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Fiberglass Swimming
Pools
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Concrete Swimming
(Gunite) Pools
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Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools
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Warranty
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35 Year Structural Warranty
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1-5 years by contractor
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Liner seams only
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Installation
Time
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5-13 days installation, ready for decking using few (if any) subcontractors.
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8-12 weeks using many different subcontractors.
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2-3 weeks using few subcontractors.
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Shapes of
Pools
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Limited to the models of the manufacturer.
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Unlimited
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Limited to the models of the manufacturer.
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Price of
Pools
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Average
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High
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Average
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Estimated Chemical Usage
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Surface does not alter water's chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used.
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Plaster reacts with water to raise pH levels. Uses substantially more acid & chlorine to counterbalance this chemical reaction.
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Surface does not alter waters' chemical balance. Substantially fewer chemicals used.
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Estimated
Electricity Use
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Circulate Water 4-6 hours daily.
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Circulate Water 8-10 hours daily.
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Circulate Water 5-7 hours daily.
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Surface
Texture
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Smooth, non-abrasive to skin or swim suits, walking and seating areas are textured for slip resistance.
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Rough, causes skin abrasions to feet, hands and swim wear.
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Slippery, easily punctured or torn by toys, pets, or surfacing rocks.
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Algae
Penetration
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Algae sweeps off with wall brush.
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Algae grows and is harbored in pores of gunite. Acid baths and scrubbing required to remove algae.
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Seams of liner harbor algae.
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Estimated Maintenance Time
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1/2 hour per week maximum
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2-3 hours per week
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2-3 hours per week
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Major Renovation
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None
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Re-marcite or re-plaster at 5-7 years.
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Vinyl Liner needs to be replaced every 7- 9 years.
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Stairs and Seating
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Built into pool shell.
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Optional & Additional Cost.
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Optional & Additional Cost.
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Quality
Control
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Manufactured in environmentally controlled factory under stringent quality control standards.
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Manufactured on-site. No environmental control.
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Kit manufactured in factory. Quality of on-site assembly varies by installer.
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Type of
Coping
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Fiberglass or concrete
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Concrete
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Aluminum (which easily corrodes)
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Loan Acceptance
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Excellent Swimming Pool Financing
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Good
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Fair
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