Gunite pools have been the first choice of homeowners for decades. But is the added cost of an in-ground pool really worth it? It’s hard to get to the bottom of this discussion because, in part, we’re flooded with advertisements that offer both in-ground pools and above-ground at rock-bottom prices, but they fail to mention some significant costs associated with each type. Here are some facts to help you sort out the hype and make the right decision for your home: Initial Cost and Cost of Ownership: We’re not going to mince words, here. Gunite pools cost a great deal more to install than above-ground pools. It’s important to consider all of the costs, though, before making a decision. In-ground pools are insulated by the ground, so they maintain more constant water temperature. If you’re heating your pool to extend your swimming season, an in-ground pool is much more efficient, because it retains the heat you add longer. Because above-ground pools’ temperatures vary more with the outdoor temperature, it’s harder to maintain water quality and chemical balance. You’ll spend more in chemicals and cleaning. Above-ground pools are more vulnerable to damage. Whether it’s from your golden retriever, your children and friends playing, or the neighbor’s tree dropping a branch onto your pool, you’re going to have more damage to repair on an above-ground pool than you would on an in-ground pool. Gunite pools need to be re-surfaced and re-tiled every 10-20 years, depending on use, maintenance, and environment. That’s a significant cost. Above-ground pools, though, will need a new liner every five to seven years, and the structure that holds the liner will last up to 15 years, so you’ll be replacing the entire pool at the time a gunite pool would need resurfacing. Above-ground pools are harder to clean than in-ground  Read More

Swimming pools add significantly to your family’s enjoyment of your home. Whether you’ve decided to install a new pool or it’s time to re-work an existing one, it’s hard to know what pool material will be the best choice for your specific location and use. There are 3 materials most commonly used for in-ground pools: fiberglass, vinyl-lined steel, and concrete. Here are some important factors to know about each material before you make a decision: Fiberglass When you order a fiberglass pool, you’re getting a solid piece, which is pre-formed at a factory. The hole for the pool is excavated to approximately the right dimensions, then the shell is set in place, and the hole is filled to match the shell’s shape and to give it proper support. Advantages: Fiberglass pool shells are gel-coated for protection and UV-resistance. This coating also prevents algae from growing in your pool, and reduces the number of times you’ll need to have the pool shock-treated with harsh chemicals, and it means less elbow grease to keep the sides looking great. Fiberglass shells are smooth to the touch, so you and your family will never have roughed-up feet after a hard day’s play, and no scraped elbows from that game of Marco Polo that got out of hand. Compared to other materials, fiberglass pools are relatively low maintenance. Fiberglass pool shells are installed much more quickly than concrete or vinyl. Disadvantages: Because the shell will be transported on a truck, fiberglass pools shells are limited to a width of 16 feet, to comply with road shipping restrictions. Fiberglass pools shells are built using molds, so your choices of shape and size are limited to what the manufacturers are offering. No custom shapes and sizes. The color in a fiberglass pool shell is integral, so if your  Read More