Fiberglass VS. Concrete and Vinyl 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. If you have questions or wish to inquire about a pool, please call 847-223-7568 or email debellopool@aol.com.

	Leisure Pools Fiberglass Swimming Pools	Concrete Swimming (Gunite) Pools	Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools
Warranty	35 year by the Manufacturer	1-5 years by contractor	Liner seams only
Installation Time	5-13 days installation, 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 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.
Estimate 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 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.
Estimated 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.	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 Swimming Pool Financing	Good	Fair