The advantages of vinyl are many, but first understand the true facts:
- First, no manufacturer of fiberglass pools guarantees against cracks. Period.
- Second, all pools can have problems when the water is emptied, when leaks are not repaired in a timely fashion, or when the water is lower than the surrounding groundwater.
Fiberglass pools are great: They can be installed with fewer subcontractors and in less time than a gunite pool. They also have a smooth surface. Gunite pools have many choices and are not limited in size, shape or depth. They also have many smooth surface options and color choices. Warranties vary.
Last and most important: YES, it takes a professional to install any in-ground swimming pool. If you don’t hire one, you most likely will not get a good pool — no matter what the shell is constructed of. It takes many years to learn to be a pool professional; this is not a craft that happens overnight.
Hire a professional, licensed, insured pool pro to get the pool you expect and to save money in the long run. Read your warranty: The fiberglass manufacturers have great warranties, as do the gunite manufacturers and even the Vinyl Liner in-ground pools alike.
