What is a Gunite Pool?
Gunite is a specialized blend of sand, cement, and water that’s pneumatically applied over a reinforced steel framework to create a strong, solid shell – the foundation of every Precision Pool and Spa. This method has been trusted for decades to build high-end in-ground pools and spas across New York and the Northeast. Renowned for its durability and design flexibility, gunite is the top choice for commercial pools and a popular option among homeowners who want a custom pool built to last.
Why We Choose Gunite
With over 20 years of experience working with gunite, we’ve seen firsthand what makes it an exceptional choice for in-ground pools. Its unmatched durability and limitless design potential make it a favorite among homeowners and builders alike. Every pool we build is completely custom — there are no molds or templates — so we’re able to create unique, showstopping shapes like the one shown above. Designs like this simply aren’t possible with vinyl liners or fiberglass shells. Our skilled craftsmen are dedicated to delivering precision-built pools, and gunite gives us the flexibility and strength to do just that.
Our Process
Every Pool Starts With a Vision – Yours
Because there are no molds or templates to follow, every pool we build is a one-of-a-kind design. We tailor each project to fit your lifestyle, with a wide range of options and features that enhance how you’ll enjoy your pool most. When anything is possible, browsing other designs is a great way to discover what you like. With over 20 years of experience, we’re here to guide you through every step of the design process.
From Groundbreaking to Greatness
Once your final design is approved, we begin the excavation phase—and yes, we really dig gunite pools! It’s exciting to watch the transformation from untouched ground to the striking outline of your future pool and spa. We start by marking the pool’s shape on the ground, then our excavation crew removes the soil to make way for construction. During this phase, our Precision Pool and Spa professionals assemble a sturdy metal rebar frame and install the plumbing—laying the foundation for what’s to come.
Where Craftsmanship Takes Shape
The next phase is the most impressive—it’s time for gunite! Many homeowners even invite friends and neighbors to watch as a heavy coating of gunite is expertly sprayed onto the metal frame. This is when you’ll begin to see Precision quality in action. Every inch of the pool and spa is hand-troweled by our skilled team, creating a meticulously smoothed surface that forms a strong, lasting foundation. Before the final finish is applied, the coping, or edge of the pool, is crafted, followed by the masonry, stonework, and surrounding decking.
Then comes the final and most beautiful touch: the plaster finish that brings your custom pool to life. This process is typically completed in just one day. Our experienced Precision Pool and Spa team expertly blows the plaster onto the gunite shell, while our craftsmen hand-trowel the surface to a smooth, polished finish. This careful technique reveals the vibrant colors and shimmering aggregates, giving your pool its stunning, finished look.
Ongoing Care with Precision Service
Your relationship with Precision Pool and Spa doesn’t end after the last tile is set. We offer expert pool service, maintenance, and repair to keep your investment looking and performing its best for years to come. From seasonal openings and closings to water chemistry, equipment inspections, and system repairs, our team is here to ensure your pool remains as flawless as the day it was finished—so all you have to do is relax and enjoy.
In-ground Pool Features
At Precision Pool and Spa, we design and build handcrafted luxury gunite pools that reflect your lifestyle and personality. Every pool we create is thoughtfully customized with water features, unique design elements, premium plaster finishes, natural stone, custom tile, and lighting — bringing your resort-style vision to life.
Browse a sampling of our past designs for inspiration.
Below, you’ll find some of the most popular features our clients love. When it’s time to design your pool, we’ll walk through every available option to tailor the perfect experience for you.
Enjoy your pool all year round and just simply add a spa. Imagine the relaxation and romance you’ll find in your spa through the snowy winter months when your pool is closed. During the summer, the spa creates a place for quality conversation and relaxation while the pool is available for swimming and splashing. When it comes to design your spa, you can choose a spa that is raised and integrated in the pool design, flush with your patio or grass, elevated with a spillover or waterfall, or maybe you’ll place the spa adjacent to the pool.
Take advantage of the health benefits of swimming with your own lap pool. Your design could include one or multiple swim lanes using in-floor tiles as guides. Automatic retractable cover is available to extend your swim season. This kind of pool can be installed in small spaces both indoors or outdoors. Some of the most popular lap pool designs include an attached spa for relaxing after a vigorous workout. Often times the attached spa is designed to spillover into the pool creating a waterfall effect giving you additional beauty and benefits.
Infinity edge swimming pools are featured in some of the most exclusive backyard pool designs. Imagine merging your lakefront view with an infinity edge pool to create a stunning optical illusion. For years the experienced professionals at Precision Pool and Spa have been extending zero edge pools to cascade into some of the most beautiful backyards in the Finger Lakes Region. Infinity edge pool designs can create a visual effect in almost any backyard space, including wooded and mountainous areas throughout New York State. If you are considering a vanishing edge pool please give us a call. We love mixing the art of pool design with the perfection of engineering.
A tanning ledge in a gunite swimming pool creates a hotspot for fun. The sun shelf is perfect for resting in lounge chairs or a place to sun bathe while staying cool in the shallow water. A built-in umbrella stand creates a little shade for the especially sunny days or a cool place for kids to play. Adorn your tanning ledge with matching tile or a custom mosaic tile design. Add a bubbler or a waterfall to your sun shelf and you’ll have the perfect place to relax and enjoy your pool. When you design a custom gunite swimming pool, you will have the luxury of creating the perfect size, shape and location of your tanning ledge.
Are you looking for an exclusive resort experience in your own backyard? Consider adding a swim-up bar to your pool design. The best poolside bar designs feature seating inside and outside of the swimming pool, and offer counter space for food and drinks. Built-in bar stools with mosaic tile and other decorative enhancements offer a splash of elegance.
Does your dog love the water? Why not add a pet friendly entrance to your gunite swimming pool. Gunite pools offer the most durable in-ground swimming pool material available. Your dog will love spending time splashing around with the family while keeping cool all summer long. Pet entrances also offer a safe place for pets to rest while swimming and make it easy for pets to find the exit when they get ready to shake off. Stairs in most Precision Pool and Spa pools are marked with decorative tile which make it easier for our furry friends to see the exit while swimming.
Rock waterfalls and fountains add a touch of nature to a good number of luxury in-ground pool designs today. Soothing water sounds and lighted water features to bring tranquility and relaxation to your backyard swimming pool or spa. By using the majestic natural beauty of oversized boulders and slab cut stone you’ll create an ideal focal point your friends will surely notice. Every waterfall is unique to your in-ground pool and spa design.
Spillways offer a sleek and elegant way to connect your spa to the main pool, allowing water to gently cascade over the edge. This visually striking feature adds movement and a calming sound that enhances the ambiance of your outdoor space. Whether crafted from smooth tile, natural stone, or custom materials, spillways can be designed to match your pool’s aesthetic and elevate its luxury appeal. Beyond beauty, they create a seamless transition between pool and spa—both functionally and visually.
Are you looking for an in-ground leisure pool, but would also like the option of a satisfying workout? An Endless Swim Jet might be the perfect solution for you. This system can be used in almost any gunite swimming pool design. The powerful jet forces water into a smooth current which gives you an invigorating workout, in the privacy of your own pool. Swim against the powerful current for as long as you want and easily adjust the speed from the pool.