Fibreglass and concrete swimming pools are being challenged in the backyard by new steel-framed pools.

The pre-engineered in-ground steel pools are being manufactured in the Eastern States and supplied and installed in WA by Poly Pools.

They are suitable for all design shapes and sizes and come with many advantages over more traditional pools.

According to Poly Pools director Shane Mackey the pools are cheaper and quicker to build than concrete pools and more suitable for areas with varied soil pressure or earth movements.

“This method of pool building is internationally acclaimed and involves the use of solid steel box section panels which are bolted together to form a strong structure that is flexible enough to cope with earth movements,” he said.

“The pools are stabilised and reinforced with concrete and then internally finished with a Nylex Aqualux membrane liner. These liners have a proven track record for strength and can hold the equivalent weight of a car.”

Pool liners are also user-friendly, soft to the touch and sanitised to provide a low-maintenance surface.

The steel pools come in many designs. Geometric or curved shapes are all available.

As well as being flexible in design, the pools are transportable, so can be installed in any area.

Installation time is about three weeks less than a concrete pool.

“An eight-week construction time is normal, though there can be delays in filling the pool as security fencing must be installed before the liner and pool water are introduced to the steel framework,” Mr Mackey said.

The pools are manufactured by Albatross Swimming Pools, one of the oldest pool builders in Australia, run by Michael and Linda van der Haar.

According to Mr Mackey, steel pools have been very successful along the Eastern States coastal corridor and make up a big proportion of new pool projects in the current market.

Vinyl pool liners have been part of the local pool construction scene for decade but until now they have been used for brick and concrete below-ground pools or above-ground pool frames.

The liners have recently improved in construction and technology and the material is now tougher and ticker than earlier models.

They provide a sanitised and treated internal finish to a swimming pool that resists the growth of algae, bacteria and fungus and has special UV filters to resist sun damage.

They will never get black spot and can last more than 15 years before they need to be replaced.

Renovation involves replacing the liner, and many old concrete pools are successfully renovated with new liners.

There are several swimming pool companies in WA, such as Poly Pools, which supply and install vinyl pool liners. Many of these are registered with SPASA.

Contact Poly Pools on 9477 4900 or www.polypools.com.au