Ask three pool builders what a pool costs and you will get three answers, two of them suspiciously round. (Pool pricing has a lot in common with the question "how long is a piece of string", except the string is full of rebar.) So here are our real numbers, and what pushes a project toward one end or the other.
What PoolCraft projects typically cost
PoolCraft lists its typical job cost as $38,000 to $125,000. That range covers most custom gunite pools, spas and pool renovations with decking that we build across Bellaire and Greater Houston. A full outdoor living plan with a covered patio and outdoor kitchen can sit above it.
| Where a project lands | What it usually includes |
|---|---|
| Toward $38,000 | A simpler pool shape, standard depths, concrete deck, standard pump and filter, easy yard access |
| Middle of the range | Custom shape, attached spa, upgraded interior finish, pavers or a larger deck, heater and automation |
| Toward $125,000 | Raised spa with spillover, water features, travertine or stone decking, lighting, extensive drainage or difficult access |
The eight things that move the price
- Size and depth. More water means more digging, steel, gunite and plaster.
- A spa. An attached spa shares equipment with the pool but adds its own shell, jets and plumbing.
- Water features. Fountains, scuppers, bubblers and slides each add plumbing and often a second pump.
- Interior finish. Standard plaster costs less than pebble finishes, which last longer and feel different underfoot.
- Decking. Broom-finish concrete, pavers and travertine sit at very different price points per square foot.
- Access. If equipment cannot get into the yard easily, digging takes longer and costs more.
- Drainage and grading. Houston clay and heavy rain mean some yards need real drainage work before a pool makes sense.
- Equipment. Heaters, variable-speed pumps, salt systems, lighting and automation all change the total.
Why gunite costs more than fiberglass, and when it is worth it
A fiberglass pool is a factory shell that arrives on a truck. It is quicker to install, and the shape is whatever the catalog offers. A gunite pool is built in place from steel and sprayed concrete, so it can follow your yard, your patio and the angle of your house. If your lot is narrow, oddly shaped or you want a spa that spills into the pool, gunite is usually the only way to get the pool you are picturing.
Costs people forget to budget for
- Fence and gate changes so equipment can get in, and any pool barrier your city requires
- Electrical and gas runs from the house to the equipment pad
- Landscaping to repair the yard around the new pool
- Running costs: chemicals, power for the pump and heater, and cleaning
We price access, utilities and drainage in the estimate, so the number you sign is the number you plan around. Weather and inspections can still move the calendar, and we tell you as soon as they do.
How to get an accurate number for your yard
Prices on the internet (including this one) are ranges. Your yard is a specific yard. The quickest way to an accurate number is a site visit: we measure, check access and drainage, ask how you want to use the pool, and come back with a design and a written price before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get a gunite pool?
Keep the shape simple, skip the spa or water features at first, choose a concrete deck and make sure equipment can reach the yard easily. You can plan plumbing for a future spa or feature so it is easier to add later.
Does PoolCraft offer free estimates?
Yes. Call 713-660-7728 or send the form on this site and we will set up a visit.
Is a spa worth adding?
If you will use it in winter, yes. An attached spa shares the pool's equipment and heats faster than a separate hot tub.
