Description

• A concrete (or gunite) swimming pool begins with excavation, followed by a skeleton made from steel bars. The concrete is sprayed on to sculpt the interior shape of the pool, which is troweled to accept a finish, such as pebble aggregate, glass bead, painting and/or tile, according to Blue Haven, a swimming pool construction company. A vinyl-liner pool begins with prefabricated walls locked into place inside an excavated hole, followed by placement of a liner.
  
  

Liner Pool Pluses

• Vinyl liner pools have improved over the years. No longer is the plastic coping (finished edge) a dead giveaway of a cheaper option. These days, vinyl liner pools use the same copings available for concrete pools, according to New Jersey landscape designer Susan Schlenger. Even a variety of shapes, interior steps and waterfalls are now available for liner pools, but these selections will mean additional cost. If too many custom options aren't chosen, the installation can take just three weeks.
  
  

Liner Pool Minuses

• Even though liner pools have improved greatly, the choices are still limited to specific shapes and finishes. Care must be taken not to puncture the liner, and the liner will have to be replaced eventually because of wear and tear.
  
  

Concrete Pool Pluses

• The primary reason people choose concrete pools is their flexibility, Schlenger notes. A concrete pool can be formed in any shape and on virtually any lot. If a lot is hilly, narrow or otherwise unsuitable for a liner pool, a concrete pool can actually be built to take advantage of these "flaws."
  
  According to Paula Hubbs Cohen, a writer for Swimming Pool/Spa Age Magazine, concrete is considered better suited for high temperatures and expansive soil. A vanishing edge, in which the coping material continues from the pool's edge into the pool, as well as interior steps (to avoid visually breaking up the pool's shape) are common aesthetic features of a concrete pool.
  
  

Concrete Pool Minuses

• A concrete pool cost about $15,000 to $20,000 more than a vinyl liner pool as of May 2010. If the surface of a concrete pool is not covered with tiles or other treatment, it is hard on bathing suits and on bodies, causing scratches and scrapes. A concrete pool takes as long as 12 weeks to complete and typically requires more chemicals because of the porous nature of concrete. Resurfacing may be required approximately every seven years.