Concrete or Stainless Steel: What Is Best For Me?

Introduction

When it comes to installing a backyard pool, one of the first big questions homeowners face is this: Should I go with a concrete or stainless steel pool? It’s a decision that affects not just the look and feel of your backyard oasis, but also your budget, maintenance routine, and long-term value.

Both concrete and stainless steel pools have their strengths, and the best choice really comes down to your priorities. Are you looking for full design freedom? Is long-term durability your top concern? Maybe installation time or climate resilience matters more in your situation.

In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice. Whether you’re still in the dreaming phase or already planning your dig date, this guide will help you confidently decide which pool structure is the right fit for your home.

Understanding the Basics: Concrete and Stainless Steel Pools

Before diving into comparisons, let’s start with what each type of pool actually is — how it’s built, how it functions, and what makes it unique.

What Is a Concrete Pool?

A concrete pool is the most traditional and customizable type of in-ground pool on the market. Built using either poured concrete or sprayed applications like gunite or shotcrete, these pools are formed directly on-site. This gives you nearly unlimited freedom when it comes to size, shape, and design features.

Whether you want a deep-end diving pool, a sun shelf, or a luxurious infinity edge, concrete gives you the flexibility to make it happen. Finishes can range from simple plaster to polished tile or exposed aggregate, depending on the look you’re after.

But it’s not just about appearance — concrete pools are solid. With proper care, they can last decades. That said, they do require more maintenance than other types, and installation takes time.

What Is a Stainless Steel Pool?

Stainless steel pools are made from high-grade, corrosion-resistant steel panels that are prefabricated offsite and assembled in your backyard. These pools are known for being incredibly strong yet lightweight, making them a great fit for unique spaces — like rooftops, sloped yards, or areas with limited access for heavy equipment.

Stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look with crisp edges and reflective surfaces. It’s not quite as endlessly customizable as concrete, but it’s far from one-size-fits-all. You can still choose different finishes, integrate lighting and jets, and even add acrylic viewing panels for a luxury feel.

Because the panels are manufactured in advance, installation tends to be much quicker and less weather-dependent. On top of that, the material’s natural resistance to rust, algae, and wear makes it a low-maintenance dream.

Durability and Longevity

One of the biggest factors when comparing a concrete vs steel pool is how well each one holds up over time. After all, this is a major investment — you want something that not only looks great on day one, but still performs 10, 20, even 30 years down the line.

Concrete Pool Durability

Concrete is known for its strength — it’s the same material used to build highways and skyscrapers for a reason. When properly built and maintained, a concrete pool shell can last for decades. However, that doesn’t mean it’s set-it-and-forget-it.

Over time, concrete is prone to cracking, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles like we get in many parts of Canada. Even minor shifts in soil or temperature fluctuations can create surface damage or structural stress. You’ll also likely need to resurface your pool every 10–15 years, depending on usage and finish. This process involves chipping away the old plaster or coating and applying a fresh layer — it’s effective, but not cheap.

The good news? If you stay on top of the maintenance, a concrete pool can go the distance. It just takes a bit more hands-on care than other options.

Stainless Steel Pool Durability

Now let’s talk about stainless steel — and I really can’t overstate how tough this material is.

Stainless steel pools are engineered to resist corrosion, rust, and cracking, even in harsh climates. The panels are flexible enough to absorb slight shifts in the ground without damage, which makes them a smart choice for Canadian winters. On top of that, the surface doesn’t degrade over time like plaster or tile, so there’s no need for resurfacing.

Another bonus? Unlike concrete, stainless steel is naturally non-porous. That means it won’t absorb water, harbor algae, or degrade from constant chemical exposure. It’s a long-lasting, low-risk material that often flies under the radar — but it shouldn’t.

In terms of sheer longevity, a well-maintained stainless steel pool can easily last 30 years or more, often outpacing concrete in both lifespan and structural integrity.

Installation Time and Process

When people reach out to us at Pool Brokers Canada, they’re often surprised by how different the timelines are for concrete vs steel pool projects. If you’re trying to swim by a certain season, this section is especially important.

Building a Concrete Pool

Concrete pools are built from the ground up — literally. Once we break ground, the process involves excavation, forming a rebar frame, spraying or pouring the concrete, allowing it to cure, and then finishing with your chosen surface material.

Each of these steps takes time, and some are heavily weather-dependent. For example, rain or cold temperatures can delay concrete curing or finishing work. On average, a concrete pool takes 8–12 weeks from start to swim, though more complex designs can stretch that timeline further.

It’s not a quick process, but you do get the payoff of a fully customized, built-to-last pool when it’s done.

Installing a Stainless Steel Pool

If speed is a priority, stainless steel wins this round — hands down.

Most of the components for a stainless steel pool are prefabricated in a controlled facility, which means they arrive at your home ready to be assembled. Once the groundwork is prepared, the modular panels are bolted together on-site, sealed, and finished with your preferred options.

Because so much of the build happens offsite, the actual installation is faster and less vulnerable to delays. In many cases, a stainless steel pool can be installed and ready in just a few weeks — making it a fantastic option for short building seasons or last-minute upgrades.

Design Flexibility

When clients come to us with a vision — whether it’s a modern showpiece or a family-friendly oasis — the first question we ask is: how customized do you want your pool to be? That’s where the biggest design differences between a concrete vs steel pool really start to show.

Concrete Pools Are Highly Customizable

Concrete is the go-to choice if you want full creative control. Because it’s poured or sprayed on-site, we can shape the pool to fit virtually any space or design idea. Want an L-shape, freeform curves, or a vanishing edge that flows into a lake view? Concrete can do that. You can also build in features like:

• Tanning ledges and beach entries
• Swim-up bars
• Waterfalls or fountains
• Deep ends for diving
• Integrated spas or hot tubs

Concrete also gives you a wide range of finishing options. From white plaster to polished tile, exposed aggregate, or natural stone — the textures and colors are nearly limitless. If you want a pool that’s 100% unique to your property, concrete gives you that freedom.

Stainless Steel Pools Offer Modern Elegance

Stainless steel pools have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that naturally lends itself to modern homes. Think clean lines, crisp edges, and that striking metallic finish that catches the light beautifully — especially when paired with glass walls, LED lighting, or acrylic panels.

While stainless steel is slightly more limited in terms of freeform shapes or extreme depths, it’s still quite flexible. You can choose from a variety of standard shapes and sizes, and even add features like:

• Integrated hot tubs
• Infinity edges
• Custom seating or lounging zones

Where stainless steel really shines is in locations that concrete can’t easily accommodate. Rooftop pools, elevated decks, or narrow urban spaces all benefit from stainless steel’s lightweight construction and modular build.

In short: if your priority is design freedom, concrete wins. But if you want a contemporary, low-profile design with smart engineering, stainless steel is a strong contender.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Let’s be real — every pool needs maintenance. But how much work you’re signing up for can vary significantly depending on the material. When we’re comparing a concrete vs steel pool, this is often the turning point for homeowners who want more swim time and less scrub time.

Concrete Pools Need Regular Maintenance

Concrete is porous by nature, which means it absorbs water, chemicals, and even algae spores if you’re not on top of your pool care routine. That can lead to:

• Algae growth on the surface
• Staining from minerals or debris
• Increased chemical use to maintain water balance

To keep things in top shape, you’ll need to brush the walls weekly, monitor pH and calcium hardness closely, and plan for a resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. It’s all manageable — but it does require consistency, especially in the Canadian climate where seasonal changes affect pool chemistry.

Stainless Steel Pools Are Low Maintenance

Here’s where stainless steel really shines — maintenance is minimal compared to concrete. Because the surface is smooth and non-porous, there’s nowhere for algae or bacteria to take hold. You’ll use fewer chemicals, spend less time scrubbing, and reduce the likelihood of surface stains or discoloration.

In fact, one of the biggest surprises for our clients is just how easy stainless steel pools are to clean and maintain. That low-maintenance lifestyle means more time relaxing and less time worrying about water balance and surface wear.

For busy homeowners or anyone who values simplicity, stainless steel offers an unbeatable maintenance advantage.

Cost Comparison

When people ask me, “What’s better — a concrete or steel pool?” the follow-up question is almost always, “Which one costs more?” And like most things in the pool world, the answer depends — not just on the price tag, but what you get for that investment over time.

Initial Costs

Concrete pools tend to carry a higher upfront cost, mainly because of the labor-intensive build. Between excavation, rebar framing, spraying or pouring concrete, finishing, and cure time, you’re looking at significant skilled labor hours. Custom features, complex shapes, and luxury finishes drive the price even higher. That said, you’re paying for complete design freedom and a fully tailored backyard experience.

Stainless steel pools can sometimes offer a lower starting price — especially if you’re working with a prefabricated model or standard shape. Because the panels are manufactured off-site and assembled quickly, labor costs are reduced. However, high-end customization or features like acrylic panels and integrated spas can bring the price up into the same range as concrete.

At Pool Brokers Canada, we help homeowners understand the true scope of costs, not just the initial invoice.

Long-Term Costs

This is where stainless steel often takes the lead.

• Concrete pools require resurfacing every 10–15 years — a process that can cost thousands.
• They also demand more chemicals and energy to maintain ideal water conditions.
• Over time, repairs for cracking or shifting can add up.

On the flip side:

• Stainless steel doesn’t need resurfacing.
• It uses fewer chemicals and less water (thanks to the non-porous surface).
• It’s naturally resistant to corrosion and structural degradation.

So while the initial investment might be comparable, steel pools can save you significantly on maintenance and repairs over the years.

Climate Considerations

If you’re building a pool in Canada — especially in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, or Alberta — you’re dealing with real seasonal challenges. Freeze-thaw cycles, ground shifting, snow loads, and deep frosts all come into play. And when weighing a concrete vs steel pool, your local climate should absolutely be a factor.

Best Pool Type for Canadian Weather

Concrete pools are strong and resilient, but they aren’t invincible. In colder climates, the expansion and contraction of frozen ground can lead to cracking or surface damage, especially if the pool wasn’t properly winterized. Over time, even minor cracks can turn into major repair jobs. That’s not to say concrete can’t work in Canada — it definitely can — but it requires a careful build and diligent seasonal prep.

Stainless steel pools, on the other hand, are naturally suited for freeze-thaw environments. The panels can flex slightly without breaking, and the joints are sealed to handle expansion. They’re also lighter, which reduces stress on the foundation during winter movement. For clients in colder regions, this is often the tiebreaker.

Whether you’re facing long winters, fluctuating temperatures, or heavy snow loads, stainless steel pools offer a level of climate resilience that concrete sometimes struggles to match.

Environmental Impact

Sustainability is something more and more homeowners are thinking about — and it’s a fair question to ask when choosing between a concrete vs steel pool. While pools by nature use energy and water, the materials and long-term performance can make a big difference in how eco-friendly your choice really is.

Which Pool Type Is More Eco-Friendly?

Concrete pools have a larger environmental footprint during construction. Producing concrete is an energy-intensive process, and pouring on-site requires heavy equipment, water use, and site disruption. Over the lifespan of the pool, the porous surface also leads to higher chemical usage and water evaporation, meaning more frequent refilling and balancing.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, comes out ahead in a few key ways:

• The material is 100% recyclable — often made from recycled steel and recyclable again at end of life
• Prefabrication leads to less construction waste and energy use on-site
• Its non-porous surface requires fewer chemicals and results in lower water loss over time

It’s not a zero-footprint solution, but if sustainability is important to you, stainless steel offers a cleaner lifecycle and reduced resource usage.

At Pool Brokers Canada, we’re always looking for ways to help our clients build smarter, more efficient backyards — and stainless steel often aligns better with those values.

Ideal Use Cases

Still not sure which pool type makes the most sense for you? Let’s break it down based on common goals and project types we see across Canada. In the concrete vs steel pool debate, your ideal use case might make the decision clearer than you think.

When to Choose Concrete

A concrete pool is your best bet if:

• You have a large or uniquely shaped backyard
• You want full design freedom for things like integrated hot tubs, deep diving wells, or beach entries
• You’re aiming for a high-end custom luxury pool
• You’re okay with a longer build timeline and ongoing maintenance in exchange for personalization

We often recommend concrete for clients who are building a long-term dream home, want to impress with creative features, or have a property that allows for total design flexibility.

When to Choose Stainless Steel

A stainless steel pool is ideal if:

• You want a faster install with less disruption to your property
• You live in a colder climate and want a pool that holds up better during harsh winters
• You prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic with minimal upkeep
• You’re working with space limitations — rooftops, tight urban lots, or decks

We’ve installed stainless steel pools in all kinds of creative environments — they’re incredibly versatile, efficient, and visually striking. If you’re leaning toward a balance of style, durability, and ease, stainless steel is often the right call.

Final Thoughts from Twain

Choosing between a concrete or stainless steel pool isn’t just about materials — it’s about what fits your lifestyle, your space, and your vision for the perfect backyard.

If you’re looking for custom design without compromise, concrete gives you the creative freedom to build something truly one-of-a-kind. It’s strong, timeless, and made to match your exact idea of luxury — even if it takes a bit more time and upkeep to get there.

If your priorities lean toward durability, speed, and simplicity, stainless steel is a smart, modern alternative. It offers exceptional performance in tough climates, lower maintenance needs, and a clean, contemporary look that holds up year after year.

At Pool Brokers Canada, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We’re here to help you find the pool that matches your goals — whether that means pouring concrete into your dream shape or installing a sleek stainless steel system that’s ready to go in weeks.

Have questions? Let’s talk. I’d be happy to take a look at your space and help you decide what’s right for you. Get in touch for a free quote — and let’s build something great together.

— Twain

Pool Brokers Canada