How Much Does It Cost?

Unlike a factory-manufactured, a concrete gunite pool is a multiphase construction project with many variables—ranging from a backyard’s shape and elevation to equipment options. As a result, our team at Emerald Pool & Patio ask that we do a thorough evaluation process either in store or at your place of residence before we start building your 1st pool.

Asking “how much does an inground gunite pool or spa cost?” is like asking “how much does it cost to build a new home?” Before offering an estimate, it is critical for our pool and spa builders to understand all of the features and elements you want for your pool/spa and to account for all of the variables involved in construction. Giving “guesstimates” to customers would be a disservice; Emerald Pool and Patio believe in providing pricing information that leaves no room for surprises!

Lets learn a bit more about why we choose to only build with Gunite Pools, and what is the process to get build them out.

Building Your 1st Pool

Before we get into the complexities of a custom-built gunite pool, let’s learn a little about why gunite pools are your best bang for your buck!

What is a Gunite Swimming Pool?

As you research information on a potential new backyard swimming pool, you will often read or hear the term “gunite.” What exactly is gunite? and What makes it so popular in the pool building market?

Gunite is a dry mix—with water added to it with a hose at the job site; vs shotcrete is a “wet mix” that’s blended up beforehand.

A Gunite in-ground swimming pool utilizes a rebar framework which is sprayed over with a mixture of sand and cement under extremely high pressure. This high-pressure spray packs the mixture so you end up with more concrete material per cubic yard. This method is preferred above the alternative of pouring concrete which needs an entire wooden framework which holds the overall shape of the basin.

Gunite is made to be durable and robust, which is why Emerald Pool and Paito only use Gunite, swimming pools made to last.

What is most important to understand here is that both gunite and shotcrete are a form of concrete. Between the two, the term gunite is more widely used about swimming pools. However, it’s worth nothing that gunite is actually a type of shotcrete.

Gunite’s proven track record spans decades and all parts of the country (and globe). The key to its performance lies in its tensile strength—its ability to endure external force over time.

Along with boasting an extremely high tensile fortitude, gunite brings something else to the table: flexibility. That’s right, being flexible makes gunite perform even better in a swimming pool.

The reason comes down to dirt—that is, shifting ground. Never entirely static, soil under and around a pool moves in place. It contracts and expands from factors like compaction, water intrusion, freezing and thawing, and dry conditions like drought. And of course, soil changes occur from earthquakes—even tiny ones we do not realize ever happened.

The lesson here is that a pool shell needs to “give” and be able to “go with the flow.” The structure—as tough and solid as it is—must have a dual personality so it can move and expand—and do it all without cracking!

Besides that, the gunite shell can handle the pressure that most any backyard can dish out.

This is hugely important for residential pools. There’s a reason it’s rare to see any pool besides gunite at a hotel or resort. Businesses that own and maintain these properties know what works best and provides the most value. They need facilities that can be used by scores of guests and still hold up their appearance, safety, and durability.

On top of all that has been said before, Gunite pools also provide:

Wide Range of Finishes

Another unique advantage of Gunite pools is that you, the owner, can select from a range of different finishes to help coordinate the theme of your outdoor living space. The most common interior finishes are plaster, quartz, glass, and pebble.

Pool Added Features

In terms of additional features, there are many additions you can opt for when choosing Gunite as your type of swimming pool. These include:

• Waterfalls
• Full entry length steps
• Full length entry steps (square or rounded)
• Baha entry (lounging ledge)
• Entry Step Square or rounded
• Shapes of Pool (Square, Kidney Bean, FreeForm) + Depth
• Slides
• Diving Boards
• Swimout benches
• Automatic safety covers

Whatever your backyard style or budget, with a Gunite installation, you can extend the design of your existing space.

It is always best to consult with a Gunite pool expert to find the cost and see which features fit your backyard the best!

How Is a Gunite Swimming Pool Built?

After a hole is excavated for a new pool, crews install a network of steel bars, known as rebar. Carefully placed at specific intervals, these metal rods form a cage-like frame that extends throughout the entire stretch of the future pool, as well as the spa if there is one. Extra steel goes into areas requiring especially high levels of reinforcement, such as a deep end or free-standing raised wall.

How Long Does a Gunite Pool Take to Build?

The process of constructing a Gunite swimming pool includes the excavation, installation of rebar and plumbing, installation of the gunite, installing the tile and coping, installation of a concrete deck or pavers, installing the filter equipment, and control system, and finally the interior finish.

A Gunite swimming pool can take between 2 to 3 months for completion. The reason why it takes some time to build is due to the time it takes to cure or set the Gunite. Proper curing is important so the gunite hydrates and reaches the designed compression strength.

What Happens After Your Pool is Done?

There will come a time when every pool will need a bit of a makeover, and the pool renovation and remodeling experts at Emerald Swimming Pools are here to help when that time comes (take into consideration that this most likely will be years down the road, but it is good to be informed).

Whether you are looking to modernize your poolscape, enhance its safety or want to add new and exciting features, we will transform your existing pool into one which meets your lifestyle and budget.

Revitalize Your Poolscape

During your initial consultation with us, our experts will then explain the process of how we can transform your poolscape, such as adding energy-efficient equipment, a therapeutic spa, replacing broken tiles or plaster, repairing buckled decking and renovating your pool to include fun features like rock waterfalls, bubblers and deck jets.

Increase the Safety & Efficiency of Your Pool

Enhancing the appearance of your pool isn’t the only reason to give it an update. Emerald Pool and Patio makes sure that your pool is safe for you and your guests by replacing old fixtures and plumbing, installing pool lighting and safety covers, and solving any drainage issues you may be experiencing.

We also replace aged pool and inefficient components with the latest and most innovative pumps, heaters, chlorination systems and cleaning systems so that you can optimize energy use while reducing the amount of time and money you need to spend maintaining it.

Residential Pool Renovation & Repairs

From minor repairs and upgrades to large scale renovations, our team of seasoned renovation experts will work with you to keep your pool facilities safe, appealing, and on budget.

• Deck Repair or Renovation
• Leak Detection and Repair
• Tile Repair or Replacement
• Coping Repair or Replacement
• Reshaping and Resizing
• Features Additions and Upgrades (Water and Lighting Features,
• Splash Pads, Diving Boards)
• Automatic Pool Cover Installation
• Shade Structures and Covered Patios

If you are looking to purchase a custom made pool this upcoming summer, contact us and we will give you a free estimate by coming to you.