If you’re looking into the backyard swimming pool scene, you may be asking the question, “What are above ground pools made of?” The fact is there are only a few basic components when it comes to above ground pools: walls, tracks, connector plates, uprights, top rails, caps, and hardware. When it comes to assessing the quality of different types of above ground pools, you’ll want to pay attention to what materials these basic components are made of and how thick they are. Keep reading below to learn more.
Above Ground Pool Construction Material
All above ground pools are typically made of steel, aluminum or resin. That being said, when it comes to the pool’s walls, you’ll never come across resin walls. All swimming pool walls are composed of either steel or aluminum. The only problem with this is that steels corrodes and rusts while aluminum oxidizes. So, no matter what type of pool you get, it will eventually rot. There are three factors that affect this process of decomposition: thickness, quality, and coating. In this article, we’ll go over these factors to allow you to make an informed choice when it comes to the type of pool that would work for you.
Thickness
The thicker the metal, the longer it will take for the pool walls to be compromised. Steel walls will corrode faster than aluminum walls will oxidize, but the thickness of the metals will play a role in how fast these processes occur. The thicker the walls, the longer they will last and the more you will pay. Aluminum walls are also available in an extra thick version called extruded aluminum. These walls are by far the longest lasting, but also cost the most.
Quality
The quality of the steel or aluminum will also play a role in how long it lasts before it rots. Not all steel is made the same. Recycled steel will cost less but is of poorer quality. Also, when buying thick aluminum walls, make sure you’re not just buying a wall composed of two thin sheets of aluminum covering a styrofoam core. These types of walls are nowhere near the same type of quality as an extruded aluminum wall of a similar thickness.
Coating
Both steel and aluminum walls need to be coated to prevent corrosion or oxidization. Steel walls should be galvanized and painted with enamel-based paint. You’ll want to pay special attention to the areas around the skimmer and the water return. These areas are usually cut to measure during the installation process and will need to be coated with enamel paint to prevent rust or oxidization. If the paint of the wall ever gets chipped or scratched, make sure to touch up the paint job as soon as possible.
To learn more about the materials and specs of our above ground pools, download a free brochure.