Gunite Pools Vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: What’s The Best Type Of Inground Pool?

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and have a swimming pool installed in your backyard. Inflate the pool floaties!

Not so fast. First, some homework: should you go with a vinyl liner pool or gunite pool?

It’s one of the most common questions we get at Neave Pools. Luckily, we’ve been installing beautiful backyard swimming pools for years, so we know a thing or two.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of gunite pools and vinyl liner pools, to help you decide the best type of inground pool for you.

What Is Gunite?

The gunite or “dry shotcrete” method of building pools uses a rebar framework that’s sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture, with water added at the nozzle and applied and high velocity. This creates a shell. It’s a popular pool choice because it’s very durable and it can be created in just about any shape.

When most people talk about concrete pools or cement pools, they’re talking about gunite.

Advantages Of Gunite

If you’re creative, have challenging terrain or plan to own your pool for a long time, gunite might be for you.

Customization And Flexibility

A gunite pool can be any shape you like. And gunite offers a wide variety of interior finishes, too, from colorful plaster to rocks or tiles. You can get creative with add-ons for gunite pools: built-in bar stools, irregular underwater benches, and tanning ledges or sun shelves.

And if you have challenging terrain or limited installation space, gunite pools allow the greatest flexibility in building.

Warranty

Gunite pools offer longer warranties than vinyl liner pools.

Disadvantages Of Gunite

Gunite isn’t for everyone. If your budget is tight and you want things done quickly, take note of a few disadvantages.

Cost

While gunite pools vary widely in cost, you can expect to pay significantly more for a gunite pool than you would for a vinyl liner pool.

Timeline

Gunite pools take longer to construct, so you’ll have to wait longer before you slip into your suit and dive in.

What Is A Vinyl Liner Pool?

A vinyl liner pool has a custom-made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. Vinyl liners typically lock their top edge, called a bead, into a track located on the bottom of the coping, which is at deck level. Underneath the liner is a sand or cement-like floor.

Advantages Of Vinyl Liner Pools

If you’re on a budget, live where winter serves up icy cold, or have tender feet, a vinyl liner pool could be your best bet.

Low Initial Cost

By far, the biggest advantage of a vinyl liner pool installation is the cost. It’s less expensive to install than a gunite pool — and generally, the least expensive option overall though some fiberglass installations can be cheaper.

Comfort

Vinyl liners are nonabrasive and smooth to the touch, making them an ideal option for families with small children (or anyone with sensitive feet).

Disadvantages Of Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl liner pools have their pitfalls, too. If your family and friends tend to be rough on things or you plan to sell your house in the near future, here are a few things to think about.

Prone To Damage

Vinyl liner pools are more easily damaged and prone to springing leaks. So you have to be more careful when using the pool. The good news: repairs are typically affordable.

Vinyl swimming pool liners are also highly susceptible to the pressure of winter’s ice. Protecting them from the elements during the cold season is especially important.

Need For Replacement

Higher cost over time. The average vinyl liner will last 7 to 15 years then need to be replaced, at a cost of about $5,000.

Resale Value

If you’re selling your home, potential buyers will likely ask you how old your pool liner is. If it’s getting toward the end of its usable life, they may ask you to replace it as a condition of the sale.

Gunite Pools Vs. Vinyl Liner Pools: What’s The Best Type Of Inground Pool For You?

Ready to build an inground swimming pool? The professionals at Neave Pools can evaluate your needs and recommend the best type of inground pool you.

Neave Pools has a stellar reputation in the Hudson Valley area for new swimming pool installation — for good reason! We can offer you the materials, layouts and extra accessories to turn the backyard paradise of your dreams into a happy reality.

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, Neave Pools will work with you to create a pool as simple or as elaborate as you like, from a basic vinyl liner pool with great value to a custom gunite pool with all the features you’ve ever dreamed of.

If you’re in Hudson Valley, call (845) 463-0592. Westchester, call (914) 271-7996. Cold Spring, call (845) 463-0592, and in Connecticut, call (203) 212-4800. Or fill out the handy web form on this page, and we’ll get in touch with you to schedule a complimentary swimming pool consultation.