Gunite is a form of concrete that is sprayed into a hole in the ground in order to make a pool shell.
Gunite or vinyl.
Gunite gunite equipment is made up of a dry mixture container a large air compressor a hose and spray nozzle.
You can choose these with vinyl as well but you ll instead get a rock and tile photos printed on the vinyl instead of the real thing.
Concrete or gunite pools allow for more flexibility with design features.
Probably the most significant difference between vinyl and gunite is the cost of ownership.
The spray nozzle is connected to a pressurized water source.
Your budget is 50 000 or more.
In addition to this significant upfront cost concrete pool maintenance costs over 25 000 every ten years thanks to regular acid washes replastering and high chemical and electricity usage.
A finish like plaster tile or glue and stones is then spread over it to make the shell waterproof.
The air compressor is much larger than that for shotcrete since more air pressure is required for spraying gunite than for shotcrete.
The surface of vinyl is not as porous as a plaster finish on a gunite pool which means vinyl liner pools use less sanitizer than a gunite pool roughly around 25 less on average the non porous surface leads to less chemical usage during the season and therefore less money spent on chemicals.
Choose from any color plaster rocks tiles etc.
You can t find a fiberglass pool to suit your needs.
Now most people consider their time valuable gunite pools by nature require more time and upkeep because of their material.
Surface is rough all you need to do is stick your hand in a concrete pool then a vinyl pool to feel the difference yourself.
Vinyl can now also come in a variety of shapes and sizes though it does take some precision to make it fit right.
Vinyl liners are nonabrasive and smooth to the touch making them an ideal option for families with small children or anyone with sensitive feet.
Gunite also offers a range of interior finishes.
Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.
The spray gun differs too.
Concrete or gunite pools can be any size shape or depth.
It s less expensive to install than a gunite pool and generally the least expensive option overall though some fiberglass installations can be cheaper.
Vinyl liner pools do come with a warranty.
Your budget is in the 25 000 to 35 000 range.
Built in seats tanning ledges and steps are limited.
Concrete or gunite pools.
A gunite pool is a good fit if.
You re prepared to spend a lot of time and money maintaining your investment.
A vinyl liner pool is a good fit if.
The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to vinyl.
In the south gunite pools are cheaper than vinyl pools while in the north they are more expensive.
You want a custom shape or depth.
Disadvantages of vinyl liner pools.
Ready made gunite pool projects typically cost between 50 000 and 100 000 upfront.
Low or high calcium levels in the water for example can cause scaling which is hard to reverse.
