Stainless steel pools: commercial to backyard

by habiba_abudu | April 13, 2019 7:08 pm

By Gene Brown, Chris Neal, and Skip Phillips 

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Stainless steel pools and spas have been used for decades in commercial applications because of their durability, design flexibility, lightweight, and hygienic properties. In fact, stainless steel has long been the preferred material for high-rise pools and other installations where movement is likely—and leakage is unacceptable—as it withstands the natural movement of buildings, while still maintaining watertight reliability. Further, its non-porous surface reduces bacteria buildup, and is easy to clean, making it ideal for frequent commercial use. Reduced maintenance and construction costs are another reason stainless steel pools and spas are commonly used in commercial designs.

In recent years, homeowners, architects, and designers have discovered the benefits of stainless steel pools and spas and, as a result, the industry has seen a surge in residential use. To match this demand, more stainless steel pool and spa manufacturers have entered the residential market, fabricating custom vessels for backyard installations.

Today’s stainless steel pools differ from the past

Previously, stainless steel pools and spas were primarily built by welders for commercial applications. However, focusing on the innate esthetic beauty of stainless steel, and not just its durability, one can begin to understand the complex engineering required to construct and install a vessel that will last a lifetime. As more people recognize the allure and longevity of this material, custom stainless steel pools and spas have started to become more accessible to a broader market—including residential clients. According to these authors, this is an enormous opportunity that has not yet been realized in Canada.

Another difference in modern stainless steel pools and spas, compared to those vessels built in the past, are the inclusions of unique design features, such as acrylic windows and walls, curved walls, perimeter overflows, and vanishing edges. The precision and versatility of stainless steel enables greater design flexibility compared to some other pool and spa construction materials.

Advantages of using stainless steel

Stainless steel is a remarkable material and is ideal for use in the construction of residential and commercial pools for multiple reasons, including:

• Durability and lifespan—stainless steel vessels require less long-term maintenance and repairs than other competitive construction materials. When properly maintained, stainless steel pools and spas will not delaminate, crack, peel, discolour, leak, or require the finish to be renewed over the lifespan of the vessel. Because of its malleability, stainless steel adapts better in fluctuating environments, whereas other methods can be prone to shifting and cracking as conditions change over time.
• Versatility—stainless steel is exceptionally sturdy, but it is also flexible enough to be shaped into unique features (e.g. curved walls). They also allow for a wide range of finishes.
• Reduced weight—some stainless steel pools and spas can weigh at least three times less than concrete or gunite vessels of similar size. Its ability to remain watertight significantly reduces material construction costs and structural demands. As a result, less structural support is needed, which can reduce or eliminate the cost of reinforcing the primary structure when completing elevated installations. Stainless steel vessels are optimal for rooftop, raised deck, and yacht projects.
• Hygiene—stainless steel is a non-porous material, inhibiting the growth of bacteria; this also prevents corrosion. This is why it is frequently used in kitchens and clinical settings where hygiene is crucial. Further, it is easy to clean and reduces the risk of spreading harmful germs. For this same reason, stainless steel pools and spas are commonly used in wellness spa facilities, hotels, resorts, and other high-traffic communal spaces.
• Sustainability—stainless steel is a green product. It is 100 per cent recyclable, as it is not coated with any toxic material and does not produce toxic run-off. During production, stainless steel uses scrap metal as its primary raw material, with up to 70 per cent of the product coming from recycled material. Increased efficiency in process technology has also decreased the amount of energy required to manufacture this building material.

The construction process

For builders installing stainless steel pools, the following five-step process can help to ensure a project is completed successfully. Essentially, this process takes a client from vision to reality through a collaborative design consultation, expert installation, and ongoing customer support.

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   Design

Just like any pool project, the construction process is initiated when the client contacts the builder. At this point, the builder’s expert team quickly internalizes the client’s needs and vision to deliver a custom stainless steel pool design that satisfies the homeowner’s style and budget.

2. Revise

Next, it is important to fine-tune the design to perfection, ensuring every detail is reviewed and understood. This allows the builder to deliver an exceptional product. Final designs are then signed-off by the pool and/or spa builder’s engineers.

3. Fabricate

Once everything has been approved, the vessel is then fabricated to match the design and installation requirements. Engineered drawings are used to laser cut, bend, weld, and pacify the vessels so they will never rust. The pool and/or spa is then cleaned and polished. All stainless steel vessels are pre-plumbed, tiled, and insulated before they are packaged to be shipped directly to the project site or to the builder’s shop.

4. Install

There are three types of installation mounts: recessed, flush, and on-grade. The vessel must rest on a level, load-bearing, engineered surface. Depending on the supplier, a team member may be available to oversee the installation or provide builders with information to assist with the installation.

5. Support

Once the project is complete, clients continue to benefit from ongoing customer support.

 

Incorporating different features/elements

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Some stainless steel pool and spa manufacturers have the expertise and creative mindset to incorporate leading-edge features into its designs. For example, some fabricators can include glass (i.e. acrylic) walls or windows, which yield a captivating finish that most clients have not seen before. That said, the goal is to provide industry professionals with an alternative to traditional construction methods, which allow builders to limit their construction costs and time spent on jobsites.

At a basic level, stainless steel pools and spas are available in three finish options: buffed stainless, tile trim, and full tile.

Buffed stainless

This is a non-directional buffed finish that is applied to all interior stainless steel surfaces.

Tile trim

This option features a tile finish on the floor, seats, step treads, waterline, and top lip, while the walls and risers are finished in non-directionally buffed stainless.

Full tile

The entire surface of the vessel is clad with tile, without any visible stainless steel. Builders can work with their clients to ensure the finish option they choose complements the project’s colour scheme, style, and overall décor. Tile finishers can bring any custom project to life with ease and expertise to deliver a spectacular, sleek look.

Efficiency and profitability for building stainless steel pools

Stainless steel pools and spas give homeowners and industry professionals an alternative to traditional construction methods, which allow builders to sell and install a high quality product, while limiting time spent on jobsites.

In most scenarios, the vessels arrive in one piece. In areas with limited access, pre-fabricated and pre-plumbed sections are craned into place. Other sections can be built to accommodate additional access limitations. This efficient installation process saves builders time and money, enabling better control of the bottom line and profit margins.

Maintenance for stainless steel pools

Stainless steel vessels require less long-term maintenance and repairs than other competitive construction materials.

In addition, the unique filtration systems used by some stainless steel pool and spa manufacturers helps to simplify water maintenance and limits the use of harsh chemicals commonly used in other types of pools and spas. Overall, stainless steel vessels provide clients with one of the easiest, safest products, without compromising quality or esthetic appeal.

and Skip Phillips

[4]Gene Brown is the only platinum-level Genesis designer in Canada and one of just a few platinum-certified pool builders in the world. Located in Kelowna, B.C., he is known for his precision, quality, and innovation in designing/building world-class pools across Western Canada. Brown’s work has been featured in a number of aquatic industry magazines and his projects have been recognized in Canada—and internationally—for best pool and spa awards.

[5]Chris Neal is one of the Greater Toronto Area’s premier pool builders, known for custom, contemporary designs that exemplify style, luxury, and craftsmanship. His projects have won Design & Construction Awards from the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC) year-after-year. His work has been featured in Pools, Spas & Patios magazine, in addition to other industry-related publications.

[6]Skip Phillips is one of the world’s most renowned designers and builders of custom pools, spas, and other forms of aquatic architecture. He is regarded as the leading global authority on vanishing edge design, having pioneered a number of the effect’s tricky esthetic and technical details. For the past three decades, Phillips, a co-founder of Genesis, has been featured in numerous industry trade magazines, television programs—including multiple HGTV appearances—newspapers, and national publications, such as Better Homes & Gardens, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/stainless-steel-pools-commercial-to-backyard/

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