A gunite pool on average takes two to four months to build because the concrete needs time to completely cure, or dry before you can finish the pool and fill it with water. A vinyl liner pool, on the other hand, can be completed in just two to three weeks. You'll also want to consider the look and feel of your pool.
Unlike fiberglass pools, gunite pools can be made on-site which allows for more flexibility and is easier to install. Gunite pools are incredibly durable and do not require a liner. This allows the pool to look better and retain its shape over time.
The builders started telling customers you can have a vinyl pool that emulates a gunite pool." In addition, Fox Pools, has introduced a line of hybrid pools, called the Ultimate Pool, that can be installed in-ground, partially or entirely aboveground.
While gunite pools vary widely in cost, you can expect to pay significantly more for a gunite pool than you would for a vinyl liner pool.
Vinyl Liner Pools Are the Most Cost-Effective Choice
Sure, any which way you go, a new swimming pool is going to be a substantial investment, but vinyl is less costly than fiberglass or concrete, making this one huge advantage over other pools. Concrete is costly expensive both in installation and maintenance.
But a properly built Gunite pool can and should last for 100 years or more, with no risk of cracking whatsoever. We've been building Gunite pools for more than 40 years (more than 4000 swimming pools), and we've never had one crack yet.
First, a vinyl liner pool is less expensive to install than a gunite pool. A gunite pool with standard finishes can easily start out between $10,000 to $15,000 more than the identical size and shape vinyl liner pool. This is because vinyl is modular and easier to install in most situations.
A common cause with pool cracks is from too-thin gunite used during the installation process. During the construction process, the gunite might not adhere properly to the steel framework. When this occurs, the gunite “rebounds,” or bounces back after application. Rebound gunite should be removed and thrown away.
A fiberglass pool is not prone to growing algae, which is one of the main reasons why this pool is easier to maintain. Anyone who is looking for a pool that doesn't require a lot of maintenance may want to consider going with a fiberglass pool.
Custom Gunite pools are very durable. Among the different types of in-ground pools available today, Gunite pools last the longest and have the best warranties. This should be taken into account when considering the higher cost of Gunite pools. You'll get many more years of use from a Gunite swimming pool.
A vinyl liner pool has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. 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.
One of the most important steps in gunite or concrete swimming pool construction is selecting the right type of waterproofing. Concrete is a porous substrate prone to water penetration; therefore, it has to be sealed to keep water in the pool, in addition to keeping ground water out, which is often forgotten.
As we stated earlier, concrete comes ready mixed. With gunite, on the other hand, a dry mix is fired through a hose with the water being added at the point of delivery. Unlike concrete, when building gunite pools, you can stop and start without any problems, which will help give a smoother finish.
Lower cost – depending on your preference for shape and size, fiberglass pools inclusive of equipment can range from $55k-$70k. This is often a lower cost option compared with a custom gunite pool.
Typically, some last from 5 to 10 years and others that are in ideal settings and properly taken care of may just very well last over 15 years. Since you've made the investment, ensuring that you make the best of your investment will include properly caring for that vinyl liner.
Why Pool Liners Matter
Pool liners are critical because they form a barrier between the wall of the pool and the water inside of it. Many inground pools have tiled walls that eliminate the need for a liner.
Fiberglass pools are exceptionally durable and can last the lifetime of a home. Vinyl liner pools can also last the lifetime of a home. However, the liner itself will need to be replaced on average every ten years, but provides a unique opportunity to completely refresh the look of your pool.
During the pool conversion, you will attach a pad between the liner and the gunite walls. Rolled wall foam is cut in strips and attached to the walls. An adhesive works well for this step. The purpose is to provide cushioning so the gunite does not damage your vinyl liner.
While Marcite plaster is the least expensive of the gunite pool surfaces, it does have its disadvantages. The surface can start to show visible chipping or etching after 5 to 7 years. They will also start to stain, and inhibit algae due to its porous surface and is the least durable in the plaster pool family.
On average, gunite swimming pools last 7 to 10 years before they need to be resurfaced. When that time comes, it's important to know what options are available so that you can pick the best choice for your backyard space.
It seems like a fairly straightforward question. Except the ultimate answer to whether a replacement vinyl liner can be installed in a concrete pool is anything but straightforward. Starting on the simple side of the equation, the answer is “yes” a vinyl pool liner can be installed in a concrete pool.
A typical vinyl liner lasts between 10 and 15 years, though there are many factors that can affect its lifespan. Living in an area susceptible to ground water problems can reduce your liner's life, as can not keeping the water in your pool balanced.
If you have a vinyl liner, you'll be happy to know you can use a salt chlorinator system in your pool without taking any extra precautions. The liner will be exposed to lower levels of chlorine, so it may even extend your liner's lifespan.