Fiberglass VS Concrete and Vinyl Pools

Here's a chart comparing Fiberglass, Concrete (Gunite) and Vinyl Liner pools. We've put the data together so that you can weigh the benefits of buying a Fiberglass pool for yourself. If you have questions or wish to inquire about a pool, please call 614.890.POOL or send an inquiry.

(F)

Luxury Fiberglass Pool

(C)

Concrete Pool

(V)

Vinyl Liner Pool

Warranty

(F)

35 years by Luxury and backed by the Manufacturer

(C)

1-5 years by contractor

(V)

Liner seams only

Installation Time

(F)

5-13 days installation, ready for decking using few (if any) subcontractors.

(C)

8-12 weeks using many different subcontractors.

(V)

2-3 weeks using few subcontractors.

Shapes of Pools

(F)

Limited to the models of the manufacturer.

(C)

Unlimited

(V)

Limited to the models of the manufacturer.

Price of Pools

(F)

Average

(C)

High

(V)

Average

Estimated Chemical Usage

(F)

Surface does not alter water's chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used.

(C)

Plaster reacts with water to raise pH levels. Uses substantially more acid & chlorine to counterbalance this chemical reaction.

(V)

Surface does not alter water's chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used.

Estimate Electricity Use

(F)

Circulate water 4-6 hours daily.

(C)

Circulate water 8-10 hours daily.

(V)

Circulate water 5-7 hours daily.

Surface Texture

(F)

Smooth, non-abrasive to skin or swim suits, walking and seating areas are textured for slip resistance.

(C)

Rough, causes skin abrasions to feet, hands and swim wear.

(V)

Slippery, easily punctured or torn by toys, pets, or surfacing rocks.

Algae Penetration

(F)

Algae sweeps off with wall brush.

(C)

Algae grows and is harbored in pores of gunite. Acid baths and scrubbing required to remove algae.

(V)

Seams of liner harbor algae.

Estimated Maintenance Time

(F)

1/2 hour per week maximum

(C)

4-5 hours per week

(V)

2-3 hours per week

Major Renovation

(F)

None

(C)

Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years.

(V)

Vinyl Liner needs to be replaced every 7- 9 years.

Stairs and Seating

(F)

Built into pool shell.

(C)

Optional & Additional Cost.

(V)

Optional & Additional Cost.

Quality Control

(F)

Manufactured in environmentally controlled factory under stringent quality control standards.

(C)

Manufactured on-site. No environmental control.

(V)

Kit manufactured in factory. Quality of on-site assembly varies by installer and weather.

Type of Coping

(F)

Fiberglass, Concrete, or Pavers

(C)

Concrete

(V)

Aluminum (which easily corrodes)

Loan Acceptance

(F)

Excellent

(C)

Good

(V)

Fair

Fiberglass Pool

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Fiberglass VS Concrete and Vinyl Pools