|
Fiberglass Swimming
Pools
|
Concrete Swimming
(Gunite) Pools
|
Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools
|
Warranty
|
Lifetime 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
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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.
|
Estimated
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.
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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
|
