Stainless steel pools makes their mark in the Canadian aquatics sector

by jason_cramp | August 31, 2017 1:54 pm

By Jakub Misiarz

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While extremely popular in Europe, current pool installation trends show stainless steel is an up-and-coming building material for aquatic applications in not only Asia, the Caribbean, and New Zealand, but also Canada. Stainless steel has been used to build pools in Austria since the ’60s; prior to this, traditional, structural steel or aluminum (base metals) was primarily used. The former is a standard building material used in many construction fields, while the latter material is readily available and offers anti-corrosive properties. Despite this, aluminum is sensitive to electrochemical corrosion due to its high conductivity, which can also result in increased costs with respect to water treatment. In fact, the corrosive-resistance of structural steel is worse in the pool environment, as it can degrade faster, and maintenance is more complicated and expensive.

Today, designers/builders of modern natatoriums must consider how the pool will provide patrons maximum satisfaction, while also ensuring economic viability and longevity of the facility, in addition to making sure everything operates reliably. Therefore, due to the high cost of having to perform an annual surface treatment, stainless steel gradually replaced aluminum and structural steel as the preferred building material for public pools.

All the shapes and sizes

One advantage of stainless steel is the ability to design and install a pool comprising almost any shape and/or size, complete with various equipment and attractions, such as tubular or solid stainless steel massage chairs and loungers, gutter spouts, water gushers/goblets, and counter-flow stream systems. Classic rectangular pools with few accessories are typically reserved for lap pools and small therapeutic or rehabilitation vessels.

Development and innovation in the field of stainless steel pools is ongoing. In fact, construction and installation methods, along with hydraulic systems are constantly evolving. New attractions and pool components for entertainment, recreation, and relaxation are continually being developed, as well. For example, professional lap pools, which are designed and built to International Swimming Federation (FINA) standards, now include elements such as slip-resistant front walls and electrochemically painted strips added to the pool floor. At the same time, attractions such as air-bubbling loungers, water features, and foot massage jets are being incorporated into more recreational pool facilities.

The modernization of stainless steel pool construction along with their related accessories is a result of changing health and safety requirements, in addition to the cost of materials. In Europe, for instance, strict standards for stainless steel pools focus on water treatment and circulation, as these systems greatly depend on the pool shell to operate efficiently. Stainless steel pools use a sophisticated floor channel system, which constantly pushes freshwater parallel to the pool floor to ensure water is recirculated throughout the entire pool. This system is enhanced with the installation of overflow troughs around the pool perimeter.

One of the main advantages of using stainless steel in pool construction, however, is its smooth, joint-free and non-porous surface. The material offers great hygienic properties and, at the same time, reduces operating costs due to reduced chlorine consumption.

Spic-and-span

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Another benefit of these pools is they are durable and easy to maintain thanks to the formation of an invisible passive layer, i.e. a nano-layer coating (passivation), which is created by a mixture of metals such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum along with oxygen in the pool water. Should the passive layer be disrupted (e.g. scratched by a metal object), the pool environment (even underwater) enables it to automatically regenerate.

This is an important tool with respect to stainless steel pool maintenance, as the passive layer protects the vessel’s surface should the water become over chlorinated or experience a negative change in pH. It also acts as a shield, safeguarding the surface when the pool water freezes in the winter.

That said, specifiers, designers, and installers should always consider the quality of the stainless steel being used to build a pool. A solid surface with no pores and cracks helps to ensure pool maintenance is easy and inexpensive. Together, the stainless steel surface and circulation system helps to eliminate all micro-organisms and algae in the pool.

Forged in stainless steel

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Stainless steel pools comply with various technical standards such as ingress and egress, slip-resistant surface treatment, and the placement of accessories and equipment. To this end, these pools can be installed in a short period of time and have lower costs associated with construction readiness, which helps compensate for the higher entry price with respect to material costs.

For instance, stainless steel pools only require a concrete strip foundation built under the pool walls. Concrete footings are also installed beneath attractions, as well as built-in pool components such as floor channels, stairs, etc.

For indoor installations, it is recommended that insulation is attached horizontally to the stainless steel insulating profile around the entire pool perimeter. This keeps the insulation in contact between the pool and concrete and acts as a ground moisture barrier, as well as providing added protection in areas where there is a possibility of a radon risk.

This pool is true as steel

Pools of steel: The advantages

Organic substances can be easily cleaned from pool surfaces. Inorganic substances, such as calcium deposits, fungus, and algae, do not cling to the pool surface. The stainless steel pool structure offers high-efficient insulation properties, which lowers operational costs. The pool can be installed quickly and reliably, with most stainless steel vessels lasting more than 60 years. The pool’s smooth surface is hygienic and pleasant to the touch. For safety, an embossed slip-resistant surface can be applied to the stair treads and on the floor in the shallow end. The treads can also be electromechanically coloured to enhance safety. The pool shape can be customized. A variety of different water features and in-pool components can be added to a stainless steel pool project. The stainless steel material is colour stable and is highly resistant to chemicals.

The stainless steel pool frame is designed to be self-supporting and replaces a load-bearing structure of watertight concrete comprising plaster, an insulating layer, ceramic cladding, and joint materials.

If the construction site is prepared properly, a typical stainless steel pool, with a surface area of approximately 604 m² (6500 sf), will take six to eight weeks to install. Only a short break is required to pour the concrete foundation under the pool walls. The durability of a stainless steel pool is a direct result of the mechanical strength of the sheet thickness used for the walls 2.5 mm (0.1 in.) and floor 1.5 mm (0.06 in.). In the case of any damage, the steel can be repaired by welding and grinding.

Further, stainless steel pools are completely customizable, whereas they can be easily modified or outfitted with various accessories. All components, their parts, and plumbing connections are welded to the pool shell, making them leak- and crack-proof.

According to some aquatic facility operators, despite the higher costs of using stainless steel, operating and maintenance costs can be lower than a standard concrete pool. It should be noted, however, some stainless steel pool projects, depending on the condition of the foundation and overall construction readiness, are less costly to install than other conventional pool designs.

Maintenance made easy

Efficiency and profitability of each aquatic facility does not only depend on the materials used to build the pool, but also the overall quality of construction, and cost of labour. This should also take into account the cost to operate the facility, including electricity, water, chemicals, equipment, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems (especially for indoor pools). These costs can also be influenced by the use of alternative energy sources and whether or not the pool is covered when it is not being used. These methods are not always the cheapest solution, but they can contribute significantly to reducing energy and heating costs.

In most cases, operational costs for outdoor stainless steel pools can be significantly lower than other pool types. They do not need to be painted, coated with an epoxy, or require tile repairs. Further, thanks to the smooth surface, it is unlikely for mould or algae to form, which also reduces maintenance and chemical usage.

In fact, when it comes to winterizing an outdoor stainless steel pool, the water level only needs to be lowered by roughly 300 mm (11.8 in.), as there is no need for crumple zones (structural areas designed to absorb energy) to avoid damage to the pool surface and/or structure from ice expansion. The pool is simply allowed to freeze. There is no need to winterize (chemically treat) the water either.

Finally, when spring arrives, the pool is drained (as the water is not suitable for swimming) and the pool walls, floor, and overflow troughs are washed using a pressure cleaner before it is refilled.

[4]Jakub Misiarz is the project manager for Berndorf Bäderbau s.r.o., in Bystrice, Czech Republic, which is represented in Canada by Stainless Steel Pool & Spa in Whistler, B.C. He has 13 years of experience in the stainless steel pool industry. Misiarz can be reached via e-mail at j.misiarz@berndorf-bazeny.cz[5].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/stainless-steel-pools-makes-their-mark-in-the-canadian-aquatics-sector/

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