Steel-wall pools compared

The pool wall is a galvanised, coated steel sheet that slots into bottom and top-rail profiles. Inside hangs a PVC liner, usually 0.4 to 0.8 mm thick, which is either folded over the edge (overlap) or hooked into a hanging profile with a bead. The skimmer and return nozzle pass through the steel wall and are bolted to the liner. This makes assembly more involved than with a frame pool, but the result is much sturdier.

Steel-wall pools can stand freely in the garden. According to the manufacturers, many models can also be partly or – with additional backfill of lean concrete – fully sunk into the ground. This looks more elegant and keeps the pool warmer, because the soil insulates it. Whether and how deep your model may be sunk is stated in the assembly instructions. Oval pools usually need retaining walls or special bracing when sunk.

Compare the wall thickness and coating of the steel sheet, the liner thickness and whether the top rail is plastic or aluminium. What's included matters too: complete sets usually include a sand filter, skimmer, return nozzle, ladder and ground fleece. Deep pools of 120 cm or more are suitable for adults to swim; for young children, shallower pools of 90 cm are safer.

Also factor in running costs: the inner liner is a wear part and needs replacing after a few years. Make sure replacement liners are available for your pool size.

Steel-wall pools usually stay up all year round. In autumn, lower the water level below the skimmer and return nozzle, add winterising chemicals, put in ice compensator pillows and cover the pool with a winter cover. The pump and filter go indoors somewhere frost-free.