Are in-ground pools with vinyl liners any good opposed to concrete pools.?

Question

I know that vinyl is cheaper than concrete, but I am wondering if I should just spend the extra and get concrete.

Answer 1

We had a gunite in-ground pool installed and despite the cost, it was worth it. You have many more custom options with gunite than with vinyl liners. The high price of gunite is mostly in the installation but it holds up better and it's easier to replaster than it is to replace a vinyl liner. If you take good care of the plaster, it can last 15 years or more before needing to be replastered. I found some articles you might want to check out.

"Unlike Gunite Swimming Pools Vinyl lined pools are not well suited for northern climates as they do not stand up well to the ground movement and expansion that occurs in the winter. Therefore, if you live in an area where the winters are cold, you need to pay particular attention when picking the shell for your vinyl pool. It should be strong enough to withstand the pressure that will be exerted on it when the soil surrounding the pool freezes and expands. Winter soil expansion and shifting can create air pockets around or under the floor of the pool which may cause your vinyl pool to collapse, particularly if a large amount of rainwater has accumulated. This shifting of soil will also affect your pool's surroundings, so be sure to wait for a full year before installing a deck or patio to give the soil time to settle." http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Disadvantages-of-Vinyl-Swimming-Pools.htm

"Installing a vinyl-lined in-ground swimming pool is a cost-efficient alternative to more expensive in-ground pool options such as fiberglass and concrete. The cost for excavation of the pool site will be equivalent to the excavation costs for concrete and fiberglass in-ground pools, but once that is done, vinyl is a significantly cheaper material.

However, vinyl is a less durable material than fiberglass and concrete, and therefore is less durable and requires more maintenance work: As the vinyl wears out over time, you will need to replace the vinyl liner. This will need to be done every 10 years or so, and will require a commitment of both time and money." http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/A-Vinyl-Pool-Might-be-the-Best-Option-for-Your-Back-Yard.htm#VinylPoolconstruction


"The primary negative of gunite pools is the cost. Their high quality usually makes them more expensive than other types of pools. On average installing a gunite pool will cost at least $5,000 more than installing a vinyl or fiberglass pool. Colder climates, where the ground freezes and thaws in the winter, add stress to the structure of gunite pools, and therefore require additional steel and concrete, which can boost the cost of installation. Further money is required every 5-10 years or so to resurface the pool and correct staining, chipping and other wear and tear. However, these costs are balanced by the fact that gunite is more durable than vinyl pools or fiberglass pools. Therefore, the long term cost is about equal." http://www.skilledcontractors.com/resources/articles/Gunite-Pools.htm

Answer 2

I have had both, and it all depends on what you are looking for in your pool. An in-ground pool is more luxurious. If I have been told correctly, neither actually adds to the value of your home, but do help it to sell easier when/if the time comes. For a cheaper price, however, I was able to get an above ground pool, that included a deck. It was nice, but didn't look as good. So, I guess in answer to your question, they both offer the same level of comfort/entertainment, but it is the aesthetic value you need to answer for yourself. Are you ever going to sell your home? If so, the in-ground will definitely be better. Then again, you can always tear down the above ground, and throw it away if you want. OK, did that even help you?

Answer 3

Depends. How long do you think that you will live at this house? If it is just for a few years, may you should go with vinyl.. You should also talk to a real estate agent in the area. How much will an in-ground concrete pool add to the value of your property. If it will cost $50,000 and will only add $25,000 to the property value and you intend to move in 2 years -- then the pool wil cost you $12,500 per year. (How many months a year can you use it in your area?).

Answer 4

They both have problems. Vinyl can rip & tare. Concrete chips & cracks. Where do you live? Are there any faults (earthquake) near you? I live in NW Ohio and we have an in-ground Vinyl lined pool the walls are built so they expand w/ the climate. We also have a few fault lines near by. If you do get in in ground pool carry earthquake insurance, we did & had to use it.

Answer 5

If you want to spend time every year scraping and painting the pool. Oh and don't forget filling the cracks that will occur as the pool settles and shifts. Vinyl is cheaper for a reason, less maintenance. Do your homework and find a reputable dealer. They should offer some sort of warranty against defects and faulty installation.

Answer 6

No.....you get what you pay for. An in-ground pool with a vinyl liner is destined to be torn. You will then have all the trouble of making repairs.

Answer 7

go with the concrete...looks nicer, lasts long, won't tare like the vinyl....my cousin had a vinyl in grond pool, it got torn, OMG that was the worst thing in the world to clean up, it ruined her yard!! and took a month with 15 of us working on it to get everything looking semi normal.

Answer 8

i didnt know you could do vinyl in ground hmm i would go with the concrete myself and let me know when its in id like to come for a swim :P

Answer 9

get gunnite