Lifetime by the manufacturer

1-5 years by the contractor

Liner seam only

2-3 days

6-12 weeks

2-3 weeks

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

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

No Change

Slip resistant stairs

Stairs with ladder in the deep end.

Ladder inside and out.

Circulation time 2-4 hours daily

Circulate water 8-10 hours daily.

Circulate water 5 to 7 hours daily.

Smooth, non abrasive to skin or swimsuits. Walking/seating area textured for slip resistance

Rough. Causes skin abrasions to feet, hands, and swimwear.

Slippery. Easily punctured by toys, pets, or surfacing rocks.

Algae sweeps off with wall brush.

Algae grows and is harbored in pores of gunite. Acid baths and scrubbing required to remove algae.

Vinyl seam harbor algae

2-3 hours per month

4-5 hours per week.

2-3 hour per week.

Never

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

Vinyl liner replacement at 7 years.

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

Optional & additional cost.

Optional & additional cost.

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

Fiberglass

Concrete

Aluminum subject to corrosion

Excellent

Good

Fair