Wooden Pool vs Steel Frame Pool: Which Is Right for You?
Wooden pool or steel frame pool? The short answer: a wooden pool is a permanent garden feature with a natural look, made for long, heated seasons. A steel frame pool is quicker to set up, lower cost and easier to move. It depends how long you want to stay in.
At a Glance
| Wooden pool | Steel frame pool | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Natural timber | Clean, practical |
| Setup | Installer on a concrete base | Often a DIY setup on level ground |
| Permanence | Stays up all year | Many are taken down for winter |
| Sinking it | Above, partly or fully in ground | Above ground |
| Heating | Silver and Gold packages with heat pumps | Heat pumps and heaters available |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Wooden Pools
A wooden pool is a long term part of your garden. The timber walls look good all year, even in February when nobody is swimming and everyone is pretending they will start running again.
Why Families Choose Wood
- A natural finish that suits lawns, decking and planting
- Can be installed above ground, partly sunk or fully in ground
- Bronze, Silver and Gold packages, up to year round swimming
- A range from plunge pools to pools long enough for lengths
Things to Know
Wooden pools need a level concrete base and are fitted by our recommended installer. That makes them more of a project than a frame pool. Our wooden above ground pool guide covers the details.
Steel Frame Pools
Steel frame pools have a sturdy steel frame holding up a tough liner. Many are designed for a family to set up themselves on level ground, which makes them a brilliant way to get a big pool into the garden quickly. Browse our steel pools and above ground pools.
Why Families Choose Steel Frame
- Lower upfront cost
- Quick to set up, often without an installer
- Easy to take down if you move house or need the lawn back
- Lots of sizes, from family splash pools to large rectangular pools
Things to Know
Many steel frame pools are designed to be taken down or carefully winterised for the colder months. Some models are made to stay up longer, so check the guidance for the one you choose.
Heating
Both types can be heated with a heat pump. Wooden pools come in packages with a Thermotec heat pump built in. For frame pools, see our pool heat pumps, and read how to heat a wooden pool for tips that work for any pool.
Which Is Right for You?
Choose a Wooden Pool If
- You want a permanent pool that looks part of the garden
- You would like to swim from spring to autumn or all year
- You like the idea of sinking the pool for a built in look
- You are happy to plan a concrete base and an installer
Choose a Steel Frame Pool If
- You want a big pool on a smaller budget
- You would rather set it up yourselves
- You might move house or want the lawn back in winter
- You mainly swim in the summer holidays
Conclusion
Steel frame pools win on price and speed. Wooden pools win on looks, permanence and long swimming seasons. Both bring a lot of summer fun, and arguably a lot of wet towels on the kitchen floor.
Browse our wooden swimming pools and steel pools, or call Warren or Leanne on 01249 588853 for friendly, honest advice.
Have you checked out our other posts?
Wooden Above Ground Pools: A UK Guide
Thermotec Mini vs Neo vs Inverter Pro vs Inverter Edge: Which Heat Pump Is Right for Your Pool?
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