RockMaple Bend Residence
“When the homeowner in Kissimmee, FL, envisioned a backyard oasis, he pictured more than just a pool. He wanted a custom-designed gunite pool paired with a…”
The Brief
the homeowner’s vision for a backyard oasis in Kissimmee, FL, began with a desire for a unique pool that would serve his family for years. He wanted more than just a place to swim; he envisioned a complete outdoor living space tailored to his specific needs.
the homeowner needed a pool design that went beyond standard shapes, incorporating both a main swimming area and a relaxing spa. The primary challenge was to create a custom-formed pool up to 300 square feet, paired with an 8ft x 6ft raised spa, all while ensuring structural integrity and modern conveniences within a residential property in Kissimmee.
How deep can a residential gunite pool be?
Residential gunite pools can vary widely in depth. For the homeowner’s project, the pool was designed with a standard depth ranging from 3.5 feet to 5.5 feet.
What are the benefits of a salt system for a pool?
A salt system converts salt into chlorine, providing a softer feel to the water, reducing harsh chemical odors, and often requiring less manual chlorine addition compared to traditional systems.
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 needed a pool design that went beyond standard shapes, incorporating both a main swimming area and a relaxing spa. The primary challenge was to create a custom-formed pool up to 300 square feet, paired with an 8ft x 6ft raised spa, all while ensuring structural integrity and modern conveniences within a residential property in Kissimmee.
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
Nov 2025
Nov 2025
Nov 2025
Dec 2025
Jan 2026
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 — documentary details paired with three photoreal visualizations of the finished poolscape.
★★★★★ “When Pedro in Kissimmee, FL, envisioned a backyard oasis, he pictured more than just a pool. He wanted a custom-designed gunite pool paired with a…”
After the First Swim
the homeowner now enjoys a fully customized gunite pool and raised spa that perfectly matches his initial vision for his Kissimmee home. The blend of custom design, quality materials like the gunite shell and natural stone coping, and advanced features like the heat pump and wireless automation, created a functional and beautiful outdoor space.
Ready to design yours?
Free design consultation — fast, no-obligation quotes.
Pool Design / Quote →Lifetime shell warranty · 10-year interior · 1-year equipment
