What is the difference between a Vinyl and Gunite Pool
Posted on Wed, Apr 27, 2011 @ 10:24 AM
Ok so you are wondering what the difference is between a Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool and a Gunite or Concrete Swimming Pool.
It is my hope that we will be able to help you understand what the difference is between these two popular types of Swimming Pools and what the positives and negatives are of each.
Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools - these types of pool's use a Vinyl Liner that is stretched out on the inside of the pool to hold the water and contain it in the pool.
- Vinyl Liner Pools can typically have walls made of Steel, Polymer, Wood and even poured concrete.
- Vinyl Liner Pools typically cost between $10,000 to $15,000 less than the same sized Gunite Pool in our area here in Greenville-Spartanburg SC.
- The Vinyl Liners need to be replaced once they have dryed out or are leaking beyond repair which is typically 8 to 12 years. The life of a Vinyl Liner is very dependent on the balance of the pool water chemicals. The cost is generally around $2500 to replace a liner in 2011 dollars to replace an average sized 18 x 36 rectangle pool.
- Vinly Liner pools are very smooth on the feet and skin and soft where foam is used behind the pool liner and under the liner if vermiculite is used.
Gunite or Concrete Pools - these pools are very popular in the southern areas of the country and especially in areas of high water tables.
- Gunite pools are basically made of concrete and then topped with a non porous surface coat usually white plaster to seal the pool surface.
- Many pools use newer coating technologies such as Marcite with quartz dust and color chips as well as small pebble aggregates. One of these small pebble coatings is called Pebble Tec which is very popular.
- The difference of these coating is the time it will last and need to be resurfaced. Gunite pools will need to be resurfaced anywhere typically between 10 to 15 years depending on the balance of the water and attention to the calcium content.
- The cost to resurface a Gunite pool can run typically between $5000 and $10000 or more depending on the type of material used and the size of the pool.
- One of the main reasons folks go with a Gunite pool is the ability to customize the pool as you are not limited to what is available in the pre fabricated kits of the Vinyl Liner Pools.
So in summary, the big difference in Vinyl Liner Pools and Gunite Pools is cost. Gunite Pools cost quite a bit more in the beginning and also later on when it needs to be resurfaced. Yes they are beautiful and very upscale looking and as long as you are looking at the pool in that light than the cost will not matter. But if you just want to swim and are on a budget, a Vinyl Liner Pool will allow you have that at an affordable Price.
Please ask us any questions or post comments as we welcome the comments.
Thank you,
The team at the Pool and Spa Connection