Why a Gunite Pool Is the Ultimate Backyard Upgrade in Omaha & Papillion, NE

Dreaming of a backyard that truly stands out? A gunite pool in Omaha or Papillion, NE brings custom design, long-term durability, and that resort-style feel home to you. Built to fit your space, your style, and your standards, gunite pools offer more than just a place to swim — they transform the way you live outdoors. At Hardscape Contractors, we design and build high-end poolscapes that are as functional as they are unforgettable. Here’s why gunite is the upgrade that delivers it all.

Related: Luxury Backyard Living Starts With the Right Pool Builder in Omaha, NE

What Is a Gunite Pool?

A gunite pool is built using a steel rebar framework, then sprayed with a concrete and sand mixture that’s cured in place. The result is a highly durable, fully customizable pool shell that outperforms other construction methods in both longevity and design flexibility.

Unlike fiberglass or vinyl pools, gunite isn’t confined to pre-molded shapes or fixed dimensions. Every detail — from the depth and contours to the tanning ledge, built-in spa, or swim-up bench — is tailored to fit your yard and your lifestyle. It’s a custom creation, not a cookie-cutter solution.

That’s why so many homeowners in Omaha and Papillion, NE, choose gunite when they’re ready to create a standout outdoor living space. It’s the preferred option for luxury properties and for families who want more than a standard installation — they want something permanent, beautiful, and uniquely theirs.

At Hardscape Contractors, we build gunite pools because they align with the quality and creativity our clients expect. We’re not here to deliver a quick fix. We’re here to design a backyard experience that lasts, in both structure and style.

How a Gunite Pool Transforms Everyday Living in Omaha & Papillion

A gunite pool does more than improve property value — it transforms how you enjoy your home every day. For homeowners in Omaha and Papillion who value comfort, design, and time well spent outdoors, a custom gunite pool offers lifestyle benefits that go far beyond swimming. Here’s how:

1. Custom Layout for How You Live

Every family is different — and so is every yard. With gunite, your pool is shaped to reflect how you actually spend time outdoors. Want lap lanes for morning workouts? A quiet spa for evening relaxation? A shallow area for lounging with a drink in hand? Gunite allows for complete customization of size, depth, and layout, ensuring the finished design enhances how you live.

2. Better Entertaining Space

Hosting just got a whole lot easier. Gunite pools can be designed with integrated features like tanning ledges, swim-up bars, built-in benches, and surrounding patios — all crafted for seamless social flow. Whether it’s summer birthdays, weekend barbecues, or casual evenings with friends, your pool becomes the centerpiece of every gathering.

3. Resort-Level Design, Right at Home

Gunite pools offer the flexibility to include high-end design elements that mirror luxury resorts. Picture cascading waterfalls, sleek fire bowls, glowing LED lighting, and integrated spas — all working together to create a five-star experience in your own backyard. It’s not just about swimming. It’s about setting a mood, escaping the ordinary, and elevating your everyday routine.

4. Long-Term Quality for Your Forever Home

For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, a gunite pool is a smart investment that delivers lasting enjoyment. Unlike vinyl liners that may need replacement every 5–10 years, a properly constructed gunite pool is built to last for decades. When paired with expert construction and thoughtful maintenance, it becomes a permanent feature that supports your lifestyle year after year.

5. Kid-Friendly and Future-Proof

Families love the flexibility gunite provides. Shallow play areas, wide steps, built-in seating, and gradual entries make the pool safer and more inviting for kids. And as your family’s needs change over time, a gunite pool’s durable structure and timeless design ensure it remains functional, beautiful, and relevant for years to come.

6. Seamless Style Integration

Because gunite pools are fully custom, they can be matched to your home’s architecture and landscape design down to the smallest detail. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or something in between, your pool can reflect the same design language — from the shape and coping to the surrounding hardscapes and lighting. The result is a cohesive outdoor space that feels like a natural extension of your home.

At Hardscape Contractors, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our design process is driven by your goals, your property, and your lifestyle, ensuring your gunite pool is as practical as it is beautiful.

Limitless Design Possibilities

One of the biggest reasons homeowners in Omaha and Papillion choose gunite pools is creative freedom. With gunite, you're not limited to stock shapes or shallow depths — you’re building a one-of-a-kind pool that fits your property, your lifestyle, and your vision for the space.

Every detail is customizable, from structure to finishes to features. Whether you're designing a sleek modern retreat or a naturalistic, resort-inspired poolscape, gunite makes it possible.

Custom Shapes, Depths, and Layouts

Gunite gives you complete control over your pool’s form. Go beyond rectangles and kidney shapes — design a wraparound pool that follows the lines of your home, include a deep-end diving zone, or integrate a tanning ledge for shallow lounging. If you can envision it, it can be built.

High-End Materials That Make a Statement

Gunite pools allow for a wide range of luxury finishes that elevate the entire look of your outdoor space. Popular options include:

• Glass tile for shimmering waterlines and bold color accents

• Pebble or quartz finishes for texture, color depth, and durability

• Custom coping using natural stone, poured concrete, or travertine for a refined edge
  These details do more than look beautiful — they also contribute to the pool’s long-term durability and value.

Integrated Features for Comfort and Style

Enhancements like built-in spas, baja shelves, and swim-up seating are easy to incorporate during the design phase. Want to add a fire feature for evening ambiance, or an in-pool lighting system that brings your space to life after sunset? With gunite, these features aren’t afterthoughts — they’re seamlessly integrated from the start.

At Hardscape Contractors, we bring these design possibilities to life through expert planning, premium materials, and a collaborative approach. Our pools are crafted to complement your home, your taste, and your goals, with every line, texture, and feature working together to create a space that feels like a true extension of your lifestyle.

What Is the Best Color for a Gunite Pool?

Popular finish colors include shades of blue, gray, and tan, depending on the look you want. Lighter colors reflect more light and feel brighter, while darker finishes can create a natural lagoon effect and retain heat better. We’ll help you choose a finish that complements your home and landscape.

Can Gunite Pools Be Smooth?

Yes. While pebble finishes offer a textured feel, smoother options like plaster and polished aggregates are available. Each finish has its own look, feel, and lifespan, and we’ll guide you through the best choice for your space.

Project Highlight: Seamless Transitions in a Natural Setting

In one of our backyard transformations, a cascading natural stone waterfall was designed to flow directly into the custom inground pool, creating a peaceful, resort-style ambiance that connects water and landscape.

To enhance the space, we layered in whimsical plantings, bold seasonal blooms, and a series of large stone slabs that form both a retaining wall and a dramatic backdrop for the pool. The result? A space that feels grounded in nature and perfectly suited for both relaxation and entertaining.

Explore this project and see how seamless outdoor living can be. 

Built to Handle Nebraska Weather

Nebraska’s seasons can be unpredictable — from freezing winters to humid summers and everything in between. That’s why durability isn’t just a bonus when it comes to pool construction — it’s a requirement. Fortunately, gunite pools are exceptionally well-suited for Omaha and Papillion’s freeze/thaw cycles, making them a smart, long-term choice for homeowners who expect performance to match beauty.

Unlike fiberglass or vinyl pools, gunite pools are reinforced with a steel rebar framework and cured concrete, creating a monolithic structure that holds up under pressure. With proper engineering and expert installation, a gunite pool is designed to resist shifting soils, ground movement, and seasonal expansion and contraction — all of which are common in Nebraska’s climate.

At Hardscape Contractors, we go beyond industry basics. We use advanced reinforcement techniques, including tailored rebar spacing, professional-grade curing practices, and drainage planning that protects the structure from water intrusion and pressure buildup. These steps are critical in preventing structural issues like cracking or shifting over time.

Surface performance matters, too. When paired with the right high-quality finish — such as a durable pebble, quartz, or plaster coating — your gunite pool is less prone to bubbling, fading, or chemical damage, even under intense sun or changing temperatures.

The result? A pool that’s not only beautiful but built to withstand the elements year after year, giving you peace of mind and long-lasting value.

Hardscape Contractors brings deep local experience to every project. We understand the soil, the weather, and how to build outdoor living spaces that don’t just look incredible, but hold up to the demands of Nebraska living.

Related: Top Pool Companies for Your Dream Inground Pool in Omaha or Elkhorn, NE

What to Expect During Gunite Pool Construction

When you invest in a custom gunite pool, you’re stepping into a full design and construction experience. Understanding the process helps you feel confident every step of the way.

At Hardscape Contractors, we’ve streamlined our installation process to ensure clear communication, consistent quality, and minimal disruption to your daily life. Here’s what to expect:

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Design Consultation – It all starts with your vision. We’ll work closely with you to create a pool that reflects your lifestyle, complements your property, and maximizes your outdoor space.

2. Excavation – Our team handles the site prep and excavation, ensuring accurate shaping and proper elevation based on your final design.

3. Steel Rebar Framework – A steel skeleton is formed to reinforce the shell, providing long-term strength and stability.

4. Gunite Application – The concrete mixture is sprayed over the rebar and sculpted into your pool’s final shape.

5. Curing Period – Once applied, the gunite cures over several days to achieve its full strength. This phase is essential to long-term durability.

6. Finishing Touches – We apply your chosen surface finish (pebble, plaster, tile), install coping, and complete decking, lighting, and water features.

7. Start-Up & Orientation – Once filled, we’ll test and balance the water, walk you through your equipment, and ensure everything is ready for your first swim.

Timeline Expectations:

A gunite pool typically takes 8–12 weeks from excavation to completion, depending on design complexity, site conditions, and weather. Because everything is custom-built, this timeline allows for quality at every stage.

Permitting & HOA Coordination:

You won’t be navigating red tape alone. We handle local permitting, code compliance, and HOA documentation as part of the process, ensuring your project meets all requirements before we break ground.

From the first meeting to the final walkthrough, Hardscape Contractors keeps communication consistent and clear. Our clients know exactly what’s happening, when it’s happening, and why — because that’s what a premium service should deliver.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Gunite Pool?

Gunite pools take longer to build than fiberglass options and typically require a higher upfront investment. They may also need surface refinishing after 10–20 years, depending on materials and maintenance. However, their durability, design flexibility, and long-term value often outweigh these factors for homeowners seeking a custom, permanent solution.

How Long Should a Gunite Pool Last?

With proper installation and care, the gunite shell can last 50 years or more. Surface finishes like plaster or pebble may need refinishing after 10–20 years, but the core structure remains extremely durable.

Is It Normal for Gunite To Crack?

Hairline surface cracks can occasionally occur due to shrinkage or weather, but structural cracks are rare with proper engineering and construction. At Hardscape Contractors, we build with reinforced steel and advanced techniques to minimize this risk.

Is Gunite Pool Maintenance More Involved?

Not necessarily. When equipped properly, gunite pools are low-stress and built for decades of enjoyment.

Built for Long-Term Durability

Unlike vinyl pools that rely on liners susceptible to tears, fading, and frequent replacements, a gunite pool is constructed with a solid concrete shell and finished with long-lasting materials like plaster, pebble, or tile. These finishes are durable, attractive, and built to withstand years of use without the need for regular resurfacing.

No Liners, No Replacements

Because gunite pools are built without liners, you won’t have to worry about bubbling, shifting, or unexpected damage. The structure is permanent and reliable, making it an ideal solution for families who want peace of mind with their investment.

Smart Technology Simplifies Upkeep

Today’s equipment makes pool care easier than ever. Gunite pools can be paired with automatic cleaning systems, high-efficiency filtration, and smart water monitoring tools that reduce hands-on maintenance. These modern options help keep your pool clean, balanced, and swim-ready, without constant oversight.

Designed for Lasting Value

With proper seasonal care and attention to water chemistry, most gunite pools will maintain their structure and finish for decades. And when built by experienced professionals who understand local climate challenges — like Hardscape Contractors — you get a pool that’s designed for low-maintenance longevity from day one.

Beyond the Pool: Outdoor Living Features That Complete the Space

A gunite pool may be the centerpiece, but the surrounding elements are what turn your backyard into a complete outdoor experience. The advantage of working with a design-build firm like Hardscape Contractors is that we don’t just stop at the pool — we consider the entire environment.

Seamless Outdoor Living Features

We design and build poolside elements that elevate both form and function:

• Patios and seating areas that flow naturally from your pool deck
  Outdoor kitchens and grilling stations for effortless entertaining

• Shade structures and pergolas that make the space usable all day long

• Fire pits and built-in seating that extend your pool’s appeal into the evening

All of these features are integrated with your pool from the start, not added as an afterthought.

Smart Pool Automation

For homeowners who want control at their fingertips, we can include advanced automation systems that manage:

• Pool heating and cooling

• Underwater and landscape lighting

• Water level control and filtration

These systems enhance comfort while minimizing daily upkeep, giving you a beautiful pool that’s also easy to enjoy.

Landscaping That Frames the Experience

The right landscaping completes the look and adds natural privacy. We incorporate plants, trees, and hardscape elements that not only enhance beauty, but also soften edges, create shade, and frame the pool to feel like a private retreat. Whether you want bold color or subtle greenery, we design with intention and cohesion in mind.

At Hardscape Contractors, we think beyond the water. Your gunite pool is the beginning — the full outdoor transformation is what makes it unforgettable.

Why Hardscape Contractors Is the Top Choice for Gunite Pools in Omaha & Papillion

When you’re investing in a custom gunite pool, choosing the right partner is everything. At Hardscape Contractors, we’ve earned a reputation for delivering high-quality poolscapes and outdoor environments that exceed expectations.

Deep Local Knowledge

We understand the Nebraska climate, soil conditions, and permitting processes inside and out. From freeze/thaw concerns to HOA requirements, we build pools that are engineered for long-term performance in Omaha, Papillion, and surrounding areas.

High-End Design and Craftsmanship

Our team doesn’t just install pools — we design experiences. Every gunite pool we build is fully custom and tailored to your lifestyle, with premium materials and finishes that stand the test of time.

Full-Service Execution

You won’t need to juggle multiple contractors or deal with disjointed planning. We handle everything in-house — from initial design through excavation, construction, finishing, and final walk-through. That means a smoother process, clearer communication, and better results.

A Trusted Name in Custom Outdoor Living

We work with homeowners who expect exceptional service, top-tier design, and professional execution — and we deliver. Our portfolio speaks to the quality of our work, and our referrals speak to the relationships we build along the way.

If you’re ready to bring a custom gunite pool to life, you deserve a team that brings confidence, clarity, and craftsmanship to every detail.

Ready to Build Your Custom Gunite Pool?

If you're planning a luxury outdoor space in Omaha or Papillion, NE, a custom gunite pool is the centerpiece that brings it all together. Contact Hardscape Contractors today to schedule a consultation and discover what’s possible when craftsmanship, creativity, and local expertise come together.

Related: Experience the Ultimate in Outdoor Living With an Inground Pool in Gretna and Papillion, NE