There are 10.4 million residential swimming pools across the USA, with the ratio between those in-ground to above ground around 60/40. These pools are as diverse in their size, shape, and material makeup as the stars in the sky.
Stainless steel swimming pools have fallen in and out of fashion since their beginnings. Still the preferred choice of some households, they have their up- and down-sides like any other type of pool.
Read on for the lowdown about steel pools and how they compare with other kinds on the market.
The American Love Affair with Swimming Pools
Before we dive into the pros and cons of stainless steel pools, here are a few more interesting facts about the popularity of pools:
- More than a third of kids swim in a pool at least six times a year
- Swimming pools can boost the value of a home by 7 percent
- Florida has the highest number of residential swimming pools
- 8 percent of American households have a pool
Stainless steel, fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete are the typical materials used to make swimming pools. It’s worth noting that in-ground pools can cost around 12 times more than their above ground cousins.
Where is the Oldest Stainless Steel Pool in the World?
The history of the stainless steel pool goes back a mere 54 years, with the first completed in Austria in 1969. By 2008, when France opened its first water sports center made from stainless steel, the Austrian original had still never needed any refurbishment.
Since their inception, stainless steel pools have developed a reputation for durability and low maintenance. They don’t rip, or degrade, even in extreme weather conditions.
Given the high temperatures experienced in states like Arizona, Florida, Maine, and New Mexico or the cold in Alaska, North Dakota, and Minnesota, they might, at first sight, appear an attractive option.
As with the best fiberglass above ground pools, there’s no risk of a stainless steel plunge pool cracking, for example, when the freezing weather sets in. That’s not the case with their concrete counterparts.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a generic term used to describe a group of corrosion-resistant steels. They all contain a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium mixed with iron. Varying amounts of other elements, such as nickel and titanium, may be present too.
All kinds of stainless steel are highly resistant to corrosion. This is because of the film of naturally occurring chromium-rich oxide found on the surface of the steel. Although very thin, this invisible film sticks tightly to the metal to protect it from anything that could corrode it. The film self-repairs quickly when there’s oxygen present.
The chrome in the stainless steel is what gives it its shine. Stainless steel comes in a variety of grades. The most common are 304 and 316. In terms of corrosion resistance, 316 is the best option.
Because of its anti-rust properties, the alloy is ideal for creating stainless steel swimming pools, but at a price.
Did You Know?
- Stainless steel is fully recyclable
- Stainless steel soap bars exist, often marketed as “odor removers” from the hands
How Do Stainless Steel Swimming Pools Get Made?
A stainless steel pool begins life in a factory where heat, presses, and specialist tools shape the metal to size.
Sections of the steel pools then get joined and welded together. Manufacturers will coat the shell with different kinds of material for a smooth and colorful finish.
What Types of Stainless Steel Pool Are There?
Because of its versatility, stainless steel is ideal for a variety of swimming pools but at substantial financial cost. They tend to be more appropriate for public or club pools. However, types of residential pool can include:
Above Ground Stainless Steel Pools
Like their fiberglass counterparts, these have become one of the most popular pool choices. They typically take far less on-site construction time. That makes them more affordable. They’re a faster alternative when compared to in-ground stainless steel swimming pools.
The anti-corrosive properties of stainless steel mean the alloy is an excellent choice for the best above ground pools. They’re not as heavy as precast concrete pools but nearly as durable over the longer term. Fiberglass above ground pools are, however, far lighter and cheaper than either concrete or stainless steel.
Get to know the Little Pool Co - a popular alternative to stainless steel pools
Installing a Stainless Steel Plunge Pool
These are another popular choice in the world of stainless steel pools, but again they’re pricey. They are available in all sorts of sizes and shapes. You could also go for a stainless steel plunge pool with a variety of coatings and liners.
As with a fiberglass or concrete plunge pool, there’s a stainless steel plunge pool to match all tastes and design styles.
You can install a stainless steel plunge pool entirely above ground, partially in-ground, or fully in-ground.
Stainless Steel In-Ground Pools
If you’re looking for a traditional in-ground pool, it may come as a surprise to learn that you can install stainless steel swimming pools this way.
There’ll be excavation and preparation work to do. This can be disruptive and time-consuming. It is also going to be a more expensive option than installing modern above ground pools, including stainless steel varieties.
In-ground swimming pools may also require planning permission from local authorities. This can be time-consuming and may also ultimately lead to disappointment.
You must always check out Homeowners Association restrictions too if they apply to your property, regardless of the type of pool you’re after.
What Are the Benefits of Stainless Steel Swimming Pools?
It doesn’t matter what material you select to construct your swimming pool. There will always be benefits and disadvantages. It’s essential to stay informed and weigh these up carefully before making any crucial decisions.
Here are some of the key benefits of stainless steel swimming pools:
- Corrosion Resistance: stainless steel swimming pools will last far longer than ordinary steel pools. That’s because stainless steel takes so long to corrode.
- Weight: compared to a precast concrete pool, a stainless steel pool is relatively lightweight. This makes it far easier to maneuver, transport, and install
- Diversity: there’s an enormous variety of styles and designs available, including diverse décor options and color shades
- Optional Extras: there are plenty of these to choose from, such as water jets and colorful lighting
- Off-site Construction: because manufacture takes place at the factory, there’s less construction time and mess to cope with
What Are the Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Swimming Pools?
Despite their plus points, installing a stainless steel pool or stainless steel plunge pool can have significant drawbacks. It’s important to weigh these up against other options, such as fiberglass and concrete.
The cost can be prohibitive. They may also not be appropriate for some of the hotter US states, such as Arizona or New Mexico. They can soon become uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. For some people, the aesthetics can be a turn-off, as stainless steel pools can look very sterile and industrial. Here’s more detail about the downsides:
- Price: although a stainless steel swimming will typically be similar or higher in cost to a pre-cast concrete pool, it can still be more expensive than an equivalent fiberglass option
- Climatic Conditions: stainless steel will take far longer to rust than, say, galvanized steel. However, it is not totally immune to corrosion. If you live in states that are prone to salty air or where there are higher than normal levels of certain chemicals in the water, air, or groundwater, it may be time for a rethink. These kinds of conditions can speed up the corrosion process. If you’re planning to install a pool on the coast in North Carolina, or Massachusetts, for example, a fiberglass option may be a better choice.
- Electrical Issues: as with other metallic products, stainless steel swimming pools will conduct electricity. It’s, therefore, essential to be very sure that your electrician ensures that they ground everything carefully to avoid the dangers of shocks.
How Much Do Stainless Steel Pools Cost?
The swimming pool industry is worth $1,3 billion in the USA. The average cost of an in-ground pool is upwards of $35,000. That’s according to Forbes: the lower the price range, the smaller the pool, as a rule of thumb.
Other factors can affect the cost of building a pool. Aside from size, the most significant will be the material used. Prices for a stainless steel pool tend to start at around $50,000, but the sky is the limit, depending on the size, shape, and installation logistics.
Stainless steel is a high-cost material to use for a swimming pool. That’s especially apparent when compared to the cost of an above ground fiberglass pool. It can work around the same or more than the cost of concrete.
When checking out how much stainless steel pools cost, you need to weigh up in-ground vs the best above ground pools. That includes consideration of a stainless steel plunge pool.
The environmental credentials of stainless steel are also worth taking into account. Stainless steel is a green product. It is recyclable, and a relatively high percentage (65-80 percent) gets manufactured from recycled steel.
Stainless steel pools have a significantly longer service life, excellent hygienic safety, and are easy to maintain. However, they are expensive when compared to other kinds of pools.
Know how much a Little Pool - the modern fiberglass above ground pool would cost delivered to your yard
Which Materials Compare Favorably to Stainless Steel?
The key driver that can make or break a decision about installing a pool is cost. Concrete pools and steel pools are likely to be around double the cost, at least, of a fiberglass pool.
Given the expense and hassle involved with an in-ground pool, regardless of the materials used, the cost of an above ground pool is always going to be an immediate money-saver.
Above ground fiberglass pool options like those offered by Little Pools are also going to be one of the cheaper alternatives, especially when compared to stainless steel or concrete. Fiberglass can offer similar advantages to stainless steel when used as the primary material for a swimming pool. There are a few extra ones, too. Here are some of them:
- There’s no chance of corrosion as fiberglass in metal-free
- Fiberglass is strong, smooth, and highly durable
- There’s no welding involved with fiberglass and, therefore, no weak spots
- Fiberglass is easy to clean and resists any build-up of algae
- Fiberglass is light, easy to transport, and quick to install
- Fiberglass pools are available in a variety of sizes and colors
The cost of ownership is a critical factor when deciding which pool is right for you and your budget. Fiberglass pools offer exceptional value and the lowest cost of ownership over a 10-year period when compared to those made from other materials.
Can You Customize a Fiberglass Pool?
Manufacturers and dealers offer a range of bespoke modern, above ground fiberglass pools. As well as standard choices, you’ll be able to choose your pool’s shape and size.
With Little Pools, for example, you’ll also have a choice of colors for the inside of your pool. You’ll also be able to choose the shades and kinds of cladding you want for your pool’s exterior. You’ll be able to put your own unique stamp on the type of pool you have installed in your backyard.
What About Maintenance Costs?
Concrete pools tend to be the most prone to algae as they’re so porous. Vinyl liners are less porous, but algae can thrive in cracks and seams where there’s a lack of water circulation. In comparison, fiberglass is more non-porous and algae-resistant.
Maintenance is a critical part of pool ownership whether you live in Arizona or New York. Time is a valuable commodity, and nobody wants to spend hours on pool maintenance when they get a day off after a hard week at work.
Fiberglass pools are a low-maintenance option due to their smooth, non-porous surface. There’ll be no walls or pool bottoms to scrub due to algae buildup. You will be hard-pressed to find any fiberglass pool that would require the service of a regular pool-cleaning professional.
If you take into account annual maintenance costs over a ten-year period, fiberglass pools are significantly less expensive than any of their closest rivals.
How Do Installation Speeds Compare with Stainless Steel Pools?
The process of deciding which pool to buy should be an exciting one. If you’ve set your heart on an above ground pool, you need to find an installer you can trust. There’s one factor that dampens the thrill of a new pool, and that’s a long-drawn-out construction process.
Stainless steel pools can take weeks or months to manufacture. Concrete pool installation can get held up by the weather and be even more time-consuming. A fiberglass above ground pool is going to be the quickest option. You could be swimming within days or weeks rather than months.
Fiberglass pools are the easiest to install and the fastest way to a celebratory pool party with family and friends.
Make a Splash with Little Pools!
We want you to enjoy the thrill of having a new pool installed in your backyard. Little Pools has a wide range of great-looking, modern, and lightweight above ground pools available. They boast a fine blend of fibers that are tough and durable. Choose one that’s going to be the right match for your home and lifestyle.
If you’d like to become part of the growing number of American households investing in above ground pools, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact one of the team today for a free quote, and you too could soon enjoy relaxing in your very own swimming pool.
