A concrete pool would take your entire summer to install and a vinyl liner pool only a month.
What is the difference between a gunite and vinyl pool.
Underneath the liner is a sand or cement like floor.
Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.
While the building process takes longer than a fiberglass pool installation this allows for more flexibility in shape and size.
Customizable shape and size.
Cost initial and lifetime concrete.
You re prepared to spend a lot of time and money maintaining your investment.
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.
There are no limitations to the length width and depth of vinyl liner pools.
Again most of this can be easily combated with regular pool cleanings and water maintenance.
Vinyl liner pools do come with a warranty.
A gunite pool is a good fit if.
Your budget is in the 25 000 to 35 000 range.
You want a custom shape or depth.
Gunite pros and cons.
A vinyl liner pool has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure.
Vinyl now offers the same selection.
Ready made gunite pool projects typically cost between 50 000 and 100 000 upfront.
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.
In comparison you get more swim space with a vinyl liner pool for the same investment.
Vinyl liner pools have the lowest initial cost of any of the three types of in ground pools.
Except the vinyl will be printed with photographs of tile or rocks instead of the real thing.
Construction techniques do vary.
Gunite pools are built on site.
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.
Usually what ends up happening is the water pools up behind the liner and forms a bubble.
You can t find a fiberglass pool to suit your needs.
Now that you know the differences between vinyl and gunite pools you can make an informed choice on which.
Advantages of vinyl liner pools.
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.
Biggest bang for your buck.
For most people there is no diy option for concrete pools.
If you are looking for a specific shape an extra large or extra deep pool gunite is great for this.
So an inexpensive vinyl pool does look cheaper than a gunite pool but a nice vinyl pool can look just like a gunite pool.
Your budget is 50 000 or more.