Inground pool help

[Jen C.]

Hi! I haven't been on in forever, but I'm having a really tough time with this decision, and thought I'd ask my buddies at Intercot for your opinions.

We live in the Detroit suburbs of Michigan. We are going to install an inground pool. As you know, or can imagine, it is a significant investment, but a well researched one by us.

My question is, fiberglass or gunite? Keep in mind the significant temp changes in MI, and the 4 month out of the year usage. The proce difference is not significant enough to weigh the decison for us one way or the other. We've gotten prices for both and are still undecided. We have 3 children, ages 4, 8, and 10. Any opinions are welcomed and much appreciated! Thanks SO much! :D

[Scar]

Can't help with the fiberglass, but my parents have a 30 year old gunite that has held up great. Only issues are some staining and a few tiles falling out at the water line. The biggest problem is that the covers and heat blankets need to be replaced every few years, but that has nothing to do with the type of pool.

[jodijo]

We have a fiberglass pool and love it. However, we live in CA and do not have very cold weather or big climate changes. So, I cannot say if it is a good choice for you or not. However, I can say that it is guaranteed for life and took only 3 days from start of instillation to swimming time. I know that gunite pools can take months to install. We had a friend whose pool installation took over a year. Too long for an impatient person like me.

Good luck with your decision :)

[VWL Mom]

Our original gunite lasted 25 years. We chose to have it redone 2 years ago but more for asthetics than anything else. It had become streaked and we wanted the coping and tiles changed our. No structural damage or cracks despite 2 small earthquakes which cracked the decking.

No matter which way you go be sure to thoroughly check the company and their references. Google them, too. Lots of good consumer sites available. Also, be sure to get all necessary permits/variances before you start. If you live in a rocky area you may also want to have a test boring done to make sure of the depth you can dig. We failed to do this and midway through had to find a specialist to come and remove a gigantic rock in the middle.

All in all we were 4 months start to finish.