Luxury Gunite Pools in Hollis and Amherst, NH: Custom Designs for Stunning Backyards
If you’re dreaming about long summer days by the pool, evening gatherings with friends under string lights, and that serene moment when the water is still and glowing — you’re in the right place.
There’s something timeless about a well-designed backyard pool — not just as a place to swim, but as the center of your outdoor life.
In Hollis and Amherst, NH, gunite pools are a popular choice for those looking to create something beautiful, personalized, and built to last.
This guide takes a closer look at the design possibilities, standout features, and ideas that turn a standard pool into a showpiece, all tailored to the unique character of New England backyards.
Related: High-End Pool Design & Poolscapes to Elevate Your Swansea, MA Property
What Makes Gunite the Gold Standard of Custom Pools
When it comes to luxury pools, gunite is in a class of its own.
Forget cookie-cutter shapes and limitations — gunite is fully customizable and built to last.
Unlike fiberglass or vinyl liners, gunite is a mix of cement, sand, and water that’s sprayed over a steel-reinforced frame. Once cured, it becomes a rock-solid structure that can be shaped and styled however you want.
And when you’re not worried about “budget,” that opens the door to some serious creativity.
Gunite pools offer:
Endless design flexibility — freeform shapes, curves, straight edges, deep ends, shallow lounging areas
Durability — strong enough to last decades with the right care
Custom finishes — from smooth plaster to dazzling glass tile
Built-in features — spas, bars, benches, you name it
This is the material pros choose when they want to create a true resort-style experience at home.
The Signature Features That Make a Gunite Pool Feel Like a Resort
Want your pool to feel like a 5-star hotel in your backyard?
These are the kinds of design elements that take it from “nice pool” to “where did you get this?”
Each one of these is fully customizable in a gunite build — and yes, you can have all of them.
Infinity Edges
Great for elevated yards or sloped properties
Water flows over the edge, creating a vanishing effect
Adds a modern, high-end visual
Beach Entries
No steps — just a gradual slope into the pool
Comfortable and welcoming
Perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, or letting kids splash safely
Swim-Up Bars
Built-in stools right in the pool
Entertain with cocktails without leaving the water
Combine with an outdoor kitchen or bartender setup
Sunken Fire Lounges
Fire pit surrounded by in-ground seating inside the pool deck
Water meets flame — pure ambiance
Ideal for nighttime hangouts
Integrated Spas
Seamlessly built into the pool structure
Heated and jetted for full relaxation
Spillover features add motion and elegance
LED Mood Lighting
Change colors with a remote
Soft glow at night sets the mood
Highlight features like waterfalls or steps
These aren’t “nice-to-haves.”
They’re why you build a gunite pool in the first place.
Custom Pool Design Ideas That Impress (and Inspire Envy)
Now that we’ve covered the features — let’s talk vibes.
Everyone has a different pool personality. Whether you love to host, chill, or turn heads, there’s a design style that fits your lifestyle and your lawn.
For the Social Host
You love to entertain. Your pool should be an extension of the party.
Built-in tanning ledges with loungers
Outdoor speakers hidden in landscaping
Large, open pool decks with multiple seating zones
Swim-up bar + outdoor kitchen combo
Uplighting for the surrounding trees
For the Aesthetic-Obsessed
Your outdoor space is Instagram-ready at all times.
Custom mosaic tile lining the pool walls
Black-bottom pool finish for sleek depth
Geometric shapes with clean, sharp lines
Water bowls or fountains for vertical interest
Minimalist plantings to frame the pool without clutter
For the Relaxation Purist
You’re here to float, unplug, and find your center.
Deep soaking spa connected to the pool
Bubbling water features for sound therapy
Natural stone or pebble finishes for a soft look
Shade structures with daybeds
Fire bowls or linear fire pits nearby for evening calm
Whatever your style, the point is this:
Gunite pools let you design around you.
Not what’s “available” — but what’s possible.
Complete the Backyard Vision With a Full Poolscape
A stunning pool is only part of the story.
To create a backyard that truly impresses, it needs to flow as one connected space — not just a pool plopped into a lawn.
This is where a full poolscape comes into play.
Luxury Paver Patios & Custom Stone Decking
Coordinate with the pool tile or coping
Slip-resistant, gorgeous under bare feet
Natural materials like travertine, granite, or bluestone
Outdoor Kitchens & Grills
Entertain without going inside
Built-in grill, pizza oven, fridge, sink, and bar top
Covered with a pergola or open-air structure
Cabanas & Pergolas
Provide shade and style
Add ceiling fans, TVs, or even curtains for privacy
Perfect for relaxing out of the sun or sneaking in a nap
Fire Features
Linear fire pits across the pool edge
Sculptural fire bowls near seating areas
Doubles as lighting and ambiance at night
All of these elements work together to make your backyard feel like a private resort — designed just for you.
Expertise in Action: Transforming an Uninspired Backyard into a Luxurious Retreat
At Premier Gunite Pools, our passion lies in turning ordinary outdoor spaces into extraordinary sanctuaries. Our recent project, aptly titled "From Uninspired to Luxurious," exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation in pool and landscape design.
Project Overview
This backyard transformation showcases a seamless integration of various outdoor elements to create a cohesive and inviting environment. The design features distinct zones, including a cozy fire pit area, a spacious outdoor cooking and dining space, and an elegant pool complemented by lush lawns. The use of cool grey pavers, sleek waterfalls, monochromatic perimeter plantings, and angular design elements contributes to the overall tranquility and sophistication of the space.
Design Philosophy
Our design approach centered on creating a harmonious flow between different functional areas while maintaining a consistent aesthetic. By incorporating modern materials and clean lines, we achieved a contemporary look that still feels warm and welcoming. The strategic placement of plantings and water features adds depth and movement, enhancing the sensory experience of the space.
Execution and Craftsmanship
The transformation from an uninspired backyard to a luxurious retreat required meticulous planning and execution. Our team managed every aspect of the project, from initial design concepts to the final installation, ensuring that each element met our high standards of quality and craftsmanship. The result is a backyard that not only meets but exceeds the client's expectations, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment.
The "From Uninspired to Luxurious" project stands as a testament to Premier Gunite Pools' expertise in creating bespoke outdoor living spaces. Our team's ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal ensures that each project we undertake is both beautiful and enduring. For homeowners seeking to elevate their outdoor spaces, our portfolio demonstrates the transformative power of thoughtful design and skilled execution.
For more details and images of this project, please visit: From Uninspired to Luxurious.
Related: Design the Perfect Backyard Pool in Narragansett, RI or Swansea, MA with Expert Pool Companies
Year-Round Enjoyment: Features That Extend the Season
Even in New Hampshire’s climate, a well-designed gunite pool area doesn’t have to sit dormant half the year. With the right elements, it can be a destination well into fall — and even early spring.
Consider adding:
Heated Pool & Spa Systems
Keep water comfortable beyond summer
Automate heat levels for convenience
Retractable or Automated Pool Covers
Clean look and easy control
Helps retain heat and protect from debris
Covered Lounging Areas with Infrared Heaters
Stay warm outdoors on cooler nights
Adds ambiance and comfort
Integrated Lighting for Fall & Winter Evenings
Extend use into shorter daylight hours
Highlight features even when not swimming
Water Features That Elevate the Experience
The sound and motion of water add texture and energy to any space. These elements are built directly into the structure of a custom gunite pool and make a dramatic impact on mood and style.
Popular choices include:
Sheer Descents – Smooth, glass-like waterfalls from walls or edges
Deck Jets – Arcs of water that shoot from the patio into the pool
Scuppers and Spillovers – Water flows from spa to pool or along edges
Bubblers – Gentle jets in shallow areas like sun shelves
These are more than visual effects — they help set the atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining.
Tech & Automation That Add Effortless Luxury
Luxury is convenience. Today’s best pools are wired for smart living, letting you control your space with ease — and show off a little while you’re at it.
Add-ons worth considering:
App-Based Pool Controls
Adjust lighting, temperature, jets, and more from your phone
Schedule cleaning and maintenance remotely
Smart Speakers & Outdoor Audio
Seamless integration with Spotify, Apple Music, or Alexa
Hidden speaker systems for clean aesthetics
Poolside TVs & Entertainment Zones
Watch the game from the water
Combine with outdoor kitchens or bars for the ultimate hangout
Voice-Controlled Lighting & Features
“Set party mode” actually does something
One command = full transformation
Hollis & Amherst, NH — The Ideal Backdrop for Outdoor Elegance
There’s something special about luxury outdoor spaces in New Hampshire.
Especially in towns like Hollis and Amherst.
The rolling landscapes, the mature trees, the larger lot sizes — these are the kinds of settings where luxury design has room to breathe.
Here’s why this area works beautifully for high-end poolscapes:
Sloped yards = perfect for infinity edge pools
Private properties = more creative freedom
Natural scenery = built-in backdrop for design
Seasonal variety = opportunity for year-round features like spas & fire
It’s not Florida. And that’s the beauty of it.
Gunite pools here feel exclusive, intentional, and serene.
Why Homeowners Trust Premier Gunite Pools for High-End Projects
Designing a luxury pool isn’t about picking from a list.
It’s about working with someone who can translate what’s in your head into something that exists in your backyard.
Premier Gunite Pools gets that.
Here’s what they bring to every project:
Design Expertise
3D renderings so you can walk through your design before it’s built
Full site planning to maximize your space
Advice on materials, layout, and features that fit your vision
Custom-Built from the Ground Up
Every pool is one-of-a-kind
No prefabs, no templates
Fully engineered to your land and lifestyle
Luxury Finishes and Materials
High-end tile, stone, and decking choices
LED lighting, automation, and integrated tech
The little details that make a big impact
All-In Project Management
Permits, inspections, timelines — handled
Trusted subcontractors for every part of the job
Communication throughout the entire process
When you work with Premier, it’s not about what can be done.
It’s about what should be done to create something unforgettable.
Ready to Make It Happen? Let’s Build the Backyard You Deserve
No cookie-cutter pools. No compromises. Just the custom poolscape your property was made for.
If you’ve been staring out at your backyard thinking it could be so much more — you’re right.
Premier Gunite Pools is ready to bring that vision to life.
Whether you already have design ideas in mind or want help dreaming it up, the process is easier than you think when you work with professionals who get it.
Reach out to the team at Premier Gunite Pools today and let’s start sketching out the pool your Hollis or Amherst home deserves.
Our dedication to client satisfaction is reflected in the feedback we receive. Bob R., a client who has collaborated with us on multiple projects, shared his experience:
“Gairad and his crew at Premier Landscape are one of the most professional trades in the business. We have engaged their help on many projects on various locations. We are very fussy and demanding people and Premier has met our expectations every time. They are very honest, reliable and hard working and committed to quality. They have great communication skills from the design to the execution and everything in between. We highly recommend them and we plan on continue using them whenever we have the need.”
Related: 3 Ways Custom Gunite Pools Bring Luxury to Your Relaxing Summer Days in Narragansett, RI