How are Gunite and Fiberglass or Vinyl Pools Different?

November 21st, 2019 Posted in Pool Remodeling
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If you are planning on adding a new pool to your backyard, you may have plenty of questions. How long will it take to build your pool? How much will it cost? But before you can get answers to any of those questions, you need to decide on the type of pool you will be adding. This will impact how long it will take to build and the cost. Three of the most popular options are gunite/shotcrete, fiberglass and vinyl. Knowing the differences can help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.

Fiberglass Shell

Fiberglass shells come pre-shaped and formed for the size of your pool. The hole is dug the size of the shell and the plumbing is installed before the fiberglass shell is installed. These pools are less expensive than gunite or concrete pools and do have a long-life with little maintenance. Some shells come with a lifetime warranty but they are limited in size and shape.

Vinyl Liners

Vinyl liner pools attach to a premade structure in the ground. The liner is similar to an above-ground pool but sunken in the ground. These pools are the least expensive of all in-ground pools but they typically need to be replaced about every 7-10 years.

Gunite/Shotcrete/Concrete Pools

By far the most versatile, gunite pools are built to the depth, width and shape desired. The concrete is applied to a metal structure that can be designed to fit the needs of the homeowner. These pools can last for decades but do require resurfacing every 10 years or so. Gunite or shotcrete pools are the most popular pools due to their unlimited design potential but do cost the most.

To find out which pool is the best for your needs and budget, talk to your local pool contractor.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-800-0780

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Which Type of Pool Costs Less to Maintain?

June 6th, 2019 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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For some people, low maintenance is key for any feature they buy. Clothes are wash and wear, dishes are dishwasher safe and their oven is self-cleaning. The same can hold true with their swimming pool. They want the pool that will require the least amount of money and time to maintain. When it comes to low-maintenance pools, fiberglass has concrete and vinyl liners beat.

Pool Maintenance Rundown

Three main types of pools are concrete, vinyl linings and fiberglass. Each have their pros and cons when it comes to price, longevity, design, versatility and maintenance. However, when it comes to maintenance, fiberglass is the winner. A rundown of these three when it comes to maintenance:

  • Concrete. When it comes to maintenance, concrete requires much more, both routinely throughout the year and over the lifetime of the pool. They are prone to algae, need more filtering, acid washing and resurfacing – maintenance costs can range around $25,000-$30,000 over 10 years.
  • Vinyl liners. Vinyl is easier to maintain than concrete, with less worry about filtering, algae or scrubbing. However, liners can leak and need replacement. The 10-year maintenance cost is around $10,000-$14,000.
  • Fiberglass. Maintenance drops significantly for fiberglass pools. Algae problems are rare, and cleaning is easier. Filtering is minimal, and it is less likely there will be leaks or needed repairs. Maintenance costs are a fraction of concrete and about a third of vinyl liners, ranging from $3,700 to $5,000 for 10 years of use.

If low maintenance for your new pool is a priority, consider a fiberglass pool. However, this is only one factor to determine which type is best for your needs. Talk to your local pool construction company to discuss all the factors when it comes to deciding the best pool for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
3502 Sixes Road, #108
Canton, GA 30114
(494) 496-5579

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Is Cement or Fiberglass a Better Option for Your Pool?

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Pool Construction
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If you are building a pool, one of the most important questions you will need to answer is whether you want a fiberglass or cement shell for your pool. There is a variety of information you can read on the merits of both, usually geared toward one or the other for sales purposes.  It comes down to choosing the best option for your needs and budget. Here are the basic differences.

Cement Pools

The main reason to choose a cement pool is the design factor. Cement, both gunite and shotcrete, can be designed in almost any shape, size and depth you want. Unlike most fiberglass shells, you don’t have to stick with the preformed design. You can make your pool truly unique and custom built for your home.

However, there are drawbacks to owning cement pool when it comes to maintenance and long term costs. Most cement pools need resurfacing every 10 or more years, plus require more maintenance to keep algae at bay. But there are newer surfacing options that can last longer and offer easier maintenance – talk to your pool contractor.

Fiberglass Pools

For the budget conscience and those looking for low maintenance pools, fiberglass pools are a good choice. Although the design options are limited, as are the sizes, they are cost efficient to build and maintain. Fiberglass shells are nonporous, helping them deter algae, requiring fewer chemicals and less cleaning. Fiberglass also does not need resurfacing like a cement pools need.

So which is right for you? If you want a customized or large pool, you will want to investigate the cement options. For an easy to maintain pool, fiberglass is the way to go. Talk to your local pool contractor to make your final decision.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

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