The Pro’s and Con’s of Vinyl Liner, Gunite (Concrete) and Fiberglass Pools

Viking Fiberglass Pools

PRO’S: Quick installation (3-5 days). Permanent home improvement that can be customized to compliment your home and your lifestyle. Proven product with factory controlled quality. Flexural strength that prevents cracking in freeze-thaw climates. 17 times stronger than concrete. Smooth finish means no skin abrasions. Non-porous surface resists the problems associated with imbalanced water chemistry, requiring less chemical maintenance, labor, and electric and is algae resistant. Most pool options available perimeter tile, inlaid tile, tile mosaics, Crystite® pool finishes, built-in water features like cascades and streams, fiber optic and LED lighting, vanishing edges, and in-floor cleaning systems.

CON’S: Limited size and shapes.

ECO-AWARENESS:Fiberglass pools act as a natural insulator, requiring less electric/gas to heat the pool. Algae is less prone to attach to the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool, requiring less chemicals and maintenance.

BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:Chemicals, Electric Cost

MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:$4,200.00

Gunite (Concrete) Pools

PRO’S:Unlimited design capabilities. Permanent home improvement.

CON’S:4-8 week installation by subleased contractors. Concrete shows through around the pool’s etching (edge). The surface is rough and abrasive and also stains and discolors easily. Porous surface is a breeding ground for algae and other micro-bacteria. Cracks in freeze-thaw climates and requires acid washing and replastering. High maintenance; monthly pool service required, excessive use of chemicals and electricity.

ECO-AWARENESS: Acid baths emit fumes into the atmosphere. Re-plastered waste adds to our landfills.

BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:Chemicals, Electric Cost, Acid Baths, Re-plastering, New Tile, Pool Service

MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:$16,950.00

Vinyl Liner Pools

PRO’S:Low initial cost.

CON’S:Temporary pools that puncture, rip, and tear. Liners must be periodically replaced.

ECO-AWARENESS:Steel panels and/or steel mesh/rebar can leech chemicals and rust into ground water. Damaged liners end up in landfills.

BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:Chemicals, Electrical Cost, Liner Replacement

MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:$11,500.00