How Much Does a Gunite Pool Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for a gunite pool is $100,000 for a 14-by-28-foot pool. Most homeowners spend between $65,000 and $120,000, with pool size, site conditions, and added features like diving boards or waterfalls driving the spread.

Gunite Pool Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Gunite pool costs vary based on pool size, prep work, and add-ons, with most homeowners spending between $65,000 to $120,000, depending on the scope of the project. Site conditions play a meaningful role, clearing and excavating a hilly or tree-filled yard adds to the total before a single drop of concrete is mixed. See how gunite pool costs break down below:

Size

Gunite pools cost $100 to $280 per square foot, which is higher than the $90 to $160 per square foot typical of other materials covered in the cost of in-ground pools guide, and this premium reflects both the material and the skilled labor required. When concrete pools vs. fiberglass are compared, fiberglass is the more budget-friendly option upfront, but gunite's longevity means you avoid the replacement cost that fiberglass pools typically require after 25 to 30 years.

Materials

Gunite pool materials typically run $60,000 to $70,000, covering the dry concrete mix, steel rebar for structural reinforcement, and plumbing components. Once the gunite has cured, filling the pool with water costs about $60 to $1,250, depending on pool size and your local water rates.

Labor

Labor accounts for roughly one-third of the total gunite pool installation cost and is typically included in the overall project estimate. Because the installation requires a pressurized nozzle that mixes the concrete and water as it sprays, this work must be performed by a skilled professional. Professional labor plays a major role in total cost, as shown in the breakdown below:

Prep

Pool excavation costs $500 to $4,500 for an in-ground gunite pool, but yards with trees or significant slopes add more, with land clearing running $200 to $6,000 per acre and grading or leveling adding $0.50 to $2.30 per square foot. Costs vary further depending on soil conditions, equipment needs, and the amount of dirt that must be hauled away, as shown in the breakdown below.

Permits

Installing a concrete pool requires at least a building permit in most areas, and permit fees typically run $450 to $1,800, depending on your municipality. Your pool installer will generally manage the permitting process and include that cost in their initial quote.

Landscaping

Landscaping costs average $1,300 to $6,050 for most homeowners, though extensive hardscaping can push that higher. Excavation disturbs a large portion of the yard, so most homeowners budget for landscaping work afterward to restore the area with grass, grotto plants, decorative stones, or a patio.

Gunite Pool Costs: What to Budget For

After the pool is installed, there are several costs that can come up. You'll need to pay ongoing costs for operations and maintenance (or risk the pool water becoming green and unswimmable). Over time, you may also need to budget for repairs, such as filling small cracks or replastering the pool walls.

Maintenance

Gunite pool owners should budget $2,700 to $4,000 per year in swimming pool maintenance costs, adding up to $27,000 to $40,000 over the first decade. The pool's porous surface requires acid washing every four years at a cost of $250 to $1,000 to keep mold and algae in check. That repeated acid washing gradually wears down the plaster, so plan to replaster the pool every decade or so for around $10,000.

Operating Costs

Owning a gunite pool means staying on top of regular tasks like skimming debris, cleaning filters, balancing pH levels, and managing higher utility bills for the electricity powering lights, pumps, and filters. Pools can lose up to 2 inches of water per week, so monitoring the water level and topping it off as needed is part of routine ownership. Here is a breakdown of operating costs to expect.

Repairs

Most swimming pool repairs cost $240 to $1,100, though gunite pools have two recurring repair expenses to plan for. Replastering is needed every 10 to 15 years due to cumulative acid washing, running around $10,000, and any cracks that develop in the gunite shell cost about $75 per linear foot to repair.

Gunite Pool Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Once your gunite pool is installed, ongoing costs for operations and maintenance are unavoidable, and skipping them risks turning your pool water green and unusable. Over time, you should also set aside money for repairs such as crack filling and replastering the pool walls.

• In-ground hot tub cost: $8,000 to $25,000

• Pool house cost: $26,600 to $180,000

• Waterfalls: $1,500 to $5,000

• Pool covers: $75 to $22,000

• Diving boards: $300 to $5,000

• Slides: $1,500 to $5,000

• Ladders: $150 to $400 each

• Pool lighting: $200 to $625 per light

• Pool heater cost: $1,775 to $4,030

• Pool deck cost: $3,000 to $12,000

4 Ways You Can Save Money on Gunite Pool Costs

In-ground swimming pools, especially gunite pools, can be a high-cost investment. Because gunite has to be applied by an in-ground swimming pool installer near you, you can't attempt to DIY to save some cash. Fortunately, there are still other ways to cut down the cost of your new swimming pool.

In-ground swimming pools, especially gunite pools, can be a high-cost investment. Because gunite has to be applied by an in-ground swimming pool installer near you, you can't attempt to DIY to save some cash. Fortunately, there are still other ways to cut down the cost of your new swimming pool.

Build Smaller

The smaller the pool's footprint, the lower the project total will be. Unless you want an Olympic-sized pool to swim laps in, you can save money by opting for a smaller pool that still has plenty of room to float in.

Limit the Extras

Will you really use that diving board? Do you need the waterfall feature at the end of the pool? Some add-ons can cost thousands of dollars each, which really adds up. You can always wait a few years and save up for some of these extra features rather than paying for them while paying for the gunite pool installation.

Look for Off-Season Deals

Not only will some gunite pool builders offer discounts when you shop outside of peak season, but you can also whittle down costs on other items, like pool ladders and lighting, by buying in the off-season.

Get Multiple Quotes

It's always best to get at least three quotes from potential builders. This approach will help you find the best value. Don't jump at the lowest quote, though, make sure to do your due diligence in checking the builders' portfolio, reviews, and testimonials to find a company that will build you a high-quality gunite pool at a fair cost.

Why You Should Hire a Pro In-Ground Pool Installer

While it's possible to DIY pool cleaning and maintenance, in-ground pool installation requires an entirely different set of skills and tools. Unless you are a pool installer yourself, you don't have the ability, the tools, or the time to do the job. This is a fair assumption for any type of in-ground pool, but it's especially true for a gunite pool, which has a complex installation that requires the expertise of a gunite pool installer near you .

Here's why it's ideal to hire an in-ground gunite pool installer

It's one thing to handle the cleaning and ongoing maintenance of a gunite pool as a DIYer, but pool installation should definitely be left to an experienced in-ground pool installer.

• Only the pros have the tools and expertise to complete construction.

• A poorly installed gunite pool can lower the value of a property due to safety and maintenance issues.

• Pros are experienced with obtaining the necessary permits and complying with the local building code.

• A gunite pool is built to last, but only if it is installed by an experienced pro and backed by workmanship and material warranties.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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