May 12, 2026 — Maverick Pools
One of the first questions every homeowner asks is: what’s this going to cost? It’s a fair question, and most pool companies are evasive about it. We’re not.
Custom gunite pools in Bakersfield typically start in the $60,000s for a straightforward build and scale up significantly from there depending on size, features, and finish. Here’s what drives that number.
A simple rectangular gunite pool — no spa, no water features, standard plaster finish — is the entry point. That includes excavation, steel, gunite, basic tile, coping, standard concrete decking, and Hayward equipment.
Size matters: a larger pool costs more than a smaller one, but not perfectly proportionally because certain fixed costs stay constant regardless of pool footprint.
Spa. An integrated gunite spa adds meaningful cost depending on size and configuration. A raised spillover spa — where water cascades from the spa down into the pool — is at the higher end. It adds a dedicated heater, additional plumbing loops, and more complex tile and coping work.
Water features. Sheer descents, deck jets, and grottos each add cost depending on complexity. A simple pair of sheer descents on a stone wall is a different scope than a multi-tiered grotto. Budget per feature, not as a single line item.
Finish. Standard white plaster is the entry point. Premium pebble and aggregate finishes cost more but are significantly more durable and visually superior — most homeowners building a custom pool opt for them over basic plaster.
Decking. Standard broom-finish concrete is typically included in a base quote. Exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, cool deck, and travertine pavers each add cost, and the deck area around a pool is often substantial.
Outdoor living. Fire features, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and landscape lighting are scoped separately. We coordinate these trades as part of overall project management, but each is priced on its own merits.
Bakersfield pools require a City of Bakersfield building permit, electrical permit, and health department review. The permitting process adds time before construction can begin — factor several weeks into your project calendar depending on current review timelines.
We handle all permit submissions and county coordination as part of our standard process. You don’t manage this.
Some contractors quote low on the pool shell and recover margin on change orders during construction. The things most likely to be underspecified in a low bid:
We provide line-item proposals that specify every phase, every material, and every square foot. You know exactly what you’re getting before you sign.
Bakersfield’s year-round build season is one of its genuine advantages — we can start any month, and you’re not competing with a compressed spring window like Idaho homeowners face. That flexibility, combined with favorable building conditions, makes Kern County one of the better markets for getting a custom pool built efficiently.
The right number for your project depends on your property, your vision, and the features you want. If you’d like a real quote, schedule a consultation. We’ll walk your site, talk through your priorities, and give you a detailed proposal — not a range.
Every project starts with a conversation. We respond within one business day.