Can You Add a Beach Entry, Spa, or Grotto to a Gunite Pool?
Can You Add a Beach Entry, Spa, or Grotto to a Gunite Pool?
The answer is YES! – and that’s one of the biggest advantages of choosing a gunite pool: nearly every feature is customizable. While fiberglass pools are limited to pre-molded shapes, gunite pools are built onsite, allowing you to shape every curve, ledge, and water feature to fit your vision.
Most homeowners don’t realize just how many custom options gunite pools offer. In the sections below, we’ll break down key gunite pool features – like beach entries, spas, and slides – so you can better plan a pool that fits your family’s needs and your backyard’s layout.
1. Beach Entry / Zero Entry Pool Design
A beach entry pool (also known as a zero entry pool or zero depth pool) has a shallow, sloped entrance that mimics the feeling of walking into the ocean. There’s no need for stairs – just a smooth, gradual descent into the water.
This feature is great for:
- Kids and older adults
- Lounge chairs partially in water
- Pools designed with a natural or resort feel
Gunite construction makes this type of pool entry fully customizable, whether you want a small beach slope or a wide, gradual zero depth pool entry.
2. Tanning Ledge (Sun Shelf / Baja Shelf)
Another top request from homeowners is a tanning ledge – a shallow, flat area perfect for lounging partially submerged or placing bubblers or loungers. It’s typically 6–12 inches deep and placed at the shallow end or next to a spa.
Tanning ledges work well in small beach entry pool designs too, offering a relaxing zone that looks stylish and functional.
They’re also a great spot for kids to play or for adults to cool off without fully swimming.
3. Built-In Spa
Yes, you can absolutely add a spa to a gunite pool – and it can be fully integrated or separate. Many homeowners love the look of a spillover spa, where the hot water cascades gently into the pool. Gunite makes it easy to design the shape, seating, and jets to your liking.
With gunite, you have full flexibility to design the shape, seating layout, and jet configuration exactly how you want it.
Whether round, square, raised, or flush with the pool, spas are one of the most popular upgrades.
4. Grotto with Waterfall or Slide
If you’re looking for a serious wow factor, a grotto or waterfall slide built with faux or natural rock (like Rico Rock) is a showstopper. It creates a tucked-away seating area under falling water, and often integrates a slide for extra fun.
Grottos can also serve as a cooling retreat or playful hideaway for kids and adults alike.
Gunite pools allow for fully custom grotto shapes, heights, and connections to the pool’s edge.
Other Custom Features to Consider
Beyond those big-ticket items, here are a few other pool design features worth considering:
- Built-in benches or swim-up seating
- LED lighting for underwater ambiance
- Deck jets or sheet waterfalls for added movement
- Automation & smart pool controls
- Saltwater system compatibility
- Custom shapes or freeform pool designs
Why Gunite Is the Best Choice for Custom Pools
When it comes to fully customized pool designs, gunite is unmatched. It allows for:
- Custom shapes and depths
- Complete control over entry styles and ledges
- Seamless spa and water feature integration
- Long-term durability and flexible finish options
Even if you’ve seen your dream pool in a fiberglass design, we can help you bring that look to life in a gunite pool – designed to last.
Ready to Start Designing?
At The Pool Guy, we help homeowners across Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, and all of Acadiana create custom gunite pools that match their space, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your backyard, we’d love to walk you through your options.
Have questions about beach entry pools or custom spas? Contact us here
📍 Serving South Louisiana since 2008
