Gunite Vs Vinyl Liner

Vinyl linered pools can be cut though this is rare.

Gunite vs vinyl liner.

For these issues you have to drain the pool and remove the liner for repairs. Construction techniques do vary. The vinyl liner is easily repaired and replaced with very little or no down time. 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.

In vinyl liner pools metals usually only effect the color of the water whereas in gunite pools metals can stain the surface and be a real bear to remove as it embeds itself into the porous gunite material. For residential use this shouldn t be a huge issue though if you re planning a commercial pool this could become problematic over time. 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. Vinyl liner pools do come with a warranty.

Unless you get a hole or tear in the liner vinyl doesn t usually require specific maintenance other than routine cleaning of the pool. In severe cases draining of the gunite pool and acid washing the surface is your only solution. 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. So an inexpensive vinyl pool does look cheaper than a gunite pool but a nice vinyl pool can look just like a gunite pool.

If you re on a budget live where winter serves up icy cold or have tender feet a vinyl liner pool could be your best bet. The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to vinyl. Underneath the liner is a sand or cement like floor. 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.

On average a vinyl liner will last between 7 and 15 years with a replacement cost of 3 000 00 5 000 00. 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. Vinyl now offers the same selection. Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.

The three basic types of in ground pools are fiberglass vinyl liner and gunite. Except the vinyl will be printed with photographs of tile or rocks instead of the real thing. Wrinkles in your vinyl liner are only a cosmetic issue but many people prefer to smooth them out which takes significant time and effort. Many vinyl liner manufacturers have a 20 year pro rated warranty.

Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each in ground pool type along with general pricing.