Generations of craftsmanship meets modern engineering. We build one-of-a-kind gunite pools for Connecticut's most discerning homeowners - from excavation through final plaster.
Searching for "gunite pool contractors near Fairfield County" or "gunite pool builder near me"? Gedney Pools is both — gunite pool builder and gunite pool contractor are interchangeable terms for the same trade. We are licensed, insured, and based near Fairfield County, CT.
Gunite pool construction is the only method used by serious luxury pool builders and pool contractors near Fairfield County, and for good reason. Unlike prefabricated fiberglass shells or vinyl-lined pools, a gunite pool is built entirely on-site, from the ground up, to your exact specifications. Every curve, depth transition, bench, tanning ledge, and spillover is engineered and formed to match the precise vision you and your architect have for the property.
At Gedney Pools, gunite construction is our flagship service. Owner John C. Gedney III brings deep, hands-on Connecticut pool-construction experience and an obsessive commitment to structural integrity, material quality, and detail. Every gunite pool we build is engineered to last decades and finished to a level that matches the architecture and landscape it sits in.
We are fully licensed by the State of Connecticut - HIC #0704131 and SPB #SPB.0000169 - and we carry the insurance, bonding, and trade relationships that come from decades of building in this market.
Every Gedney pool follows a proven, phase-by-phase construction process. Here is exactly what to expect from the day we break ground to the day you fill the pool:
Heavy equipment removes earth to the engineered dimensions. On rocky Fairfield County lots, we bring in rock hammers or blasting subcontractors as needed. Spoils are removed or repurposed for grading. Typical duration: 2-5 days depending on soil and rock conditions.
A cage of #4 rebar is tied on 12-inch centers throughout the pool shell - floor, walls, benches, and any integrated spa. This structural steel framework is what gives a gunite pool its permanent strength. We use chairs and tie wire to maintain precise positioning before the shoot. Duration: 3-5 days.
All return lines, suction lines, main drains, skimmer plumbing, LED light conduits, and autofill lines are installed and pressure-tested before gunite application. We use Schedule 40 PVC and rigid conduit exclusively - no flexible pipe shortcuts. Duration: 2-3 days.
The gunite crew pneumatically shoots a dry mix of cement and sand onto the steel framework at high velocity, building up the shell to a minimum of 8 inches thick. This is the day the pool takes its permanent shape. The shell is then hand-troweled smooth and left to cure. Duration: 1-2 days for the shoot, then 7-10 days curing.
Waterline tile is set (glass, porcelain, or natural stone), coping is installed around the pool perimeter (bluestone, limestone, travertine, or poured concrete), and any raised walls or water feature stonework is completed. This phase defines the pool's visual character. Duration: 1-3 weeks.
Pumps, filters, heaters, salt chlorine generators, chemical controllers, and automation systems are installed on the equipment pad. We spec Pentair and Jandy commercial-grade equipment and program full automation so the entire pool can be controlled from your phone. Duration: 3-5 days.
Pool decking is installed - whether poured concrete, pavers, or natural stone - and we coordinate with your landscape contractor for final grading, planting, and drainage. We ensure proper pitch away from the pool to prevent runoff contamination. Duration: 1-2 weeks.
The final interior surface is applied - standard white plaster, colored quartz aggregate, or premium pebble finishes like PebbleTec or Hydrazzo. The pool is immediately filled with water, and our startup technician manages the critical 28-day chemistry protocol to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish. Duration: 1 day application + 28 days startup.
There are pool builders, and then there are pool builders. In a market where the lowest bid often wins, here is what separates Gedney Pools from the competition:
We build gunite pools on every type of residential property throughout Fairfield County and into Westchester County, NY. Whether your lot is flat, sloped, wooded, or sits on solid Connecticut ledge rock, we have the experience and equipment to build a spectacular pool.
Our most common projects include:
In the luxury residential market of Fairfield County, gunite is not a choice - it is the expectation. Here is why:
Unlimited design freedom. A gunite pool can be any shape, any size, any depth. Want an 18-inch tanning ledge that transitions to an 8-foot deep end? A radius corner spa with a 4-inch spillover into the pool? A 60-foot lap lane with automatic cover? Gunite makes all of it possible because the pool is formed and built entirely on-site.
Permanent structure. A properly built gunite pool is a permanent addition to your property. The reinforced concrete shell does not flex, shift, or degrade the way vinyl liners and fiberglass shells do. It is the same technology used to build bridges, dams, and tunnels - adapted for the residential pool market.
Return on investment. In Fairfield County's luxury real estate market, a well-designed gunite pool with quality finishes adds significant value to your property. Appraisers and buyers in this market expect gunite - not fiberglass, not vinyl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom gunite pools in Fairfield County run $150,000 to $500,000+ depending on size, complexity, site conditions, and features. A straightforward 16x32 rectangular pool with basic coping starts near $150K. A vanishing-edge pool with spa, water features, and premium finishes on a hillside lot can exceed $500K.
A typical custom gunite pool takes 10 to 16 weeks from excavation to completion. The timeline depends on pool complexity, weather conditions, municipal permit timelines, and coordination with other trades on the project. We build detailed construction schedules at the start of every project and keep clients informed at every phase.
Gunite is cement, sand, and water applied pneumatically over a reinforced steel framework. Unlike fiberglass shells (pre-made shapes) or vinyl liners (replaced every 7-10 years), gunite pools take any custom shape and last for decades with proper maintenance. It is the structural standard for luxury pool construction in Fairfield County.
Yes. Connecticut requires building permits for all in-ground swimming pool construction. You will also need health department approval, zoning compliance (setbacks, lot coverage calculations), and potentially wetlands or inland-wetlands permits depending on your property. Gedney Pools handles the entire permitting process - we know the requirements and review boards in every town we serve. Learn more about our permit services.
Absolutely. Some of our most striking pools are built on challenging hillside lots throughout Fairfield County. Sloped sites are actually ideal for vanishing-edge and infinity pool designs. We work with structural engineers to design proper retaining systems, manage drainage, and take advantage of the natural topography to create pools that look like they were always meant to be there.
Contact us for a free on-site consultation. We will walk your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed proposal.
(203) 302-9920