comparison of pool types
Swimming pools in Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama fall into one of the three categories described below. This information will help you make an informed decision in the construction of your dream pool.
concrete/steel/vinyl overlay
Heavy, galvanized steel walls are connected using imapact guns, and a continuous 3000 psi concrete footer is poured. A smooth, concrete bottom is installed with a vinyl liner overlay.
fiberglass
A one piece shell, composed of fiberglass, is placed into the dig site by a crane. No steel or concrete reinforcement is generally used. This is overlaid with a gel coating that can be prone to blistering defects and calcium deposits.
gunite/steel/plaster overlay
A rebar frame is molded into the dig site, then concrete is poured onto the rebar and shaped into a pool form. A plaster overlay surface with a tile border is troweled on top of the concrete.
Location
CONCRETE/STEEL/VINYL OVERLAY
Best in climates that experience hot summers and cold winters, or where seismic activity can be present.
FIBERGLASS
Best in regions with sandy soils that drain well without seasonal groundwater to better protect the pool structure. Also the ideal structure for indoor pools because the roof eliminates the flaking and peeling effects of UV rays on fiberglass over time.
GUNITE/STEEL/PLASTER OVERLAY
Best in climates without significant seasonal temperature variance or seismic activity. Significant temperature changes can cause the concrete structure to expand and contract, leading to potential leaks.
availability & construction
CONCRETE/STEEL/VINYL OVERLAY
We work with a USA steel wall manufacturer and concrete suppliers that have materials readily available, so we can construct your pool in as few as 2 weeks!
FIBERGLASS
Wait times for a fiberglass pool insert to be manufactured and installed can be 3 months to 1 year. Construction will require a massive crane or lift to move the pool shell either around or over your home into the dig site.
GUNITE/STEEL/PLASTER OVERLAY
Gunite pools typically have the longest construction time; even the most basic gunite pools can take up to 2 months to construct, often in addition to 6+ month lead times.
Design
CONCRETE/STEEL/VINYL OVERLAY
Our pools are constructed on site out of steel panels, so you can customize size, shape, depth, and entry type. You also get a wide selection of liner choice to further customize the look of your pool.
FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass inserts are prefabricated, so you are 100% limited to the shapes and sizes already produced.
GUNITE/STEEL/PLASTER OVERLAY
While gunite offers many unique options, they come at a risk since extreme temperature changes can cause a gunite pool to crack. Take a look at concrete sidewalks, driveways, and slabs in your area; if they crack, then your gunite pool is subject to cracking.
maintenance
CONCRETE/STEEL/VINYL OVERLAY
The steel wall structure needs little to no maintenance. The vinyl liner will need to be replaced every 7-12 years, and can easily be done in 1-2 days.
FIBERGLASS
Because the fiberglass insert is all one piece, it is impossible to factory resurface once installed. Instead, the fiberglass can be sanded and a gel coat applied. Finding a local contractor to do this work properly can be challenging. To maintain a shiny, smooth surface, this should be done every 7-12 years. After initial installation, homeowners should inspect the surface monthly for blistering defects and calcium deposits (view example damage).
GUNITE/STEEL/PLASTER OVERLAY
Gunite pools require a plaster overlay and often tile border replacement every 7-12 years. This work is extensive and can interrupt your pool season.
cost
CONCRETE/STEEL/VINYL OVERLAY
Our pools can run from $40,000 to $250,000 for initial installation. The average cost of a vinyl liner replacement is $5,000. See our Pool Cost Calculator or Financing pages for more information.
FIBERGLASS
Fiberglass pools typically average between $40,000 to $100,000 for initial installation. The cost to replace gel coat is about $7,500.
GUNITE/STEEL/PLASTER OVERLAY
Gunite pools run $70,000 to $250,000 for initial installation. The cost of resurfacing can be upwards of $20,000
Risk to Buyer
It is very common in the swimming pool industry to pay a large sum of money upfront and never receive the pool of your dreams. We recommend that no matter what type of pool you choose to build, you work with a company that requires little to no down payment up front and collects payments in stages. Many companies require $10,000 to $40,000 upfront, then prepare the dig site with no guarantee to finish installation. We require little to no deposit to get started. Our recommendation is that when you are gathering information and quotes, have a detailed conversation with each contractor about deposits/upfront payments/other monies due before or upon excavation.