Standard Pool (14x30): Pay Premium for Gunite over FG?

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Rhodie

New member
Mar 9, 2024
1
Providence
Hello!

First time pool shopper and long-time reader of this excellent forum!

This is a sizable investment and before contracting I wanted a sanity check: Am I naive for favoring fiberglass over gunite for a medium rectangular pool (14x30) with no special features? My learnings are that Gunite is more of a premium product - customization, longevity, and elegance with right surface-work - but with higher associated costs - periodic maintenance every 5-10yr and $20k+ higher install costs.

If I am not doing anything fancy with my pool, is there a reason to shy away from FG? Assume reputable builders, reputable manufacturer (Latham), and no water table or accessibility issues.

Thank you so much, truly appreciate each of your wisdom and time.
 
Hey Rhodie and Welcome !!!


Rhodie said:
Am I naive for favoring fiberglass over gunite for a medium rectangular pool (14x30) with no special features?
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Nope. They both cost a truck ton. Get the one you like better.
Rhodie said:
My learnings are that Gunite is more of a premium product - customization, longevity, and elegance with right surface-work - but with higher associated costs - periodic maintenance every 5-10yr and $20k+ higher install costs.
Click to expand...
I'd say besides inital cost, the two will have the same maintenance cost in the long run. Fiberglass needs to be refinished (which isn't cheap) about the same intervals as plaster when both are cared for with properly balanced water.

Plaster definitely has much more customization to it, If you're into that.
 
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Rhodie said:
Hello!

First time pool shopper and long-time reader of this excellent forum!

This is a sizable investment and before contracting I wanted a sanity check: Am I naive for favoring fiberglass over gunite for a medium rectangular pool (14x30) with no special features? My learnings are that Gunite is more of a premium product - customization, longevity, and elegance with right surface-work - but with higher associated costs - periodic maintenance every 5-10yr and $20k+ higher install costs.

If I am not doing anything fancy with my pool, is there a reason to shy away from FG? Assume reputable builders, reputable manufacturer (Latham), and no water table or accessibility issues.

Thank you so much, truly appreciate each of your wisdom and time.
Click to expand...
I have had a Viking fiberglass pool since 2011 in Pittsburgh and I’ve had no issues whatsoever. It looks as good today as it did when it was installed. I have an auto cover which keeps it very clean year round. The auto cover material has been replaced once. I use a gas heater instead of a heat exchanger given the weather in Pittsburgh.

An additional item to be aware of with fiberglass is that 14 x 30 really ends up to be more like 13.25 x 29.25 wall-to-wall because of the way fiberglass pools are measured
 
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