Thinking of going vinyl rather than gunite

[keithw]

I would add fiberglass into the equation if you are truely planning a DIY install. I put one in myself from start to finish including digging the hole and from a DIY perspective fiberglass is probably easier to install that Vinyl IMO.

Fiberglass

Pros
-Some really neat shapes and colors are available out there.
-Virtually indestructable. Should last 25+ years.
-Very limited amount of areas where it could leak.
-Chemical neutrality--it doesn't affect your water
-The digging of the hole does not have to be precise since backfill is utilized.
-Because of above, super duper fast install! Went from dig to backfill to fill in one day.
-Adding lights, returns, anything is a snap.
-Can be tiled just like a gunite pool.
-Very low maintenance.

Cons
-More expensive that vinyl but cheaper than gunite.
-The white shell version can show stains and may need to be cleaned on occassion.
-Can float out of ground similare to gunite if drained.
-Shapes are more limited than gunite.
-Can crack if not properly backfilled.
-May need a crane it get it in your yard/hole.

[jbhogfan]

Thanks everyone for the replies - it's certainly a lot to think about. Primarily our pool will be used for the kids (ages 3 through 10). I want my kids to enjoy it while they're young but I also want just a great place to look at in the backyard. Additionally, I do want a really deep end for diving - my husband loves to dive. I considered the fiberglass but wasn't sure if I could find something as large as I want (20X40 with a 10 feet deep end) so I might do some more research into that.

Although I'm extremely partial to the gunite, I'm afraid that with the gunite I might just be able to get the pool and nothing else whereas with the vinyl I could probably do both a pool and possibly small pool house and more landscaping. Also, didn't add this before but I definately want a spillover spa so that adds to the cost. I've been researching for about 2 years and still am undecided, ha! Thanks for all the assistance everyone - keep those ideas coming!

JBHogfan

[CJDahl]

I have a vinyl IG and have completely drained several time. I do have a vermiculite "hard bottom". No problems what-so-ever. No sure this should be a "con" of vinyl.

[aylad]

I have a vinyl IG and have completely drained several time. I do have a vermiculite "hard bottom". No problems what-so-ever. No sure this should be a "con" of vinyl.

It is a con for vinyl if you live in an area with a high water table

Janet

[tphaggerty]

I want (20X40 with a 10 feet deep end)
JBHogfan

Make sure you talk about this part with a qualified (and insured!!) pool designer. Pool designs have been standardized in order to limit PB's liability with regard to diving boards. If you do a 20x40 pool with a 10 foot deep end, you will have a relatively small shallow end due to the slope required out of the deep end. The "slope" out of the deep end can be neither too steep nor too shallow (the idea is to allow a diver to deflect off of the sloped bottom in such a way that there is less likelihood of permanent injuries). Plus, in vinyl, the part below the steel walls, which are only 4', have to slope in from the sides in order to maintain the integrity of the structure. I'm not 100% sure, but I will bet that to get a "safe" 10' deep end, you will need to have a 22' x 42' pool or larger. Gunite would allow you to go straight down on the sides, so you could probably do something like a 20x42.

We have a 20x40 vinyl with an 8 1/2' deep end and diving board. I can easily touch the slope on a dive, but the kids have to try pretty hard. We always remind everyone to do SHALLOW dives and encourage jumping more than diving.

[jbhogfan]

Good information everyone. Thanks again!