Gunite Pool Construction in East Tennessee
Custom concrete pools built for your exact yard, slope, and budget.

What is a Gunite Pool?
A gunite pool is built on-site using a heavy steel rebar grid sprayed with thick concrete.
Unlike plastic vinyl liners that tear or prefabricated fiberglass shells that come in set shapes, gunite gives you a custom concrete pool built directly into your ground. It handles East Tennessee’s heavy clay soil, rocky terrain, and sloped yards better than any other pool type.


Key Benefits of Gunite
Built to Last 50+ Years
The steel and concrete structure won’t shift, crack, or float out of the ground. With standard maintenance and a replaster every 10 to 15 years, a gunite pool shell will outlast the house it sits next to.
No Limits on Shape, Size, or Depth
Since we build the pool from scratch on your East Tennessee property, you aren’t stuck with a catalog shape. We can build:
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Deep ends for diving
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Tanning ledges and shallow sun shelves
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Built-in benches and swim-up seating
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Attached spas and hot tubs
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Waterfalls and sheer descents

How We Build Your Pool
1. Design & Site Check
We measure your yard, evaluate the slope and soil, and create a 3D plan showing how the pool fits your property.
2. Excavation & Steel
We dig the hole and tie together a heavy steel rebar cage that forms the pool's frame.
3. Spraying the Gunite
We spray the concrete mix over the steel frame under high pressure to create the pool shell.
4. Tile, Coping, & Patio
We lay the pool edge, install waterline tile, and pour surrounding concrete or paver patios.
5. Plaster & Water
We spray the final waterproof interior plaster, fill the pool with water, balance the chemicals, and show you how to run the equipment.
Why Choose Loy's Pools & Patios?
We handle the entire project with our own crews from start to finish. In addition to the pool, we build the surrounding patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. You work with one local team instead of managing multiple subcontractors.
FAQs about Gunite Pools in East Tennessee
Which interior finishes do we usually install?
We install a range of premium PebbleTec interior finishes, giving homeowners several options
depending on the desired appearance, texture, water color, and budget.- PebbleTec – The original exposed aggregate pebble finish. It has a more natural, textured feel and is known for excellent durability and a classic resort-style appearance.
- PebbleSheen – Uses smaller, smoother pebbles than traditional PebbleTec. It provides a more refined texture underfoot while still offering the durability and natural appearance of a pebble finish. This is one of the most popular choices for homeowners.
- PebbleFina – A finer, smoother finish made with very small aggregate. It offers a polished, elegant appearance and is a good option for homeowners who want the
durability of an aggregate finish with a smoother feel. - PebbleBrilliance – A premium decorative finish that combines natural stone aggregate with glass beads and other materials. It creates additional sparkle, depth, and vibrant water color for a higher-end appearance.
- PebbleEssence – A refined aggregate finish that provides a great balance of texture, color, durability, and value. It offers a clean, upscale appearance without being as visually dramatic as some of the glass-enhanced finishes.
- PebbleQuartz – A quartz-based aggregate finish that provides a smoother and more uniform appearance. It is durable, attractive, and a great option for homeowners who prefer a more traditional pool interior with enhanced color and longevity compared with
standard plaster.
Overall, PebbleSheen is one of the most common choices for homeowners because it offers an excellent balance of durability, attractive water color, and a comfortable texture.
Homeowners looking for a more natural appearance may prefer PebbleTec, while those wanting a smoother or more premium finish may lean toward PebbleFina or PebbleBrilliance.For examples of available colors, textures, and finished pool appearances, visit PebbleTec’s Pool Finishes page:
https://pebbletec.com/products/pool-finishes/How long does a typical gunite pool build take us from dig day to filling it with water?
A typical gunite pool takes approximately 8–12 weeks from excavation to filling with water, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
The process includes excavation, steel and plumbing, gunite, curing, tile and coping, decking, equipment installation, interior finish, and startup.
Weather is one of the biggest factors affecting the schedule in East Tennessee. Heavy rain and saturated ground can delay several phases of construction. More complex projects with retaining walls, extensive hardscaping, or additional site work may also require more time.
The 8–12 week timeframe is a typical construction window, not a guaranteed completion date, as weather, inspections, materials, and site conditions can affect the schedule.
How do our gunite pools handle East Tennessee clay soil, groundwater, and rocky terrain?
East Tennessee soil conditions can vary greatly, so we adjust construction methods based on each site.
For clay soils, we focus on proper excavation, drainage, and a stable base to help manage moisture and soil movement. If groundwater is present, we may use gravel drainage, dewatering methods, or hydrostatic relief measures to reduce pressure around the pool shell.
For rocky terrain, heavier excavation equipment or hydraulic hammers may be required, but properly prepared rock can provide a very stable foundation.
Our gunite pools are built with a reinforced steel and concrete shell, with reinforcement and site preparation adjusted as needed for the conditions encountered.
How do we handle sloped yards or hillsides when building a pool here in East Tennessee?
Sloped yards are very common in East Tennessee, and we design each project around the property’s existing grade. Depending on the site, we may use retaining walls, raised pool walls, additional drainage, or other structural solutions to safely support the pool and surrounding areas.
In some cases, retaining features can be incorporated into the pool structure, while other projects require separate retaining walls. The best approach depends on the slope, soil conditions, elevation changes, and overall pool design.
What coping and waterline tile materials do we recommend or offer standard?
We typically recommend travertine coping because it stays relatively cool underfoot, provides a natural high-end look, and offers good slip resistance around the pool. Concrete coping is also available if desired.
For waterline tile, we offer porcelain, glass, and natural stone options in a variety of colors and styles to complement the overall pool design.
What is the typical warranty coverage on the pool shell itself vs. the equipment and interior finish?
Our gunite pool shell carries a 3-year structural and plaster warranty for the original owner through Smoky Mountain Gunite / U.S. Gunite.
Pool equipment and interior finishes are covered separately under their respective manufacturer warranties, with coverage varying by brand and product selected.
We provide homeowners with the applicable warranty information for their pool equipment and interior finish at project completion.
Gunite vs. Fiberglass: When a customer asks why they should choose gunite over a fiberglass shell, what is your main reason?
The biggest advantage of a gunite pool is customization. Gunite pools can be built in nearly any shape, size, or depth and can include custom benches, steps, tanning ledges, spas, and other features.
They also provide a very strong, permanent structure and are a great option for properties where a standard fiberglass shell may not fit the design, access, or site conditions.

Ready to Talk About Your Pool?
Contact us today to set up an appointment. We'll look at your yard, discuss what you want to build, and provide a clear quote.
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