Warranty

Lifetime by the Manufacturer

1-5 years by contractor

Liner seams only

Installation Time

4 weeks
using few if any subcontractors

8-12 weeks
using many different subcontractors

2-3 weeks
using few subcontractors

Estimated Chemical Usage

Surface does not alter waters' chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used.

Plaster reacts with water to raise PH levels. Gunite pools use substantially more acid & chlorine to counterbalance this chemical reaction.

No change

Entry/Exit

Slip resistant stairs

Stairs with ladder in deep end

Ladder inside and out

Estimated Electricity Use

(pump circulation time)

Circulation Time 2-4 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/seating area 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

2-3 hour/month

4-5 hours/week

2-3 hours/week

Expected Resurfacing

Never

Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years

Vinyl Liner replace at 7 years

Stairs and Seating

Built into pool shell. Many models with entry and exits at both ends.

Optional & Additional Cost

Optional & Additional Cost

Quality Control

Manufactured in environmentally controlled factory under stringent quality control standards.

Manufactured onsite. No environmental control.

Kit manufactured in factory. Quality of assembly varies by installer.

Type of Coping

Fiberglass

Concrete

Aluminum (which easily corrodes)

Loan Acceptance

Excellent

Good

Fair