Custom Gunite Pools Built Around Your Backyard
When you want a swimming pool designed around your property instead of selected from a catalog, gunite gives you the freedom to build something truly your own. Payne Pool Professionals designs and builds custom gunite pools for Florida homeowners, combining professional 3D design, experienced construction, and extensive customization options to create pools that fit the home, the backyard, and the way you want to use the space.
Why Do Florida Homeowners Choose Gunite Pools?
Gunite is one of the most flexible swimming pool construction methods available. Unlike a pre-manufactured pool shell, a gunite pool is constructed on-site, giving homeowners significantly more freedom to customize the pool's shape, size, depth, layout, finishes, and built-in features.
Are gunite pools customizable?
Yes. Gunite pools can be designed in custom shapes and sizes and can incorporate features such as spas, tanning ledges, benches, steps, water features, lighting, and premium interior finishes.
Are gunite pools the same as concrete pools?
Gunite pools are a type of concrete swimming pool. The pool shell is created using a pneumatically applied concrete mixture over a reinforced steel framework.
Are gunite pools good for Florida homes?
Gunite pools are a popular option for Florida homeowners who prioritize customization, design flexibility, and the ability to create a pool around a specific backyard or architectural style.
Does Payne build custom gunite pools throughout Florida?
Payne Pool Professionals builds gunite pools through regional Florida teams serving Tampa Bay, Greater Orlando, Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, and Florida's Gulf Coast.
Your Pool Should Fit Your Home, Not the Other Way Around.
One of the biggest advantages of gunite construction is the ability to start with the property rather than a predetermined pool shape. Your backyard may have unique dimensions, existing landscaping, architectural features, elevation changes, entertaining areas, or specific views you want to preserve. A custom gunite pool can be designed around those conditions.
Our design process considers how the swimming pool will relate to your home and the rest of the backyard, including:
- Custom pool shapes and dimensions
- Shallow lounging areas
- Tanning ledges
- Integrated spas
- Built-in benches and seating
- Custom steps and entries
- Waterfalls and water features
- Pool lighting
- Decking and coping
- Interior finishes
- Outdoor living areas
- Fire and water features
- Pool automation and equipment
The goal isn't to add features simply because they're available. It's to create a pool where the shape, features, finishes, and surrounding space work together.
Design Your Custom PoolSee Your Pool Before It's Built.
Click to view a sample 3D pool rendering.
A custom pool gives you more options, which also means more decisions. Payne's 3D pool design process helps bring those decisions together visually before construction starts, so you can see how your proposed pool fits into the backyard, review its shape and layout, and refine the design while changes are still happening on a screen rather than after the pool is under construction.
Schedule a 3D Pool Design ConsultationRequest Your Free Consultation
Share a few details about your project and your local Payne Pool Professionals team will follow up to schedule your free 3D pool design consultation.
Is Gunite the Right Pool for You?
Gunite isn't automatically the best choice for every homeowner. The right pool type depends on your property, priorities, design goals, budget, and expectations.
Choose Gunite When Customization Matters Most
Gunite provides extensive flexibility in shape, size, depth, and integrated features. It's particularly well suited to homeowners who want a pool designed around their specific backyard.
Consider Fiberglass for a Pre-Designed Pool Shell
Fiberglass pools are manufactured before arriving at the property. For homeowners who find a fiberglass model that fits their backyard and preferences, they can provide a smooth finished surface and a different installation process.
Explore Fiberglass PoolsConsider Vinyl Liner for Flexibility and Value
Vinyl liner pools provide another inground pool option with a smooth surface and multiple design possibilities.
Explore Vinyl Liner PoolsNot sure which construction method makes the most sense? Payne works with multiple inground pool types, allowing our team to help you compare your options based on the project rather than pushing every homeowner toward a single type of pool.
How Is a Gunite Pool Built?
A custom gunite pool is constructed in several stages, with each phase building on the work before it.
01. Consultation & Design
We discuss your property, ideas, priorities, features, and budget, then develop the pool concept and 3D visualization.
02. Planning & Permitting
Once the design is finalized, the project moves through the applicable planning, engineering, permitting, and preparation requirements.
03. Excavation
The pool area is laid out and excavated according to the approved design.
04. Steel & Plumbing
A reinforced steel framework creates the structure of the pool while required plumbing lines and systems are installed.
05. Gunite Pool Shell
Gunite is applied over the steel framework to form the structural swimming pool shell.
06. Tile, Coping & Decking
Tile, coping, decking, and other surrounding finishes begin bringing the backyard design together.
07. Interior Finish
The selected plaster or interior pool finish is applied to create the finished swimming surface.
08. Startup & First Swim
Once construction, inspections, finishing, and startup are complete, your new pool is ready to become part of everyday life at home.
Make the Pool Your Own.
A custom gunite pool gives homeowners the ability to incorporate features directly into the design rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
Tanning Ledges
Create a shallow lounging area for relaxing in the water, placing in-pool furniture, or giving younger swimmers a comfortable place to enjoy the pool.
Integrated Spas
A spa can be designed as part of the overall pool environment for a more cohesive backyard appearance.
Water Features
Sheer descents, waterfalls, deck jets, spillways, and other water features can add movement, sound, and visual interest.
Built-In Seating
Benches and submerged seating can be incorporated where they make sense for conversation, relaxation, or enjoying different areas of the pool.
Custom Steps & Entries
Pool entries can be designed around aesthetics, accessibility, available space, and how the pool will be used.
Lighting
Modern pool lighting can dramatically change how the backyard feels after sunset and can be integrated into both new pool construction and surrounding outdoor areas.
The Details Change the Entire Pool.
The structural design may create the pool, but finishes determine much of its final appearance. Gunite pools allow homeowners to personalize details such as interior plaster, aggregate finishes, waterline tile, coping, decking, and surrounding materials. Color, texture, and material selections can influence everything from the apparent color of the water to how the pool relates visually to the home.
Payne helps homeowners bring those choices together so the finished pool feels intentional rather than assembled from unrelated parts.
Custom Means No Two Backyards Need to Look the Same.
Explore gunite pools designed and built by Payne Pool Professionals and see how different shapes, finishes, spas, tanning ledges, decking, and water features can completely change a backyard.
Choose a Gunite Pool Builder Who Gives You More Than a Design.
A custom swimming pool is a major construction project at your home. The builder matters.
Experienced Gunite Pool Construction
Payne Pool Professionals designs and builds custom gunite swimming pools across multiple Florida markets.
Professional 3D Design
Visualize the pool and major backyard elements before construction begins.
Multiple Pool Construction Options
Because Payne also works with fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, homeowners can compare different construction methods rather than being limited to the one type a builder happens to offer.
Regional Florida Teams
Our local operations serve homeowners throughout Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay, Greater Orlando, Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida.
Licensed Florida Pool Contractors
Payne's Florida pool construction is performed through licensed regional operations serving our respective Florida markets.
The Best Pools Start With Trust.
Building a pool is a big investment, and choosing who builds it matters just as much as choosing the design. Florida homeowners trust Payne Pool Professionals to guide them from the first conversation through construction and the moment their new backyard is ready to enjoy. See what our customers have to say about their experience working with Payne, our local teams, and the pools we built together.
Find Your Local Payne Pool Team.
Payne Pool Professionals serves homeowners through dedicated regional teams. Your local team provides the geographic expertise and project coordination for your specific market while being part of the broader Payne organization.
Gulf Coast Gunite Pools
Custom gunite pool design and construction for homeowners throughout Payne's Gulf Coast service area.
Gulf Coast Pool BuildersTampa Gunite Pools
Custom gunite swimming pools for homeowners throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding communities.
Tampa Pool BuildersOrlando Gunite Pools
Custom gunite pool design and construction throughout Greater Orlando and Central Florida.
Orlando Pool BuildersJacksonville Gunite Pools
Custom gunite swimming pools for homeowners throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
Jacksonville Gunite PoolsHow Much Does a Gunite Pool Cost in Florida?
There isn't one useful price for every custom gunite swimming pool. Gunite is highly customizable, so project cost depends heavily on what you're actually building.
A straightforward gunite pool and a large resort-style pool with an integrated spa, premium finishes, water features, extensive decking, and outdoor living improvements aren't remotely the same project.
The better starting point is to establish your priorities and budget, then determine what combination of size, design, and features delivers the backyard you actually want.
Request a Gunite Pool ConsultationMajor Factors Can Include:
- Pool size
- Pool shape and depth
- Site conditions
- Backyard access
- Excavation requirements
- Integrated spa
- Tanning ledges and seating
- Water features
- Decking
- Coping
- Interior finish
- Tile
- Equipment
- Lighting
- Automation
- Additional outdoor improvements
Questions About Gunite Pools
A gunite pool is a concrete swimming pool constructed on-site using a reinforced steel framework and pneumatically applied concrete mixture. This method allows the pool to be shaped and customized around the property and homeowner's design.
Gunite pools are concrete pools. The term "gunite" refers to the method used to apply the concrete mixture that forms the structural pool shell.
Gunite provides extensive design flexibility compared with pre-manufactured pool shells. The final shape and dimensions still depend on the property, engineering, applicable codes, setbacks, and other project requirements.
Yes. Integrated spas are a common custom feature in gunite pool designs and can be incorporated into the overall pool and backyard layout.
Yes. Tanning ledges, shelves, benches, custom steps, and other built-in features can be incorporated directly into a gunite pool design.
Construction timelines vary by project. Design complexity, permitting, weather, site conditions, inspections, material availability, and the scope of the surrounding backyard work can all affect the schedule.
Gunite pool shells receive an interior finish before the pool is filled and placed into service. Homeowners can choose from various plaster and aggregate finishes depending on the desired appearance and project specifications.
Neither construction type is automatically better for every homeowner. Gunite generally provides greater customization, while fiberglass uses a pre-manufactured shell and follows a different installation process. The better option depends on your backyard, desired design, features, budget, and priorities.
Payne Pool Professionals builds custom gunite pools through regional teams serving Tampa Bay, Greater Orlando, Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, and Florida's Gulf Coast.
Payne Pool Professionals provides access to pool financing options for qualified homeowners. Available financing programs, terms, and eligibility vary.
Your Backyard Doesn't Have to Look Like Everyone Else's.
If you're considering a custom gunite swimming pool, let's start with the backyard you have and the one you want to create. Meet with your local Payne Pool Professionals team, explore your design options, and see what's possible with a pool built specifically for your home.
Schedule Your Free Pool Consultation