced. This is especially important because the plaster-based interior finish is directly affected by the water, imbalanced chemistry can lead to staining, scaling, etching, or premature wear of the surface over time.

On a weekly basis, maintenance typically includes testing and adjusting chemical levels, emptying skimmer baskets, and ensuring the filtration system is operating properly. Most homeowners also use a robotic cleaner to keep the pool floor and walls free of debris. In general, you can expect to spend about 1–2 hours per week managing these tasks.

Because of the importance of consistent water balance, and the time required to stay on top of it, many homeowners with busy schedules choose to work with a professional pool service. This helps ensure the pool is properly maintained, protects the interior finish, and keeps the water clean and ready to enjoy without the added responsibility.

With the right approach and support, maintaining a gunite pool is very manageable, and goes a long way in preserving both the appearance and longevity of the space.

A gunite pool is the right choice for homeowners who want a fully custom, high-end outdoor space designed specifically for their home and property.

Because gunite pools are built from the ground up, they offer a level of flexibility and detail that simply isn’t possible with pre-manufactured options. If your vision includes features like vanishing edges, integrated spas, swim-up bars, or a pool that is fully coordinated with patios, structures, and landscaping, gunite is the only option that allows for that level of customization and integration.

Gunite is also a strong fit for projects with unique site conditions, such as sloping yards or complex layouts, where a tailored, engineered solution is required.

That said, gunite pools typically involve a larger investment and longer construction timeline. For homeowners prioritizing speed, simplicity, or a more defined budget range, other options may be a better fit.

Our role is to help you evaluate your goals, your property, and your priorities, so you can confidently choose the approach that best aligns with how you want to use and enjoy your space.

A gunite pool is a long-term investment, and your warranty should reflect the durability and craftsmanship behind it. At Outdoor Dreams, our warranty is structured to provide clear, meaningful protection across the key components of your pool.

• Structural Warranty – We provide a 10-year structural warranty on the gunite shell, ensuring the pool is built to perform and retain water as intended over time.
• Interior Finish – We utilize Wet Edge products, which are backed by a 20-year manufacturer warranty through our plaster installer, Pearl Pools Plastering. This provides long-term confidence in both the durability and appearance of the finish.
• Equipment & Automation – Pumps, heaters, filters, and automation systems are covered by manufacturer warranties, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years depending on the equipment package.
• Workmanship & Installation – Our installation practices are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, with warranty details clearly outlined in your contract so you understand exactly what is covered.
  
  

Ultimately, a warranty is only as strong as the company standing behind it. Our focus is on building your pool the right way from the start, so the warranty serves as peace of mind, not something you ever have to rely on.