Gunite vs. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Pools

If you are considering having a new in-ground pool installed by Colley’s it is important to understand the difference between the 3 options; gunite, vinyl and fiberglass.

1. Gunite

   Using a rebar framework, we spray a concrete, water and sand mixture to create a gunite pool surface. Often times, the terms gunite and concrete can be used interchangeably.

   Gunite pools are extremely customizable- giving the customer the widest range of personalization. In turn, gunite pools are often considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing.

   Additionally, gunite pools are very durable- the structure itself can last for many decades, but it will require resurfacing every 10 years or so. As with every pool, gunite pools require proper maintenance to keep the pool in operable shape.

   Gunite pools are the most expensive of the 3 options, in general. With the customization factor, there are typically many add-ons and features you can add to a gunite pool that you are unable to do on a vinyl or fiberglass pool which can add cost to your project.

   Gunite pools are also the most time-consuming to install and requires a labor-intensive process (possibly more so than vinyl or fiberglass).

   So, if you are looking for a highly customizable, durable option and are aware of the higher cost and longer installation time, a gunite pool may be right for you!

2. Vinyl

   A vinyl pool is formed with reinforced steel wall panels with a vinyl liner placed over the walls and floor of the pool.

   While a vinyl pool is not as customizable as a gunite pool, there are still a decent range of shape options you can choose from. Additionally, with our line of Craftworks liners you can choose from a wide-variety of patterns to design your pool the way you want!

   Vinyl pools are generally the most cost-effective of the 3 options and the process to install is generally more straightforward.

   On the flip side, vinyl liners do have a lifespan which is generally 10 years give or take. The lifespan of a liner depends on how well you maintain you pool, how often it is used, how much sunlight you get in your yard and various other factors. It is important to maintain upkeep of your vinyl liner to increase its longevity and protect the structure of your pool.

   Vinyl pools are the most common option, generally the most cost-effective and somewhat customizable!

3. Fiberglass

   A fiberglass pool is pre-molded from fiberglass-reinforced plaster. We install the prefabricated, fiberglass pool into the ground.

   The draw with fiberglass pools is that they are non-porous and generally easier to maintain than a gunite or vinyl pools. Once the pool has been manufactured and has arrived to Colley’s, installation is generally a straightforward process.

   While there are a wide range of shape options, you must remember that a fiberglass pool is prefabricated and thus the possibilities are finite based upon the manufacturer’s options.

   So, fiberglass pools are highly durable, moderately customizable and generally mid-range pricing between gunite and vinyl.

So, as you research the options for your backyard oasis keep in mind that each pool option has unique attributes, varying pricing and differences in the installation process and maintenance of the pool. So, find out what is most important to you in a new pool and consult with one of Colley’s Sales Consultants who can walk you through all there is to know about designing your new backyard oasis!

PLEASE READ: Why it is Important to Test Your Water After Your Pool Opening!

You’ve waited all winter for this and the time has finally come- it’s time to open your pool! You see your pool is crystal clear and you may be ready to dive right in BUT before you do, it is important to have your water tested within 24-48 hours of starting your equipment after your pool is opened. Clear water can be HIGHLY ACIDIC water. Acidic water can severely damage your pool and its equipment within days of operation.

Poor water quality can lead to:

• Corrosion and damage of pool equipment (especially the components in heaters!)

• Damage to ALL pool surfaces (vinyl liners, gunite & fiberglass)

• Additional, potentially costly, expenses to return the pool to a useable condition

• Cloudy, murky and unsightly water

• Swimmer eye and skin irritation

• AND MORE!!

Here at Colley’s Pools & Spas, all 4 of our locations offer COMPLIMENTARY computerized water testing. While your water may look clear and safe, it has been sitting stagnant all winter and may be unsafe for swimming and damaging to the pool and equipment!

Maintaining quality pool water is vital to keeping your pool and pool equipment in tip-top shape all summer long. Frequent water tests (we recommend weekly, but at minimum, twice a month) will help you figure out which chemicals you need, which helps increase the longevity of your pool and its equipment and, in turn, SAVES YOU MONEY! Just because your pool water looks clear- doesn’t mean it is safe!

Testing your pool water with Colley’s Pools & Spas is easy!

1. Use a Colley’s water sample bottle or any clean container.

2. Take the sample away from jets and skimmer.

3. Dip container upside down until elbow deep, then take the sample.

4. Bring it into one of our 4 locations for a COMPLIMENTARY water test.

Based on the computerized outcome, our pool experts can recommend which chemicals you may need to improve your water quality.

How to Detect a Leak in Your Vinyl Pool

As pool opening season rapidly approaches and you get the cover off your pool, you may notice your water level is down. Don’t immediately panic- inground pools regularly lose water each day to evaporation. Additionally, your pool has been sitting all winter, so some water loss isn’t out of the ordinary. That being said, an excessive drop in your water level can be indicative of a leak.

Leaks must be located and repaired, because they could not only lead to significant water loss in your pool, but also increase water bills and can weaken the structure of the area surrounding your pool. Before deciding how best to repair a leak in an inground pool’s vinyl liner, however, the water loss or leak’s location must be identified and severity assessed.

The first question to answer when you notice water loss is, “How Much Water Loss in a Pool is Normal?” It’s normal for your pool to lose a small amount of water due to evaporation, splashing around each day and if you backwash. Additionally, it is actually common for swimming pools to lose water at night. Even without sunlight, evaporation can still occur, especially if the pool temperature is higher than the air temperature. However, if your pool is losing more than half an inch to an inch of water per day, it may indicate there is an issue.

A relatively easy way to see how much water you have lost is by doing a bucket test.

1. Have your pool filled to its standard level. Using a 5 gallon bucket, fill it 1 inch from the top with pool water.

2. Immerse the bucket in the pool to about 5 inches. Setting it on the first or second step of your pool should suffice.

3. Mark the water level inside the bucket and the water level outside the bucket.

4. Come back in 24 hours to compare the inside water level to the outside water level. If the water level outside the bucket has dropped more than half an inch- you may have a leak. Note: If it rains during the 24 hour waiting period, you will have to re-do for more accurate results.

If, after completing the bucket test, there is still concern about a leak- contact us! We offer a leak detection service. A leak detection is done by a highly-trained technician who can pinpoint leaks using advanced technology.

By determining where the leak is, we can then offer the best possible solution to resolve your leak!

How to Properly Maintain Your Loop Loc Cover

If you have a Loop Loc cover, you know it is the strongest pool cover on the market. While it is virtually maintenance free, there are steps you should take to promote the longevity of your Loop Loc cover.

1. Proper Storage: When storing your Loop Loc, fold it up and roll it into the provided storage bag. Hang the bag on a hook or nail (or any way to keep it off the floor). By keeping your Loop Loc off the floor, you are allowing the cover to drain through the bag as well as protect it from rodents. Rodents notoriously like to make a home out of pool covers; chewing holes and causing rips.

2. Handle with Care: Loop Loc covers can be bulky and heavy, but it is important to handle them with care. It is best to avoid dragging the over across the deck or placing it near any sharp edges which will damage the cover.

3. Snow Support: During Western New York’s inevitably cold and snowy winters, your water level should be 15”-18” below the top of the pool. The water (and eventually ice) will act as a support for your Loop Loc when the snow accumulates. This support will help relieve the stress the weight of the snow is placing on the cover.

4. Stay Off: While Loop Loc is touted to be able to hold an elephant, it is best to keep off of your cover to maintain its strength. Not only can being on the cover put stress on it, but pets and other animals can put rips in the cover with their paws/claws.

There are just a few helpful tips that will allow you to get the most out of your Loop Loc cover! Visit the Loop Loc page on our website for more information: www.colleys.com/loop-loc-covers