Gunite Pool Builders
Custom gunite pool construction for the South Carolina Lowcountry
Custom Gunite Pool Construction in Charleston & Bluffton, SC
Aqua Blue Pools is the Lowcountry’s premier gunite pool builder, delivering custom-designed, steel-reinforced gunite swimming pools to homeowners across Charleston, Bluffton, and the surrounding coastal communities. As the region’s only Master Pools Guild member with more than 30 years of experience, we build gunite pools engineered for decades of performance in the demanding coastal climate.
Whether you’re envisioning a resort-style retreat or a sleek modern design, our in-house team handles every phase — from initial concept to final plaster.
What Is a Gunite Pool?
A gunite pool is a custom-built swimming pool constructed by spraying a dry mixture of sand and cement — known as gunite — over a framework of steel rebar at high velocity. Once the gunite shell cures, it forms an incredibly strong, monolithic concrete structure that can be shaped into virtually any size, depth, or configuration.
Unlike prefabricated fiberglass shells or vinyl-liner pools, gunite pool construction gives homeowners complete design freedom — from freeform lagoons and geometric lap pools to infinity edges and integrated spas.
Gunite is one of the most popular methods among custom pool builders nationwide because it produces an exceptionally durable, long-lasting pool shell. The steel-reinforced structure resists ground movement, hydrostatic pressure, and the salt-air corrosion common along the South Carolina coast. At Aqua Blue Pools, gunite is one of our core construction methods — trusted by homeowners across Charleston and Bluffton who want a pool built to perform for 50 years or more.
Gunite vs. Concrete Pool: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: “What is the difference between a gunite pool and a concrete pool?” The short answer is that all gunite pools are concrete pools — but not all concrete pools are gunite pools. Gunite is a specific method of applying concrete, and understanding the distinction helps you make a more informed decision.
How Gunite Differs from Poured or Shotcrete Concrete
Gunite uses a dry-mix process. The sand-and-cement blend travels through a hose in dry form and is hydrated with water only at the nozzle tip, right before it’s sprayed onto the rebar cage. This gives the applicator precise control over the water-to-cement ratio, producing a denser, stronger shell with fewer voids.
Shotcrete is a wet-mix process where pre-mixed concrete is pumped through a hose and sprayed at high pressure. While shotcrete is also a pneumatically applied concrete, the pre-mixed water content offers less on-site control and can result in a slightly weaker bond if not applied by an experienced crew.
Poured (cast-in-place) concrete uses traditional forms and is poured into molds. It’s rarely used in modern pool construction because it limits shape flexibility and is more prone to cracking.
Comparing Concrete Pool Construction Methods
Gunite delivers an exceptionally dense, durable shell — making it an ideal choice for the Lowcountry's high water tables, expansive soils, and salt-air exposure. For homeowners in Charleston and Bluffton seeking a fully custom pool with complex shapes, integrated features, or challenging site conditions, gunite construction offers the highest level of structural performance and design flexibility.
Benefits of Choosing a Custom Gunite Swimming Pool
- Unmatched Durability & Longevity — A well-built gunite pool shell can last 50 years or more. The steel-reinforced concrete structure doesn’t degrade, puncture, or warp like vinyl liners or fiberglass.
- Complete Design Freedom — No limitations on shape, size, depth, or features. Integrated spas, tanning ledges, vanishing edges, swim-up bars, and multi-level configurations are all possible.
- Premium Finish Options — From classic white plaster to pebble aggregate, quartz, glass bead, and full-tile interiors.
- Superior Coastal Performance — Engineered to resist hydrostatic pressure from high water tables and withstand ground movement without cracking.
- Higher Property Value — A custom gunite pool is a permanent improvement that adds significant value to your home in the Charleston and Bluffton real estate markets.
Custom Gunite Pool Designs for Charleston & Bluffton Homes
No two properties in the Lowcountry are alike, and neither are the gunite pools we design:
- Infinity & Vanishing Edge Pools — Capture marsh, river, and ocean views with a disappearing edge engineered in gunite.
- Geometric Pools — Clean lines and sharp angles that complement modern architecture.
- Freeform & Lagoon Pools — Organic curves for a tropical, resort-style backyard.
- Elevated & Hillside Pools — Structural gunite is essential for raised pools on flood-zone lots.
- Plunge & Cocktail Pools — Compact gunite pools for courtyards and small lots.
- Lap Pools — Long, narrow gunite pools for fitness-focused homeowners.
- Pool & Spa Combinations — Integrated hot tubs and spillover spas built as one seamless structure.
OUR PROCESS
Our Gunite Pool Construction Process
Design consultation
we listen to your vision, assess your site, and define your budget.
3D rendering
see your pool before we break ground.
Engineering & permitting
we manage soil, drainage, and local permits across Charleston and Beaufort counties.
Construction
steel-reinforced concrete built to last decades in the coastal climate.
Finishing & handover
finishes, water features, lighting, and a walkthrough of your new retreat.
Why Charleston & Bluffton Homeowners Choose Aqua Blue Pools
- 30+ years of gunite pool construction. We’ve designed and built custom gunite pools in the Lowcountry since 1991.
- The Lowcountry’s only Master Pools Guild builder. Membership recognizes the top tier of pool craftsmanship worldwide.
- Award-winning work. Multiple Post and Courier “Charleston’s Choice” wins and Best of Houzz Design awards (2022, 2023, 2025).
- In-house design and build team. Designers, engineers, project managers, and construction crews under one roof.
- Engineered for the Lowcountry. We understand high water tables, expansive clay soils, flood zones, and salt-air corrosion.
- Full-service from design to maintenance. Ongoing care, resurfacing, and repairs to protect your investment for decades.
Where We Build Gunite Pools in Charleston, Bluffton & Beyond
We design and build luxury pools for:
- Luxury estates and waterfront homes in Charleston, Bluffton, and Beaufort.
- Barrier-island and resort properties on Kiawah, Seabrook, and the Isle of Palms.
- Modern new-builds in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and Summerville.
- Second homes and vacation properties across Hilton Head Island and Savannah, GA.
We serve the entire Lowcountry from our Charleston and Bluffton offices — including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Daniel Island, Kiawah & Seabrook Islands, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, James Island, Folly Beach, Edisto Island, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and Savannah, GA.
Start Your Custom Gunite Pool Project Today
Ready to build the gunite pool you’ve always wanted? Contact our Charleston or Bluffton office to schedule a design consultation with the Lowcountry’s most experienced gunite pool builders.
Schedule a Design Consultation »FAQ Section
All gunite pools are concrete pools — gunite is simply a specific method of applying concrete. Gunite uses a dry-mix process where sand and cement are combined with water at the spray nozzle, giving builders precise control over the mixture’s strength. This produces a denser, stronger pool shell compared to poured concrete or wet-mix shotcrete. At Aqua Blue Pools, gunite is one of our primary construction methods — chosen for its superior strength, design flexibility, and proven performance in the Lowcountry’s coastal conditions.
A properly built and maintained gunite pool shell can last 50 years or more. The steel-reinforced concrete structure itself is essentially permanent. The interior finish (plaster, pebble, or tile) will need resurfacing every 10–20 years depending on the material chosen, but the underlying gunite shell remains structurally sound for generations.
A custom gunite pool typically takes 8–14 weeks from excavation to completion, depending on size, complexity, features, and permitting timelines. We provide a detailed project timeline during the design phase so you know exactly what to expect.
Pebble aggregate finishes (like PebbleTec or PebbleSheen) are our most popular recommendation for Lowcountry pools because they combine natural beauty, exceptional durability (15–20+ years), and resistance to chemical wear. Quartz aggregate offers a similar lifespan with a smoother appearance. Full tile is the ultimate luxury finish with a 25+ year lifespan.
Absolutely. Gunite pool resurfacing is one of our most common renovation services. If your existing gunite pool has staining, roughness, or cracking, we can strip the old finish and apply a new plaster, pebble, quartz, or tile surface. We resurface gunite pools across Charleston, Bluffton, Mount Pleasant, and the surrounding Lowcountry.
