LarkspurLake Drive Residence
“Imagine stepping out into your backyard, the warm Florida sun on your skin, and easing into a custom-designed gunite pool, complete with a generous…”
The Brief
Imagine stepping out into your backyard and finding a custom-designed oasis, complete with a generous sun shelf and a low-maintenance salt system. That's exactly what Grunit Pool Contractors delivered for the homeowner in Winter Garden, FL.
the homeowner envisioned a unique backyard pool in Winter Garden that would serve as a central gathering point, but she needed a contractor who could handle custom design and all the construction complexities from start to finish. Her existing outdoor space required clearing of old concrete pavers before any new construction could begin. She wanted a pool that not only looked beautiful but also offered specific features like a dedicated sun lounging area and durable, attractive finishes.
What is a gunite pool?
A gunite pool uses a dry mix of cement, sand, and water sprayed at high pressure over a rebar framework, allowing for custom shapes and exceptional durability.
What are the benefits of a sun shelf?
A sun shelf provides a shallow area perfect for lounging in the water, for young children to play, or for pets to cool off, adding versatility to your pool.
Does Grunit Pool Contractors serve Winter Garden, FL?
Yes, Grunit Pool Contractors proudly serves Winter Garden, FL, and the wider Central Florida area with custom pool design and construction services.
How much does it cost to build a custom pool in Central Florida?
Most custom inground pools in Florida run $50,000–$110,000+, with complete gunite projects — design, decking, equipment, permits, and finishes — commonly landing in the $70,000–$100,000 range. Spas, water features, and outdoor living push totals higher. Grunit provides a free design consultation and a fast, no-obligation quote.
How long does it take to build a pool?
Typical construction runs 2–4 months — excavation, steel, gunite, tile, decking, and finish — with design and permitting adding several weeks before digging starts. Weather and inspection schedules can shift the timeline.
Can I finance a pool?
Yes. Most custom pools are financed — through pool-specific lenders, home-equity lines, or cash-out refinancing. Grunit offers financing options with approved-credit terms; see grunit.com/financing for current programs.
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Florida?
Yes. Florida requires building permits and safety-code compliance (including barrier/fencing requirements) for in-ground pools. Grunit handles permitting and inspections as part of every build.
What is the difference between gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl pools?
Gunite (concrete) pools are built on site in any shape and last the longest; fiberglass pools are pre-molded shells with faster installs but fixed shapes; vinyl-liner pools cost less up front but need liner replacement every 7–10 years. Grunit specializes in custom gunite construction.
What materials are used for pool decking?
Pool decks commonly use pavers, concrete, porcelain, or natural stone like travertine — chosen for slip resistance, heat comfort underfoot, and how they pair with the home’s architecture.
Can I customize the shape and features of my pool?
Yes — custom gunite pools allow unique shapes, sun shelves, integrated spas, water features, fire features, and lighting, all tailored to your yard. Grunit designs every project in 3D so you approve exactly what gets built.
Design Language
the homeowner envisioned a unique backyard pool in Winter Garden that would serve as a central gathering point, but she needed a contractor who could handle custom design and all the construction complexities from start to finish. Her existing outdoor space required clearing of old concrete pavers before any new construction could begin. She wanted a pool that not only looked beautiful but also offered specific features like a dedicated sun lounging area and durable, attractive finishes.
Built on Precision
The dimensioned site plan fixed the geometry before the first shovel — vessel, deck, setbacks, bonding, and code-required safety all resolved on paper first.
- Site Plan
- Custom Pool
- Deck Areas
- Setbacks
- Setbacks / Pool Equipment Location
- Safety Fence
- Hayward variable-speed pump
- Cartridge filter system
- Chlorinator + electrical sub-panel
- LED lighting
- Skimmer + code drain covers
The Build
A gunite pool is built, not delivered. Every stage of this build was documented in the field — the same sequence Grunit runs on every Central Florida pool.
Sep 2025
Sep 2025
Sep 2025
Oct 2025
Nov 2025
Nov 2025
Material Story
- Gunite Shell steel-reinforced concrete
- Waterline Tile 6″ porcelain band
- Quality Plaster bright, durable interior
- Deck & Coping cool, slip-resistant surfaces
Living Here
Six completed perspectives — 1 idealized property view paired with 5 clearly identified photoreal visualizations.
★★★★★ “Imagine stepping out into your backyard, the warm Florida sun on your skin, and easing into a custom-designed gunite pool, complete with a generous…”
After the First Swim
the homeowner now enjoys a beautiful and functional custom gunite pool, a central feature of her Winter Garden home designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The carefully selected materials, from the durable gunite shell to the elegant travertine coping and Flagstone pavers, create a cohesive and inviting outdoor living space. The sun shelf offers a perfect spot for lounging, while the salt system and automation upgrade ensure the pool is easy to maintain and enjoy. This project transformed the homeowner’s backyard into a personal resort, ready for countless hours of enjoyment.
Ready to design yours?
Free design consultation — fast, no-obligation quotes.
Pool Design / Quote →Lifetime shell warranty · 10-year interior · 1-year equipment
