Can a vinyl liner pool be converted to a gunite pool and how expensive would it be compared with replacing the vinyl liner?

Answer 1

The answer is absolutely! Secondary market products are readily available for a conversion such as this. A plastic, resin, or fiberglass track is installed just under the top edge of the coping around the swimming pool. The track is usually attached with some sort of stainless steel screw. Rolled Wall foam can be cut into long sheets and attached to the existing plaster walls--usually with spray adhesive. The foam evens out the surface and also provides a nice "shock absorbant" pad in between the liner and the wall. Complete measurements of the existing structure need to be taken--and they need to be extremely accurate. Some of these measurements include the height of the wall, angle of slope, depth and step areas. For 99% of these conversions, a liner must be custom manufactured. I say this because you might hear an installer give you a quote for a "stock liner"--a mass-produced liner made based upon general measurements--carried in quantity at the local distributor.

Conversions are rarely exact, so don't be alarmed if you have a small wrinkle or two.

Expect to spend 25-50% over what a traditional liner replacement would cost. There's not too much of a difference in materials, so the cost will be mainly in the skilled labor.

Definately find someone that has performed these conversions before. Don't just take their word for it. Go see the jobs--without the installer present!!!! Talk with the customers, and ask them how the installer performed.

Best wishes on your project!!

Answer 2

Yes, any hole with proper rebar ties can convert..just look at it as the hole has been already dug for you...This is also vice-versa..you can make a gunite pool a vinyle liner I am a owner of a Pool building company in Atlanta Ga.

from A Pool Contractor

This project is essentially a full gunite pool construction with the exception that no excavation is required. The angles of the deep end hopper make the steel and concrete stages more time consuming than a traditional gunite pool. The price for this job would be very close to a new pool construction less excavation costs which can be around $5000.

As a professional pool builder that has shot gunite pool shells inside existing vinyl liner pools, I can tell you that the job is actually harder than building a pool from scratch. If your just going to shoot inside the existing hole the pool will end up being smaller and shallower as well to accommodate for the 6 inches of gunite that will be added. All of the existing returns have to be cut out and extended to allow for this, the main drain should be dug up and replaced with a gunite drain, and the skimmer should be cut out and replaced with a gunite skimmer. the deck should be cut back, but alternately coping can be installed to line back up with the existing deck. The deck will have to be cut out around the vinyl skimmer to make way for the gunite skimmer replacement, I have seen people not replace the skimmer but this leaves a good place for a future leak, I wouldn't recommend it. The plastic steps will have to be removed as well. You may want the bottom dug out so it can be made deeper and larger as the hopper area on most vinyl pools are small and tapered. It's a job to say the least, but it is possible. Cost wise it will probably run more than building a gunite pool from scratch. The only things you are using over is the deck, the hole, and the Plumbing.For more information howtobuildaningroundpool.com

Another option is to have a new fiberglass surface applied to your pool. You will get a much longer life out of your pool, and won't be replacing vinyl liners ever again! You can read more at: http://www.advancedpoolcoatings.com

Answer 3

I've got the same question except my pool is 20 years old. It's 18' by 38'. Bill

I did this about 2 years ago. It was more than I wanted to do but well worth it. The vinyl liner was needing replaced and I originally wanted a fibreglass coat put in. When we emptied the pool we discovered that the floor of the pool was not built for a gunite frame. So we had to take out the sides and floor and rebuild the frame and put on the gunite. It was about $17,000 all inclusive in 2002. New steps and a light were included.

As a professional pool builder that has shot gunite pool shells inside existing vinyl liner pools, I can tell you that the job is actually harder than building a pool from scratch. If your just going to shoot inside the existing hole the pool will end up being smaller and shallower as well to accommodate for the 6 inches of gunite that will be added. All of the existing returns have to be cut out and extended to allow for this, the main drain should be dug up and replaced with a gunite drain, and the skimmer should be cut out and replaced with a gunite skimmer. the deck should be cut back, but alternately coping can be installed to line back up with the existing deck. The deck will have to be cut out around the vinyl skimmer to make way for the gunite skimmer replacement, I have seen people not replace the skimmer but this leaves a good place for a future leak, I wouldn't recommend it. The plastic steps will have to be removed as well. You may want the bottom dug out so it can be made deeper and larger as the hopper area on most vinyl pools are small and tapered. It's a job to say the least, but it is possible. Cost wise it will probably run more than building a gunite pool from scratch. The only things you are using over is the deck, the hole, and the plumbing.For more information howtobuildaningroundpool.com

Answer 4

As long as the vinyl liner pool is inground, it can be converted. But you'll probably have to remove all of the vinyl pool elements until you have reduced the pool to a big hole in the ground and then start from there. All it takes is time and money!

Answer 5

Yes, this can be done however, basically the only thing you can use from your vinyl pool is the actual 'hole' and maybe equipment. The cost is not much less than having a new gunite pool built.

Answer 6

Choosing between a vinyl liner pool and a gunite pool depends on a variety of factors, such as budget, durability, design flexibility, and maintenance requirements. A vinyl liner pool is typically less expensive to install than a gunite pool, but it may require more maintenance over time, as the liner can be susceptible to tears, leaks, and fading. In contrast, a gunite pool can be more expensive to install, but it offers greater durability and customization options in terms of size, shape, and features, as well as a longer lifespan. Additionally, a gunite pool may require less maintenance over time, as it is less susceptible to damage and fading than a vinyl liner. When choosing between a vinyl liner pool and a gunite pool, it is important to consider your budget, design preferences, and long-term maintenance needs, as well as the advice of a qualified pool contractor who can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each type of pool and make an informed decision.

Answer 7

Its a oval shape pool, 19,3'X43' size, 4' deep at one end, after 12' slopes down to 10' deep.

Answer 8

You can use the same hole in the ground for both a vinyl liner pool and a gunite pool. You should not need a new hole dug.