Steel vs. Polymer
Steel suits most soils and climates and costs less. Polymer suits saltwater and coastal sites, but not rocky ground or hard freezes.
Your pool walls are the structure the whole pool rests on. They get buried, so the right material for your site matters more than almost any other choice in the build.
Which one suits your site
| Steel | Polymer | |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended for | Most installation soils and climates, including rocky clay or soil | Saltwater pools, acidic soil and marine environments |
| Main limitation | More susceptible to salt and acid corrosion | Not recommended for rocky areas, expansive clay, or substantial ground freeze |
| Strength | The stronger of the two | Lightweight and flexible |
| Handling during installation | Heavier to move and set | Easier to maneuver with a small team |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Choosing steel
Steel is the stronger of the two and is recommended for most installation soils and climates. It also offers unlimited customization, with tighter turns and angles than polymer, so it is the option to look at if you want a custom shape.
If you are building along a hillside, plan for extra support. Otherwise steel is strong enough on its own.
Every Royal Swimming Pools steel kit uses 14 gauge North American steel, put through a G235 zinc galvanization process to resist the elements. Eighteen gauge steel, which some suppliers sell, is nearly 35% thinner.
Choosing polymer
Polymer is the lighter material and offers high resistance to most types of underground deterioration, which is why it is recommended for saltwater pools, acidic soil and marine environments such as coastal sites.
It is not recommended for rocky areas or expansive clay. It is also not recommended for climates with substantial ground freeze, where the panels are less able to withstand the shifting pressure of freezing soil expanding.
If you are installing the pool yourself or with a small team, polymer is considerably easier to maneuver.
Still deciding?
For the full comparison, including the wall panel chart, read our blog post on steel vs. polymer swimming pool wall kits.
You may also want to compare wall panel heights, covered in our article on the difference between wall panels for swimming pools.
Browse our inground pool kits, or shop by shape if you have a custom shape in mind.
Still need help?
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? You can always contact us at support@royalswimmingpools.com or choose the category below to see our most frequently asked questions for that topic: