Most custom gunite pools in New Braunfels and the surrounding Hill Country start around $60,000 and range to $200,000 or more — depending on size, finishes, and features. A typical mid-range custom build lands between $75,000 and $150,000. Below, we break down exactly what drives that number so you can budget with confidence.
What goes into the price of a custom pool
Unlike a cookie-cutter pool, a custom gunite pool is engineered for your lot, your home, and the way you want to live outside. That flexibility is the whole point — and it's also why two pools can have very different price tags. The biggest cost drivers are:
- Size and depth — more square footage and deeper ends mean more excavation, steel, gunite, and finish material.
- Finishes — plaster, quartz, and premium PebbleTec finishes each sit at a different price point.
- Decking and coping — travertine, pavers, and stamped concrete vary widely in cost and square footage.
- Water and fire features — spas, spillways, grottos, waterfalls, and fire bowls add both wow factor and cost.
- Automation, heating, and lighting — smart controls, heaters, chillers, and color LED systems are popular add-ons.
- Site conditions — sloped lots, rock, access, and soil all affect engineering and labor.
Realistic 2026 budget ranges
Entry custom — $60,000 to $75,000
A clean, well-built custom gunite pool with quality plaster, standard decking, and essential equipment. Fewer add-ons, but the same engineering and craftsmanship standard.
Mid-range custom — $75,000 to $150,000
Where most J. Oliver projects land. Expect an upgraded finish like PebbleTec, a tanning ledge or spa, nicer decking, automation, and lighting — a true backyard centerpiece.
Luxury resort-level — $150,000 to $200,000+
At the top of the luxury pool pricing range you'll find infinity edges, raised spas with spillways, grottos and waterfalls, full outdoor kitchens, and integrated outdoor living. A private resort in your own backyard. These figures are typical across the Texas Hill Country and most of Texas, where a longer swim season and competitive market keep custom pricing broadly similar from San Antonio to the Austin corridor.
How much does a pool renovation or remodel cost?
If you already own a pool, a renovation is almost always less than building new. Pool remodel and renovation costs in Texas depend entirely on scope. A straightforward PebbleTec resurface typically runs $8,000 to $15,000, while a fuller remodel with new tile, coping, decking, modern equipment, and automation generally lands between $25,000 and $60,000. Adding a spa, water features, or a new deck layout pushes a full reimagining higher. See our pool renovation page for what's included at each level.
Why gunite dominates Texas custom builds
You'll see fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools advertised at lower upfront prices, and they have their place. But in the Hill Country, gunite (sprayed concrete) is the standard for custom work because it can be built in any shape or depth, integrates seamlessly with spas and features, and holds up for decades in Texas conditions. It costs more upfront, and it's the most durable, fully-custom option available.
How to get an accurate number for your backyard
Online ranges are a starting point — your real number depends on your design and your lot. At J. Oliver Pools, every quote is itemized line by line, so you know exactly what you're investing in and what you're not. No vague allowances, no mid-project surprises, and flexible financing is available so you can build now and pay over time.
Pool financing and loans in Texas
You don't have to pay the full cost up front. We work with trusted pool financing partners — Lyon Financial and Viking Capital — who specialize in pool loans for custom backyard projects. You can pre-qualify with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score, then build now and pay over a term that fits your budget. Financing can typically cover the pool plus decking, a spa, water features, and outdoor living. See our pool financing page to explore your options.
Ready for a real number?
Tell us about your backyard and we'll put together a transparent, itemized quote for your custom pool.