Comparison of pool types available in New England
| Fiberglass Pools | Concrete (Gunite) Pools | Vinyl Liner Pools | |
| Warranty | Lifetime by the Manufacturer | 1-5 years by contractor | Liner seams only |
| Installation
Time |
5-13 days, ready for decking using few (if any) subcontractors. |
8-12 weeks using many different ubcontractors | 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. | Average. | Less expensive |
| Chemical Usage | Surface does not alter water’s chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used. |
Plaster reacts with water to raise pH levels. Uses substantially more acid & chlorine to counterbalance this chemical reaction |
Surface does not alter waters’ chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used |
| Electricity Usage | 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 surfacing 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 |
| Maintenance TIme | 1/2 hour per week maximum | 4-5 hours per week | 2-3 hours per week |
| Major Renovation | None | Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years – EXAMPLE | Vinyl Liner needs to be replaced every 7- 9 years |
| Stairs/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 |
