This is the question we get on every single first call — and it deserves a straight answer. Not a “it depends” and a subject change. Not a range so wide it’s useless. Here’s what a custom gunite pool actually costs in the Hill Country in 2026, broken down honestly.
Most Hill Country Pools Run Between $75,000 and $450,000
That’s a wide range — and we’ll explain exactly what puts a pool at each end of it. The most important thing to understand upfront is that Hill Country builds are priced differently than pools in flat suburban markets. The terrain, the soil, and the distances involved all affect the number.
| Build Type | Typical Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Custom | $75,000 – $140,000 | Custom shape, plaster finish, basic LED lighting, standard equipment |
| Mid-Range | $120,000 – $200,000 | Spa, tanning ledge, salt system, upgraded tile, automation |
| High-End | $200,000 – $450,000+ | Infinity edge, custom tile, grotto, full outdoor integration, premium automation |
Site Conditions Drive Cost More Than Pool Size
Most people assume a bigger pool costs more. That’s true — but it’s not the biggest variable. Here’s what actually moves the price on a Hill Country build:
- Rock and caliche. Blasting or breaking through limestone adds excavation time and equipment cost. On a clear sandy lot, excavation is straightforward. On a rocky Hill Country lot, it can add $8,000–$25,000 to the project.
- Grade and elevation change. Sloped lots require retaining walls, additional engineering, and more complex forming. A hillside pool that needs a raised bond beam or terraced deck can add $15,000–$40,000 over a flat-lot equivalent.
- Distance from the builder’s base. We’re based in Bulverde. A pool in Spring Branch costs less to build than one in Fredericksburg — crew travel, material delivery, and site supervision all factor in.
- Custom features. A basic tanning ledge adds $5,000–$12,000. A raised spa adds $15,000–$30,000. An infinity edge can add $20,000–$50,000 depending on the wall height and finish. These are meaningful additions — but they’re also the features our clients use every single day.
- Equipment package. There’s a big difference between a standard pump and filter setup and a fully automated Pentair system with variable-speed pumps, UV sanitization, and remote control. The premium package adds $8,000–$20,000 over a base equipment spec.
Entry-Level Doesn’t Mean Basic
A $90,000 gunite pool from Pools Unlimited is still a fully custom build. You’re not choosing from a catalog — you’re getting a pool designed for your specific yard, built by the same crew from excavation to handoff, with a fixed-price contract and a one-year workmanship warranty.
What you give up at the entry level is add-ons — the spa, the tanning ledge, the automation system. The pool itself is the same quality of construction regardless of where it lands in the price range.
Already Have a Pool? It Might Cost Less Than You Think to Fix It
If you’ve got an existing pool that’s cracked, outdated, or just ugly, a full renovation is often a fraction of the cost of a new build. Re-plaster, new tile, coping replacement, and equipment upgrades typically run $20,000–$60,000. A full gut-and-rebuild on an existing shell can run $40,000–$90,000.
If your pool is structurally sound but showing its age, renovation almost always makes more financial sense.
Most of Our Clients Finance — Here’s How It Works
A $150,000 pool financed over 15 years at a competitive fixed rate runs roughly $1,100–$1,300 per month. We work directly with Lyon Financial, LightStream, and LendingClub — three lenders who specialize in pool financing. You apply directly with them; we provide the project documentation.
Terms typically run 5 to 20 years, fixed-rate. Pre-qualification doesn’t affect your credit score. Check out financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pool size affect cost more than site conditions in the Hill Country?
What’s the cheapest type of gunite pool you can build in the Hill Country?
Can I add features like a spa or tanning ledge later to save money upfront?
How accurate is a phone or email quote for a Hill Country pool build?
Is it worth financing a pool or should I wait until I can pay cash?
The Only Way to Know What Your Pool Will Cost Is to Walk the Lot
Ballparks are useful. Real numbers come from standing in your backyard and understanding the terrain, the access, and what you actually want to build. We do that for free — no obligation, no pressure.