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.
What is the difference between a gunite and vinyl pool.
The small bumps and cracks are prone to algae growth and if the growth gets out of hand your pool will need an acid bath or a re plastering job.
Vinyl liner pools have the lowest initial cost of any of the three types of in ground pools.
You want a custom shape or depth.
While the building process takes longer than a fiberglass pool installation this allows for more flexibility in shape and size.
Your budget is in the 25 000 to 35 000 range.
Vinyl liner pools are not immune to ground water issues either the difference is that with a vinyl liner the problem is not only fixable it s generally not an expensive fix.
A vinyl liner pool is a good fit if.
You re prepared to spend a lot of time and money maintaining your investment.
Usually what ends up happening is the water pools up behind the liner and forms a bubble.
Ready made gunite pool projects typically cost between 50 000 and 100 000 upfront.
A vinyl liner pool has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure.
There are no limitations to the length width and depth of vinyl liner pools.
Now that you know the differences between vinyl and gunite pools you can make an informed choice on which.
Vinyl liners typically lock their top edge called a bead into a track located on the bottom of the coping which is at deck level.
You can t find a fiberglass pool to suit your needs.
For most people there is no diy option for concrete pools.
Gunite pros and cons.
Vinyl now offers the same selection.
Advantages of vinyl liner pools.
Except the vinyl will be printed with photographs of tile or rocks instead of the real thing.
So an inexpensive vinyl pool does look cheaper than a gunite pool but a nice vinyl pool can look just like a gunite pool.
The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to vinyl.
Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.
Cost initial and lifetime concrete.
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.
A gunite pool is a good fit if.
A concrete pool would take your entire summer to install and a vinyl liner pool only a month.
If you are looking for a specific shape an extra large or extra deep pool gunite is great for this.
Customizable shape and size.
Gunite pools are built on site.
In comparison you get more swim space with a vinyl liner pool for the same investment.
Your budget is 50 000 or more.
Construction techniques do vary.
Biggest bang for your buck.