A custom gunite pool in North Georgia is a major investment, and the price depends far more on your yard and your design than on any single number. This guide explains what drives the cost of a gunite pool around Athens, what published regional pricing looks like, and how to plan a budget before you meet with a builder.
How Much Does a Gunite Pool Cost in Georgia?
Gunite pools, often called concrete or shotcrete pools, sit at the top of the inground price range because every pool is formed and finished on site. According to Angi’s Atlanta pool cost data (updated August 2026), most homeowners in the Atlanta area spend between $53,865 and $98,360 on an inground pool, and concrete pools typically run $65,000 to $150,000.
For comparison, the same source lists fiberglass pools at $40,000 to $100,000 and vinyl liner pools at $30,000 to $80,000. Those are regional figures, not quotes. Your price depends on the factors below.
| Pool type | Typical Atlanta-area range |
|---|---|
| Gunite / concrete | $65,000 – $150,000 |
| Fiberglass | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| Vinyl liner | $30,000 – $80,000 |
Source: Angi, Atlanta, GA in-ground pool costs, updated August 9, 2026.
What Drives the Cost of a Gunite Pool
Size and depth
More square footage means more excavation, steel, gunite, plaster or pebble finish, and tile. A deeper pool also adds material. Angi notes a common 12×24 pool falls well below a 20×40 pool in base cost.
Shape and design
Gunite can be shaped into anything, which is its main advantage. Rectangles and simple geometric shapes cost less to form than freeform or highly detailed designs.
Site conditions
Georgia’s red clay, sloped lots, rock, and limited equipment access all affect excavation and grading. Angi lists excavation at roughly $4,000 to $7,000 and grading at $500 to $8,000 in the Atlanta area, depending on the site.
Features and finishes
Spas and spillovers, tanning ledges, sheer descents and other water features, LED lighting, and premium finishes such as pebble or tile all add to the base price. So do automation, heating, and automatic covers.
Decking, fencing, and code requirements
Most pools need coping and a deck around them, and local codes may require a barrier or fence. Angi lists decking at $5,000 to $12,000 and fencing at $1,000 to $5,000 in the Atlanta area.
Gunite vs. Fiberglass: Which Fits Your Budget?
Fiberglass pools arrive as a finished shell, install faster, and usually cost less up front. Gunite pools cost more but give you full control over size, shape, depth, and features. We build both, so we can price the same backyard both ways and help you choose the one that fits your goals and budget.
How to Plan Your Pool Budget
- Decide on must-have features first, such as a spa or tanning ledge, and treat the rest as options.
- Budget for the full project, not just the pool shell: decking, fencing, equipment, and landscaping repair.
- Ask for a site visit. Slope, soil, and access can change a quote more than pool size.
- Ask what is included, especially permits, equipment, and start-up.
- Review a 3D design before construction so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gunite the same as concrete?
Gunite is a method of applying concrete. A dry mix is sprayed through a hose and combined with water at the nozzle. Shotcrete is a similar method using a pre-mixed wet concrete. Both produce a concrete pool, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably.
Why does a gunite pool cost more than fiberglass?
Each gunite pool is built on site from steel, concrete, and a custom interior finish, which takes more labor and time than setting a factory-made fiberglass shell.
Does Bulldog Pool Builders offer financing?
Yes. See our financing page for current options, or ask during your consultation.
How do I get an accurate price for my yard?
Every gunite pool is custom, so an accurate price requires a look at your property. Schedule a consultation or call (706) 705-7751, and we will walk through design options and pricing for your site.
Bulldog Pool Builders designs and builds custom gunite pools and fiberglass pools from our base in Athens, serving Northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina.