How much does a gunite pool cost?
How much does a gunite pool cost?
$100 – $250 cost per square foot
$50,000 – $120,000 average total cost
Average cost of a gunite pool
A gunite pool costs $100 to $250 per square foot or $50,000 to $120,000 total, depending on the size and depth. An inground gunite swimming pool is made with reinforced concrete, which costs more than fiberglass or vinyl but lasts longer. However, gunite pools require resurfacing every 7 to 15 years.
| National Average Cost | $85,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $30,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $200,000 |
| Average Range | $50,000 to $120,000 |
Gunite pool cost calculator
The cost of a gunite pool varies by size. The average inground pool is around 300 to 400 square feet and 6 to 7 feet deep, though many concrete or gunite pools are larger than average, especially lap pools. The table below shows the average total cost to install gunite pools of various sizes.
| Size (feet) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 10x20 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| 12x24 | $28,800 – $72,000 |
| 10x30 | $30,000 – $75,000 |
| 12x28 | $33,600 – $84,000 |
| 14x28 | $39,200 – $98,000 |
| 15x30 | $45,000 – $112,500 |
| 16x32 | $51,200 – $128,000 |
| 18x36 | $64,800 – $162,000 |
| 20x40 | $80,000 – $200,000 |
Gunite pool cost factors
The following factors influence the total cost to build a gunite pool:
Shape: Rectangular or oval pools are the most common and cheapest pool shapes. Freeform, L-shaped, kidney-shaped, lagoon, and geometric-shaped pools cost more.
Depth: The average pool is around 6 to 7 feet deep. Pools that are deeper than average require more materials and more water. If you want a diving board, you may need 9 or more feet at the deep end.
Location: It generally costs more to build a pool in northern states compared to warm southern states. You may also pay more if your home is far away from the pool company or on a steep hill.
Permit: Building permits for a pool cost $100 to $300. Most pool installers include permits in their total price.
Maintenance: Pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month on average. This includes cleaning, chemicals, opening or closing the pool for the season, and necessary minor repairs.
Resurfacing: Gunite pools require resurfacing every 7 to 15 years. Pool resurfacing costs $6,000 to $15,000.
Repairs: Pool repair costs $500 to $1,500 to fix a leak or $50 to $650 to repair pool components.
Labor and site prep costs
Building a gunite pool is a complicated process that involves excavation, leveling, and removing vegetation. Pool installers typically charge more in labor fees for gunite pools compared to vinyl or fiberglass because concrete is harder and more time-consuming to work with.
| Project | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation cost | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Yard leveling cost | $500 – $1,000 |
| Retaining wall cost | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Pool water delivery cost | $400 – $2,400 |
| Pool filter cost | $300 – $1,700 |
| Pool pump cost | $300 – $1,600 |
| Tree removal cost | $150 – $2,000 |
Gunite pool upgrades
Custom pool upgrades or extras cost more and extend your installation timeline. Common upgrades include:
A diving board costs $300 to $700.
A pool slide costs $1,000 to $4,000.
A pool waterfall costs $2,000 to $8,800 on average.
An inground hot tub costs $6,000 to $15,000 when built at the same time as the pool.
Pool lights cost $500 to $1,700.
A pool deck costs $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the size and material.
A pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 installed. Solar pool heaters cost $2,500 to $6,500.
Landscaping costs $3,000 to $5,000, or $4 to $12 per square foot.
Unless you know your family will enjoy diving, skip adding a diving board. Most of the time, they go unused and require deeper ends.
Pool safety features
Pool fences, enclosures, and covers help prevent accidents by keeping pets and children away from the water. Many states require all pools to have a fence or cover.
| Feature | Total cost |
|---|---|
| Pool fence | $2,000 – $13,500 |
| Manual pool cover | $1,000 – $3,600 |
| Automatic pool cover | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Pool enclosure | $4,000 – $14,000 |
A pool fence costs $10 to $45 per linear foot with installation or $2,000 to $13,500 total, depending on the material. Gates with a self-closing latch cost $200 to $250 each.
A pool cover costs $8,000 to $20,000 for an automatic unit or $1,000 to $3,600 for a manual model. Pool covers also retain heat in the water.
A pool enclosure costs $5 to $15 per square foot or $4,000 to $14,000 total. Enclosures are made with mesh, glass, plastic, or vinyl and keep the pool free of insects, debris, and pollen so you can swim year-round.
Gunite vs. other pools
The average inground pool costs $25,000 to $100,000 installed. Gunite pools cost more but last longer than other materials. Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable option but are the least durable. Fiberglass pools are algae-resistant and more durable than vinyl but not as durable as gunite.
| Material | Total cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete / gunite | $50,000 – $120,000 |
|
| Fiberglass pool cost | $25,000 – $85,000 |
|
| Vinyl pool cost | $25,000 – $65,000 |
|
Other pool types and shapes
The following types of pools are less common than a standard gunite pool and vary in cost:
Above ground: An above-ground pool costs $1,600 to $7,500 installed and is typically made with steel, resin, or aluminum.
Semi-inground: A semi-inground pool costs $7,000 to $25,000 installed. These pools are best for small yards and steep slopes.
Shipping container: Shipping container pools cost $35,000 to $65,000 installed. Most homeowners pay $50,000 for an 8'x20' model.
Cocktail pool: A cocktail pool costs $15,000 to $35,000 and is typically made of vinyl, fiberglass, copper, steel, or recycled materials.
Swim spa: A swim spa costs $20,000 to $40,000 installed. Swim spas are small, heated pools with hydrotherapy features and a current generated on one end that you can swim against. Endless Pools cost $26,000 to $75,000 and are a popular swim spa brand.
Spool pools: A spool pool costs $20,000 to $40,000 and, like a swim spa, is essentially a large spa with a current you can swim against.
How to save money on a gunite pool
Gunite pools are the most expensive inground pool material, so if budget is a concern, follow these tips:
Choose a smaller pool size.
Opt for a rectangular or oval shape.
Limit extras like waterfalls or diving boards.
Get multiple quotes from several pool companies.
Build during the off-season or colder months.
Gunite pool FAQs
What is a gunite pool?
A gunite pool is a traditional pool, usually inground, made of concrete reinforced with steel rebar. Gunite is typically the most expensive pool material but is known for being customizable and having a longer lifespan than other materials.
How long do gunite pools last?
Gunite pools last 50+ years on average. The outer layer of the concrete does degrade over time, however, so professionals recommend getting acid wash treatments every 3 to 5 years and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years.
Can you paint a gunite pool?
You can paint a gunite pool, but make sure you choose a high-quality, durable pool paint, preferably made with epoxy. Normal interior house paint is not designed to withstand the chemicals and UV rays a pool is exposed to, so it will flake and chip, and you won’t be able to paint over it.
How long does it take to build a gunite pool?
Installing a gunite pool takes 6 to 8 weeks on average, depending on the size and how much site prep your property needs. The concrete takes time to properly dry and cure before you can add water or swim in the pool.
Does a gunite pool add value to a home?
An inground gunite pool can increase the overall value of a home by 5% to 7%. However, the actual impact depends on your local climate and neighborhood. According to the National Association of Realtors' Remodeling Impact Report, an inground pool provides an average 56% return on investment (ROI) in some areas.
Getting estimates from gunite pool installers
When hiring an inground pool installation company near you, follow these steps:
Compare at least three estimates for similar pool sizes and styles.
Choose a pool company that’s licensed, insured, and bonded.
Look for members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google and look at pictures of their work.
Ask if they offer any warranties or guarantees.
Request an itemized, written estimate.
Avoid making any large payments upfront. Follow a payment schedule instead.
Questions to ask gunite pool installers
Ask these questions to find the best gunite pool installer in your area:
How long have you been installing gunite pools?
Can I see a portfolio of similar pools you've done?
Are you a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals?
Can you also install a pool cover or heater?
How long should this pool installation take?
Do you know if this area has a lot of rocks or other obstructions in the soil?
How long will the pool take to dry or cure before I can add water?
Do you offer a maintenance plan for pools? How often would you visit?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.