COMPARISON OF POOL TYPES IN MA, NH, RI AND CT
|
|
Fiberglass Pools |
Concrete (Gunite) Pools |
Vinyl Liner Pools |
Warranty |
Lifetime by the Manufacturer |
1-5 years by contractor |
Liner seams only |
Installation
|
5-13 days, ready for decking using few (if any) subcontractors. |
8-12 weeks using many different subcontractors. |
2-3 weeks using few subcontractors. |
Shapes of
|
Limited to the models of the manufacturer. |
Unlimited. |
Limited to the models of the manufacturer. |
Price of
|
Average. |
Average. |
Less expensive. |
|
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 |
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 |