Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.
Gunite or vinyl liner.
The three basic types of in ground pools are fiberglass vinyl liner and gunite.
Obviously i am partial towards vinyl liner pools and not just because we install them but for the overall ownership experience.
Be sure to read the fine.
The industry named this type of construction a package pool most families found the vinyl liner package pool to be the best value over the more expensive custom concrete gunite swimming pools that were also available and fiberglass swimming pools were not accepted or readily available in most of the country.
Each one has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages but here at elite pools spas hardscapes we specialize in fiberglass for a few specific reasons.
This generally involves resurfacing of the gunite itself at a cost upwards on 10k.
The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to vinyl.
Wrinkles in your vinyl liner are only a cosmetic issue but many people prefer to smooth them out which takes significant time and effort.
Vinyl liner pools do come with a warranty.
The vinyl liner is easily repaired and replaced with very little or no down time.
Like with concrete pools you need to test.
Gunite pools too will need to have a makeover at least once in their lifetime.
For these issues you have to drain the pool and remove the liner for repairs.
Many liner manufacturers will not even make a liner if it is intended for a concrete pool which they can often tell just from the internal dimensions of the shape of the pool because of how fast they wear out.
Divots and dents are usually cosmetic as well but a bump due to a rock or pebble could lead to a tear in the liner.
The surface of vinyl is not as porous as a plaster finish on a gunite pool which means vinyl liner pools use less sanitizer than a gunite pool roughly around 25 less on average the non porous surface leads to less chemical usage during the season and therefore less money spent on chemicals.
Many vinyl liner manufacturers have a 20 year pro rated warranty.
So an inexpensive vinyl pool does look cheaper than a gunite pool but a nice vinyl pool can look just like a gunite pool.
Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each in ground pool type along with general pricing.
Surface is rough all you need to do is stick your hand in a concrete pool then a vinyl pool to feel the difference yourself.
Vinyl now offers the same selection.
On average a vinyl liner will last between 7 and 15 years with a replacement cost of 3 000 00 5 000 00.