Vinyl In-Ground Pools vs. Gunite In-Ground Pools
- Gunite pools are much more expensive. A homeowner can pay an average of $15,000 to $20,000 more for a gunite pool than a vinyl-lined pool. Expect to spend anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 on a gunite pool and about $15,000 to $30,000 on a vinyl-lined pool, depending on the size and contractor.
- The installation period is considerably more time-consuming with gunite pools, as it can take up to 12 weeks for the pool to be finished. Vinyl-lined pools can be done in six to eight weeks, depending on the weather.
- Vinyl-lined pools are not as durable as gunite pools, and the liners typically need to be replaced every 10 years or so, at a cost of $600 to $1,200. On the other hand, gunite pools are much more susceptible to dirt because of their porous nature. Algae is also much easier to remove from vinyl-lined pools.
- Unlike fiberglass pools, both vinyl and gunite pools are easily customized and can be built into any shape or size imaginable.
- Gunite pools are particularly vulnerable to movements in the earth, which could pose a problem in earthquake-prone areas. The cement could sustain cracks, resulting in a repair bill in the thousands of dollars.
