For most people there is no diy option for concrete pools.
Gunite or vinyl.
Be sure to read the fine print.
You want a custom shape or depth.
In the south gunite pools are cheaper than vinyl pools while in the north they are more expensive.
The spray gun differs too.
In addition to this significant upfront cost concrete pool maintenance costs over 25 000 every ten years thanks to regular acid washes replastering and high chemical and electricity usage.
Gunite is a form of concrete that is sprayed into a hole in the ground in order to make a pool shell.
Many vinyl liner manufacturers have a 20 year pro rated warranty.
The surface of vinyl is not as porous as a plaster finish on a gunite pool which means vinyl liner pools use less sanitizer than a gunite pool roughly around 25 less on average the non porous surface leads to less chemical usage during the season and therefore less money spent on chemicals.
Low or high calcium levels in the water for example can cause scaling which is hard to reverse.
The air compressor is much larger than that for shotcrete since more air pressure is required for spraying gunite than for shotcrete.
Your budget is in the 25 000 to 35 000 range.
Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.
Vinyl liner pools do come with a warranty.
Choose from any color plaster rocks tiles etc.
It s less expensive to install than a gunite pool and generally the least expensive option overall though some fiberglass installations can be cheaper.
A gunite pool is a good fit if.
Gunite gunite equipment is made up of a dry mixture container a large air compressor a hose and spray nozzle.
Vinyl liners are nonabrasive and smooth to the touch making them an ideal option for families with small children or anyone with sensitive feet.
Ready made gunite pool projects typically cost between 50 000 and 100 000 upfront.
Concrete or gunite pools can be any size shape or depth.
Your budget is 50 000 or more.
Now most people consider their time valuable gunite pools by nature require more time and upkeep because of their material.
The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to vinyl.
Concrete or gunite pools allow for more flexibility with design features.
The spray nozzle is connected to a pressurized water source.
Gunite also offers a range of interior finishes.
You re prepared to spend a lot of time and money maintaining your investment.
A vinyl liner pool is a good fit if.
Disadvantages of vinyl liner pools.
Concrete or gunite pools.
Surface is rough all you need to do is stick your hand in a concrete pool then a vinyl pool to feel the difference yourself.
Built in seats tanning ledges and steps are limited.
You can choose these with vinyl as well but you ll instead get a rock and tile photos printed on the vinyl instead of the real thing.
Probably the most significant difference between vinyl and gunite is the cost of ownership.
