COMPARISONS WITH TRADITIONAL TECNOLOGIES
Stainless steel is a favourable choice, whether you are looking to build a new pool or to renew your old one: you can simply install the new stainless steel pool using the pre-existing base.
MASONRY VS STAINLESS STEEL
Structural strength.
The solidity of a masonry pool, made in reinforced concrete, hinges on how professional the building company is: they need to use high-quality materials that are crack-resistant, and they need to guarantee precision in their work. The structural strength of a masonry pool is undoubtedly inferior to that of a stainless steel one: whilst the latter is made from a flexible yet solid material, the former could instead be exposed to thermal shocks and soil settlements.
Impermeability.
As concrete is not an impermeable material, before placing tiles, mosaics, or other elements, it is necessary to carry out waterproofing work; this, however, will not ensure a 100% impermeability rate. Soil settlements, thermal shocks during the coldest months, and the frequent interchange between a full and an empty pool can ultimately compromise its durability. There is a chance that water might infiltrate between the cracks, corroding the iron structure, damaging the whole coating further, and eventually leading to an inevitable renovation. Furthermore, in the event of a leakage, it may not always be possible to locate the damage.
Maintenance and Hygiene.
Unlike stainless steel pools, masonry ones are prone to deterioration, bulging, cracks, and detachments, so you will likely have to take into account the need for future renovation works. Stainless steel pools are more convenient from a hygienic point of view, as they are not porous and therefore are not exposed to bacteria and their proliferation. Thanks to their smooth surface, they ensure a simple and effective cleaning process.
Manufacturing time.
The manufacture of masonry pools is affected by weather conditions because of the materials’ drying times and maintenance. Generally, to be produced, they require a greater amount of time than stainless steel pools: these are manufactured within one to three months, depending on the complexity of the project. Since stainless steel pools do not require particular construction work in situ, the building site will also be cleaner and the installation quicker: you’ll just need to be there, lay down the pool, install it, and there you go.
One of the reasons why stainless steel is increasingly popular in public spas and swimming pools is its hygiene aspect. Bacteria do not stick to the walls, which makes it easier to keep the water clean and prohibits the formation of algae. Stainless steel is also frost and heat-resistant, which is ideal for outdoor pools that need to endure cold winter months and the heat of summer. These types of pools are also light and self-supporting, and installation is way quicker and easier.
FIBREGLASS VS STAINLESS STEEL
Structural strength. The structure of a fibreglass pool is not flexible, and it is therefore affected by soil settlements: it must be laid down on a levelled and very stable ground, otherwise the glass might break. These pools come in fixed shapes, and you will not be able to personalize them, nor have an infinity edge.
Impermeability. Fibreglass pools are impermeable but not very resistant, and they deteriorate quickly, losing their shininess, bulging, and cracking within a few years.
Maintenance and Hygiene. Since fibreglass pools deteriorate quickly, you’d have to take into account future maintenance works. However, fibreglass cannot always be salvaged, and in some cases. You might need to entirely replace the pool with a new one.
Manufacturing time. Fibreglass pools, just like stainless steel ones, only need to be shipped and installed; production time between the two does not vary.