Custom Gunite Pools Designed for Tampa Backyards
When the pool needs to be designed around the property instead of selected from a catalog, gunite provides exceptional flexibility. Payne Pool Professionals designs and builds custom gunite swimming pools for eligible properties throughout Tampa Bay, serving communities across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando counties. From custom shapes and integrated spas to tanning ledges, water features, lighting, decking, and premium interior finishes, our Tampa team helps bring the individual parts of the project together as one backyard design.
Why Choose a Gunite Pool in Tampa?
Gunite pools are built on the property using a reinforced steel framework and pneumatically applied concrete mixture. Because the structural shell is formed on-site, the design is not limited to a pre-manufactured model. The pool can be developed around the dimensions of the backyard, the architecture of the home, and the features the homeowner wants to include. Gunite may be a strong option when customization is the priority, but the final design must still account for property conditions, access, setbacks, engineering, applicable codes, and permitting requirements.
Are gunite pools customizable?
Yes. Gunite supports extensive customization of the pool's shape, dimensions, depth, entries, seating, ledges, spa configuration, water features, lighting, and finish selections.
Are gunite and concrete pools the same thing?
A gunite pool is a type of concrete swimming pool. The term describes the process used to apply the concrete mixture over a reinforced steel framework.
Does Payne build gunite pools throughout Tampa Bay?
Payne's Tampa operation builds custom gunite pools for eligible projects across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando counties. Availability depends on the property, jurisdiction, access, design, scope, and active building territory.
Your Pool Should Fit Your Home, Not the Other Way Around.
A backyard may include limited access, unusual dimensions, existing patios, landscaping, drainage considerations, easements, setbacks, neighborhood requirements, or views the homeowner wants to preserve. Gunite construction gives the design team flexibility to respond to those conditions rather than beginning with a fixed shell shape.
Depending on the property and approved project, a custom gunite design may include:
- Custom pool shapes and dimensions
- Shallow lounging areas and tanning ledges
- Integrated spas and spillways
- Built-in benches and conversation areas
- Custom steps and entries
- Waterfalls, sheer descents, deck jets, and bubblers
- Pool and landscape lighting
- Sun shelves and in-pool furniture areas
- Coordinated decking and coping
- Plaster, quartz, pebble, and aggregate finishes
- Automation, heating, circulation, and sanitization equipment
The goal is not to add every available feature. It is to select the elements that improve how the pool looks, functions, and fits the property.
Design Your Custom Tampa PoolSee the Backyard Before Construction Begins.
Click to view a sample 3D pool rendering.
A custom pool involves many decisions. Payne's 3D design process helps bring those decisions together visually. Homeowners can review the proposed pool shape, placement, major features, spa, decking, and relationship to the home before construction begins. This creates an opportunity to refine the concept while changes are still happening during design.
A 3D rendering communicates design intent. Final construction remains subject to approved plans, engineering, permitting, site conditions, inspections, and the executed project scope.
Schedule a 3D Design Consultation
Share a few details about your project and your local Payne Pool Professionals Tampa team will follow up to schedule your free 3D pool design consultation.
How Is a Gunite Pool Built?
A custom gunite pool moves through several connected stages. The exact sequence and timing can vary by project and jurisdiction.
01. Consultation & Property Review
The process begins with the property, priorities, desired features, and budget considerations.
02. Concept & 3D Design
The team develops a pool concept showing the proposed layout and major backyard elements.
03. Selections & Scope
The homeowner selects finishes, tile, coping, decking, equipment, lighting, and other applicable details.
04. Planning, Engineering & Permitting
The project moves through the applicable documentation, engineering, permitting, utility, and preparation requirements.
05. Layout & Excavation
After applicable approvals are received, the pool is laid out and the site is excavated according to the project plans.
06. Steel, Plumbing & Structural Work
A reinforced steel framework forms the pool structure while required plumbing and related systems are installed.
07. Gunite Shell
The concrete mixture is applied over the steel framework to create the structural pool shell.
08. Tile, Coping, Decking & Equipment
The selected materials and operating equipment are installed as the pool and surrounding backyard take shape.
09. Interior Finish & Startup
The selected interior finish is applied. After the pool is filled, the water and equipment move through the applicable startup process.
10. Completion & First Swim
Once construction, inspections, finishing, and startup requirements are complete, the pool is ready to become part of everyday life at home.
Design complexity, jurisdiction, permitting, inspections, site conditions, access, weather, change orders, and material availability can all affect the schedule.
Make the Pool Your Own.
Tanning Ledges
A shallow ledge can create space for lounging, in-pool furniture, or enjoying the water without entering the deeper swimming area.
Integrated Spas
A spa can be incorporated into the pool layout so its shape, elevation, spillway, materials, and placement feel connected to the overall design.
Water Features
Sheer descents, waterfalls, deck jets, bubblers, and spillways can introduce movement, sound, and visual interest where they support the design.
Built-In Seating
Benches and submerged seating can be placed for conversation, relaxation, or enjoying a particular view across the pool.
Custom Steps & Entries
Entries can be designed around available space, appearance, comfort, and how the pool will be used.
Lighting & Automation
Lighting can change how the pool and backyard feel after sunset. Compatible automation can simplify control of pumps, heating, lighting, water features, and other equipment.
The Details Determine the Finished Character.
The structural shell establishes the pool's form, but materials influence much of its final appearance. Interior finishes affect texture and apparent water color. Tile adds detail at the waterline and around features. Coping frames the pool. Decking connects the water to the rest of the backyard. Payne helps Tampa homeowners coordinate available materials so the pool, home, spa, and surrounding outdoor space feel connected.
Pool Finishes
Explore Pool FinishesPool Tile
Explore Pool TileDecking & Coping
Explore Decking & CopingExterior Finishes
Explore Exterior FinishesWhich Pool Type Is Right for Your Tampa Property?
Gunite and fiberglass follow different design and construction approaches.
Choose Gunite When Customization Matters Most
Gunite generally provides greater flexibility in pool shape, dimensions, depth, integrated features, and finish selections.
Consider Fiberglass for a Manufactured Pool Shell
Fiberglass pools arrive as manufactured shells. Homeowners choose from available models with established shapes, sizes, depths, and built-in features.
Explore Tampa Fiberglass PoolsThe better choice depends on the property, access, desired design, priorities, available models, and project budget. Payne's Tampa team can help you compare both options without claiming that one construction method is universally better.
Custom Gunite Pool Construction Across Tampa Bay
Payne's Tampa operation serves eligible gunite pool projects across the following counties. Service availability depends on the property, local jurisdiction, project scope, access, and the team's active building territory.
Our Tampa Bay coverage spans Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando counties, including communities such as Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Lithia, New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and Spring Hill.
Florida Pool Contractor License: CPC1460793
See Gunite Pools Built for Tampa Bay Properties.
Explore completed gunite pools built by Payne Pool Professionals for homeowners across our service areas.
Choose a Tampa Gunite Pool Builder With a Defined Process.
Local Tampa Operation
The Tampa team serves eligible projects across four Tampa Bay-area counties and can discuss the jurisdiction and property factors relevant to a proposed project.
Licensed Pool Contractor
Payne Pools Tampa LLC operates under Florida pool contractor license CPC1460793.
Professional 3D Design
Review the pool layout and major backyard features before construction begins.
Coordinated Selections
Bring the interior finish, tile, coping, decking, lighting, equipment, and custom features together as part of one design.
Regional Support
The Tampa operation is part of Payne Pool Professionals, a company founded in Gulf Breeze, Florida, in 2016 and serving multiple Florida and Gulf Coast markets.
Questions About Building a Gunite Pool in Tampa
A gunite pool is a concrete swimming pool built on-site using a reinforced steel framework and a pneumatically applied concrete mixture. This method allows extensive customization of the pool's shape, depth, entries, seating, and integrated features.
Yes. Payne's Tampa operation designs and builds custom gunite pools for eligible properties across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando counties.
Gunite offers extensive design flexibility, but the final shape and dimensions must still account for property boundaries, setbacks, easements, access, engineering, codes, permitting, and other project requirements.
Yes. Integrated spas are commonly incorporated into custom gunite designs. Their size, elevation, spillway, seating, equipment, and materials can be coordinated with the pool.
Yes. Tanning ledges, benches, custom entries, steps, and other built-in features can be incorporated when they fit the design and property.
There is no responsible single timeline for every project. Design, engineering, permitting, inspections, site access, property conditions, weather, change orders, materials, and the surrounding backyard scope can all affect construction time.
The investment depends on the pool's size, shape, depth, site conditions, access, engineering, spa, features, finishes, decking, equipment, lighting, automation, and other project elements. A useful estimate requires a property review and defined scope.
Yes. The structural gunite shell receives an interior pool finish before filling and startup. Available options may include plaster, quartz, pebble, and other aggregate finishes.
Neither type is automatically better for every homeowner. Gunite generally offers greater customization. Fiberglass uses a manufactured shell and a different installation process. The right option depends on the property and project priorities.
Payne provides access to third-party financing resources for qualified homeowners and eligible projects. Approval, rates, terms, and availability are determined by the financing provider.
Plan Your Tampa Pool With Confidence
Building a pool involves more than choosing a shape and finish. Your construction method, property conditions, permitting requirements, budget, and expected timeline can all influence the project. Explore these Tampa pool-planning resources to better understand your options before meeting with our team.
Does a Tampa Pool Require Permits?
Swimming pool construction generally requires permits and inspections from the applicable local jurisdiction. Requirements can vary by property and municipality. Payne Pool Professionals coordinates the applicable planning and permitting process for its pool-construction projects. Final requirements are determined by the governing authorities.
Tampa Pool Permits: What Homeowners Need to KnowHow Do I Choose Between Gunite and Fiberglass?
Gunite generally provides the greatest flexibility in shape, depth, and integrated features. Fiberglass uses a pre-manufactured shell and offers a smooth surface with a different installation approach. The right option depends on the property, design priorities, access, desired features, budget considerations, and available models.
Gunite vs. Fiberglass Pools in TampaHow Much Does a Pool Cost in Tampa?
There is no single useful price for every Tampa swimming pool. Project cost can be influenced by the pool type, size, depth, property conditions, access, excavation, engineering, integrated spas, tanning ledges, water features, finishes, tile, coping, decking, equipment, heating, lighting, automation, and surrounding improvements. A reliable estimate should be based on the property and a defined project scope.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Tampa?How Long Does Pool Construction Take?
Timelines vary by pool type, design complexity, permitting, engineering, inspections, site access, weather, material availability, and the surrounding project scope. The Tampa team can discuss a more realistic expected timeline after reviewing the property and proposed design.
How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool in Tampa?Your Custom Tampa Pool Starts With the Property.
Tell us about your backyard, the features you are considering, and how you want to use the finished space. Payne's Tampa team will help you explore the design, construction, material, and equipment options appropriate for your property and project.