The walls of your pool are a critical element in the success of your swimming experience. They have the task of holding thousands of gallons of water while also providing a frame for your liner to hang on. As a result, it’s important that your Pool wall is made from a strong and durable material. The most common wall materials used for above ground swimming pools are either steel or aluminum. Both of these options have their pros and cons, so which is best for you?
Choosing a swimming pool is an investment. It’s a decision that you will be living with for years to come. It’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of both steel and polymer construction before making your final decision.
As with any building material, both steel and aluminum have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the type of construction you choose will depend on your budget and how you plan to use your pool.
Steel wall pools are cheaper than polymer pools, but this may not be as big of a deal as it seems. The main reason for the lower price is that steel is naturally rigid and tough, and it provides the structural integrity needed to hold the thousands of gallons of water within your swimming pool. This makes steel-walled above ground pools a popular option among homeowners looking for a low-cost pool.
However, steel is prone to rust. Even though newer models of steel-walled above ground pools come with a hot-dipped galvanized coating that resists corrosion, steel will still rust eventually. A heavy amount of rust on your metal pool walls can significantly reduce the life of your liner and lead to expensive repairs.
It is possible to build a hybrid above ground swimming pool with both steel and aluminum components. This can be a great way to have the best of both worlds. For example, you could have a steel bottom track, aluminum bottom connectors, and a resin top rail. This combination will provide you with the strength and durability of a steel-walled pool while giving you the flexibility of an aluminum liner.
The other advantage of a hybrid above ground swimming pool is that the aluminum components can be coated with a special protective sealant to prevent oxidation and corrosion. If left untreated, aluminum will rust over time, and this will cause the surfaces of your pool to become rough. This can create abrasions that will eventually eat through your liner. Aluminum oxidation can also cause tiny pinholes in your liner, which will quickly grow and lead to leaks. A sacrificial anode can be used to prevent this from happening, and it is highly recommended that you install one of these in your pool.
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