| Warranty: |
Lifetime by the manufacturer |
1-5 years by the contractor |
Liner seam only |
| Chemical
Usage: |
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 |
| Entry
/ Exit: |
Slip resistant stairs |
Stairs with ladder in the
deep end. |
Ladder inside and out. |
| Electricity
Usage: |
Circulation time 2-4 hours
daily |
Circulate water 8-10 hours
daily. |
Circulate water 5 to 7
hours daily. |
| Surface
Texture: |
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
Penetration: |
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 |
| Resurfacing: |
Never |
Re-marcite or re-plaster
at 5 to 7 years. |
Vinyl liner replacement
at 7 years. |
| Stairs
and Seating: |
Built into pool shell.
Many models have entry and exits at both ends. |
Optional & additional
cost. |
Optional & additional
cost. |
| Quality
Control: |
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 |
| Type
of Coping: |
Fiberglass |
Concrete |
Aluminum subject to corrosion |