Get the Inside Scoop on this 22' x 53' Lautner-Edge Pool Project
The Total Transformation
This once empty beachfront property in Long Branch, NJ, is getting a TOTAL transformation. And by total, we mean not one, but two contractor companies occupying the lot regularly and often simultaneously. We’ve got the pool covered, while Monmouth Custom Builders handle the house build. While we don’t play favorites, this 22’ x 53’ gunite pool with a built-in spa and sundeck is going to be one for the books!
The First Steps (and the Challenge)
Each waterfront property can present its own unique challenges. For this one, it’s the sandy soil—due to its close proximity to the beach. After breaking ground in spring 2025, it was time to tackle this added challenge. Since the rebar needs to be against a solid, straight wall surface, our crew basically had to over-dig and create a wood form/structure to keep it all stabilized. Once that was complete, it was time for the rebar cage!
Work. Inspection. Pass. Repeat.
Within the rebar cage the grounding points had to be connected. The entire cage is bonded electrically for safety, ensuring that if a lightning strike or stray voltage ever occurs, the energy is safely dispersed—protecting anyone using the pool. Before any more work can begin, the township must inspect and approve everything completed up to this point. With a passing inspection, it’s time for plumbing—where this project gets especially interesting. Most of the plumbing runs directly through the rebar cage, except for the spa, which features a more intricate network of pipes. What really sets this pool apart is its gutter system running all along the outside edge. Keep reading to see how this gutter system comes into play for the overall design!
Next Up: Gunite Day
Once plumbing is installed, pressure tested, and cleared by another inspection, the next major milestone begins: gunite day. Not to be confused with shotcrete or a common concrete, a gunite pool consists of a dry sand, a portland mix, and water mixed right at the nozzle and shooting out at a high velocity. This allows the gunite to stick to itself and build up. The gunite is then shaped and smoothed as needed. On this particular project there were two Tri State Gunite crews—about 10 people per crew. There were two trucks per crew allowing them to pull materials from one as the other refilled. It kept operations running smoothly and efficiently.
It doesn’t take long for the gunite to harden but don’t be fooled! It takes about 30 days for the gunite to fully cure and be ready for the next step: waterproofing.
What Sets this Pool Apart
Unlike most gunite pools that include tile and coping, this design skips both! Typically, tile helps protect the plaster from cracking when exposed to air. This pool doesn’t need it—thanks to its Lautner edge design. It’s engineered to appear overfilled, with any overflowing water going into the gutter system. This keeps the plaster fully submerged at all times, eliminating the need for tile. Even more unique: the patio will come right up to the pool’s edge, with no traditional coping. The water will meet ground level, blending seamlessly with the surrounding patio.
Another standout feature is the euro edge around the spa—subtly angled to make the spa a part of the pool, without the obvious appearance of a dividing wall. Once complete, the water will maintain a calm, glass-like surface over the entire pool, with any water movement flowing into the gutter, keeping that smooth, uninterrupted appearance.
Overall this has been quite the exciting project and we’re enjoying seeing it come to life. We can’t wait for our clients to have this thoughtfully designed pool all complete and ready to be enjoyed for summers to come.