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Pool Installation
Contact: Pete Kelly
Cell: 252-480-2900
Email: pete@caribbeanobx.com
Fiberglass vs. Concrete and Vinyl Liner 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.
Check out our Swimming Pool Comparison Chart below:
Fiberglass Pools |
Concrete Pools |
Vinyl Liner Pools |
|
Warranty |
Lifetime by the Manufacturer | 1-5 years by contractor | Liner seams only |
Installation Time | 5-15 days, ready for decking using few (if any) subcontractors. |
8-12 weeks using many different subcontractors. | 2-3 weeks using few subcontractors. |
Shapes of Pools | Limited to the models of the manufacturer. | Unlimited | Limited to the models of the manufacturer. |
Price of Pools | Average | High | Average |
Estimated Chemical Used |
Surface does not alter water's chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemical used. | Plaster reacts with water to raise pH levels. Uses substantially more acid & chlorine to counterbalance this chemical reaction. |
Surface does not alter water's chemical balance. Fewer chemicals used. |
Estimated Electricity Use |
Circulate water 4-6 hours daily. | Circulate water 8-10 hours daily. | Circulate water 5-7 hours daily. |
Surface Texture |
Smooth, non-abrasive to skin or swim suits,walking and seating areas are textured for slip resistance. | Rough, causes skin abrasions to feet, hands, and swim wear. | Slippery, easily punctured or torn by toys, pets or resurfacing rocks. |
Algae Penetration |
Algae sweeps off with wall brush. | Algae grows and is harbored in pores of gunite. Acid baths and scrubbing required to remove algae. |
Seams of liner harbor algae. |
Estimated Maintenance Time |
1/2 hour per week minimum | 4-5 hours per week | 2-3 hours per week |
Major Renovation |
None | Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years. | Vinyl liner needs to be replaced every 7-9 years. |
Stairs and Seating |
Built into pool shell | Optional & additional cost. | Optional & additional cost |
Quality Control |
Manufactured in environmentally controlled factory under stringent quality control standards. |
Manufactured on-site. No environmental control. Kit manufactured in factory. |
Quality of on-site assembly varies by installer. |
Type of Coping |
Fiberglass or concrete | Concrete | Aluminum (which easily corrodes) |
Loan Acceptance |
Excellent | Good | Fair |