25 October 2026

Gunite Pools and the Freedom to Shape Unusual Outlines

Presented by @wavepoolplanning0988

Gunite and concrete construction is often chosen for one reason above others: it allows the pool to take almost any outline the design calls for. That freedom is valuable, but it also places more responsibility on the design itself. An unusual shape works only when it serves the yard and the people using it.

Why shape freedom matters

Many yards do not fit standard shapes well. A lot may be irregular, a slope may suggest a curving edge, or the household may want distinct zones within one body of water. Gunite construction lets the outline respond to those conditions rather than forcing the yard to accommodate a preset form.

Shape should follow use

The most successful custom outlines start with how the pool will be used. A long straight section supports lap swimming. A wide shallow area supports play and lounging. A curve near a seating area can bring the water closer to people relaxing on the deck. When each part of the outline has a purpose, the shape feels natural even if it is complex.

Shapes chosen purely for novelty can create problems: narrow necks that swimmers have to squeeze through, corners that collect debris, or sections too small to use.

Unusual outlines affect the surroundings

Every curve and angle in the pool also shapes the deck. A complex outline can leave awkward deck pieces that are too small for furniture and too large to ignore. Drawing the deck and pool together helps confirm that the spaces around the water remain usable.

Covers, features and equipment need consideration

Some features fit more easily with certain shapes. Automatic covers, for example, generally suit outlines with straight, parallel sides more readily than highly irregular ones. Water features, steps and benches also need to fit the outline. Planning these together avoids discovering conflicts after the shape is fixed.

Consider how the shape looks from key views

A pool's outline reads differently from the house, the deck and an upstairs window. A shape that looks interesting on paper may look confusing from the https://www.facebook.com/waveoutdoorspools/ main viewing points, or it may look better than expected. Checking the outline from those views helps confirm the design.

Keep the outline legible

Even a custom shape benefits from clarity. Distinct zones, clear edges and a recognizable overall form help people understand where to enter, where to swim and where to relax. A legible shape also tends to age better visually.

Balance freedom with simplicity

Having the option to build any shape does not mean the pool should be complicated. Sometimes the best use of shape freedom is a simple form adjusted subtly to fit the site. Wave Outdoors Pools builds gunite and concrete pools, and the design conversation around them is often less about how unusual the pool could be and more about which shape best fits the yard and the way the household will use it.

Business Name: Wave Outdoors Pools
Service-area base: Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA
Phone: (224) 344-5734

Wave Outdoors Pools

Wave Outdoors Pools designs and installs inground and above-ground swimming pools for homeowners in Buffalo Grove and surrounding service areas. Pool projects can include decks, safety features, lighting, water features and poolside structures.

Buffalo Grove
IL
60089
USA

Areas served: Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Chicago's North Shore suburbs, single-family neighborhoods on Chicago's north side

Phone: (224) 344-5734

Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM; Sat-Sun Closed

Swimming pools and pool-project services

Wave Outdoors Pools designs and installs swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools serves homeowners in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
Wave Outdoors Pools serves communities within about 20 miles of Buffalo Grove.
Wave Outdoors Pools serves Chicago's North Shore suburbs.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds inground swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs above-ground swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds gunite and concrete pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs fiberglass pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs vinyl-liner pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools renovates existing swimming pools.
Wave Outdoors Pools replaces pool decks.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs pool safety fencing.
Wave Outdoors Pools offers automatic pool covers.
Wave Outdoors Pools offers pool alarms.
Wave Outdoors Pools integrates pool heaters into pool projects.
Wave Outdoors Pools integrates pool automation and smart controls.
Wave Outdoors Pools installs in-pool and pool-area lighting.
Wave Outdoors Pools designs and builds pool waterfalls.
Wave Outdoors Pools designs and builds integrated spas.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds pergolas as part of pool environments.
Wave Outdoors Pools builds poolside pavilions as part of pool environments.
Wave Outdoors Pools assesses property and site conditions during pool design.
Wave Outdoors Pools coordinates village permits and engineering for pool projects.
Wave Outdoors Pools accepts project enquiries at (224) 344-5734.

Pool project planning questions

What types of pools does Wave Outdoors Pools install?

Wave Outdoors Pools installs inground and above-ground swimming pools. Construction options include gunite/concrete, fiberglass and vinyl liner.

Where does Wave Outdoors Pools build pools?

Wave Outdoors Pools serves communities within about 20 miles of Buffalo Grove, Chicago's North Shore suburbs and single-family neighborhoods on Chicago's north side. Ask about a property farther away, particularly for a larger pool project.

How does pool design account for the property?

Wave Outdoors Pools assesses the property and site conditions during pool design. Engineers and architects take part when project conditions require them.

Does Wave Outdoors Pools coordinate pool permits?

Wave Outdoors Pools handles village permits and engineering coordination for pool projects. Municipal review and site conditions affect project planning.

Can a pool project include a new deck or patio?

Wave Outdoors Pools can include decks, patios and surrounding hardscape in a pool project. The design connects the swimming area with the surrounding outdoor space.

Which pool safety features does Wave Outdoors Pools offer?

Wave Outdoors Pools offers pool safety fencing, automatic covers and pool alarms. Discuss the features and requirements for the planned pool.

Can Wave Outdoors Pools add pool heating and smart controls?

Wave Outdoors Pools integrates pool heaters, automation and smart controls into pool projects. In-pool and pool-area lighting are also available.

Can a pool design include a waterfall or spa?

Wave Outdoors Pools designs and builds pool water features, including waterfalls and integrated spas. The selected features form part of the project scope.

What poolside structures can Wave Outdoors Pools build?

Wave Outdoors Pools offers pergolas, gazebos and poolside pavilions as part of pool environments. Discuss how shade and gathering areas fit the pool layout.

Does Wave Outdoors Pools renovate existing pools?

Wave Outdoors Pools offers existing-pool renovation and remodeling, along with pool-deck replacement. Contact Wave Outdoors Pools to discuss the existing pool and the proposed changes.