Here's a chart comparing Fiberglass, Concrete (Gunite) and Vinyl Liner pools. We've put the data together so that you can weigh the benefits of buying a Fiberglass pool for yourself. If you have questions or wish to inquire about a pool, please call 614.890.POOL or
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Leisure Pools Fiberglass Swimming Pools |
Concrete Swimming (Gunite) Pools |
Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools |
| Warranty |
35 year by the Manufacturer |
1-5 years by contractor |
Liner seams only |
| Installation Time |
5-13 days installation, ready for decking using few (if any) subcontractors. |
8-12 weeks using many different subcontractors. |
2-3 weeks using few subcontractors. |
| Shapes of Pools |
Limited to the models of the manufacturer. |
Unlimited |
Limited to the models of the manufacturer. |
| Price of Pools |
Average |
High |
Average |
| Estimated Chemical Usage |
Surface does not alter water's chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used. |
Plaster reacts with water to raise pH levels. Uses substantially more acid & chlorine to counterbalance this chemical reaction. |
Surface does not alter waters' chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used. |
| Estimate Electricity Use |
Circulate Water 4-6 hours daily. |
Circulate Water 8-10 hours daily. |
Circulate Water 5-7 hours daily. |
| Surface Texture |
Smooth, non-abrasive to skin or swim suits, walking and seating areas are textured for slip resistance. |
Rough, causes skin abrasions to feet, hands and swim wear. |
Slippery, easily punctured or torn by toys, pets, or surfacing rocks. |
| Algae Penetration |
Algae sweeps off with wall brush. |
Algae grows and is harbored in pores of gunite. Acid baths and scrubbing required to remove algae. |
Seams of liner harbor algae. |
| Estimated Maintenance Time |
1/2 hour per week maximum |
4-5 hours per week |
2-3 hours per week |
| Major Renovation |
None |
Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years. |
Vinyl Liner needs to be replaced every 7- 9 years. |
| Stairs and Seating |
Built into pool shell. |
Optional & Additional Cost. |
Optional & Additional Cost. |
| Quality Control |
Manufactured in environmentally controlled factory under stringent quality control standards. |
Manufactured on-site. No environmental control. |
Kit manufactured in factory. Quality of on-site assembly varies by installer. |
| Type of Coping |
Fiberglass or Concrete |
Concrete |
Aluminum (which easily corrodes) |
| Loan Acceptance |
Excellent Swimming Pool Financing |
Good |
Fair |
