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.
Gunite vinyl liner pool.
For most people there is no diy option for concrete pools.
Underneath the liner is a sand or cement like floor.
Cost initial and lifetime concrete.
Except the vinyl will be printed with photographs of tile or rocks instead of the real thing.
The biggest expense for a pool conversion from gunite to a vinyl liner pool is going to be the labor.
Gunite pools will require replastering and there is never a warranty on plaster.
Your budget is in the 25 000 to 35 000 range.
The smoothest concrete pool surface is a cheese grader compared to vinyl.
So an inexpensive vinyl pool does look cheaper than a gunite pool but a nice vinyl pool can look just like a gunite pool.
A concrete pool would take your entire summer to install and a vinyl liner pool only a month.
A vinyl liner pool is a good fit if.
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.
Advantages of vinyl liner pools.
Vinyl liner pools do come with a warranty.
Your budget is 50 000 or more.
A vinyl liner pool has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure.
Hire contractors that have experience making liners for pool conversions and contractors that can give you references for prior pool conversion jobs.
You re prepared to spend a lot of time and money maintaining your investment.
You want a custom shape or depth.
Changing out the skimmers and returns are part of the labor expense we just spoke of.
Construction techniques do vary.
You can t find a fiberglass pool to suit your needs.
A gunite pool is a good fit if.
Ready made gunite pool projects typically cost between 50 000 and 100 000 upfront.