Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know
- Steel Pools & How They Work
What is a steel swimming pool?
A steel swimming pool is a structurally engineered pool fabricated from steel rather than being formed from concrete, fibreglass, or a repurposed shipping container. DA Steel Pools fabricates the pool off-site as a complete structure and then transports it to the property for placement and installation.
This approach combines structural strength with a high degree of design flexibility while reducing the amount of construction that has to take place in your backyard.
Why choose a steel pool instead of a concrete or fibreglass pool?
Steel gives us considerably more flexibility when dealing with unusual properties, restricted spaces, difficult soil conditions, slopes, and structurally demanding installations.
Because the pool structure is fabricated off-site, much of the construction takes place in a controlled environment rather than in your backyard. Once the site is ready, the completed pool can be delivered and craned into position.
What are the main advantages of a DA Steel Pool?
The major advantages are:
- Structural strength
- Design flexibility
- Off-site fabrication
- Efficient on-site installation
- Ability to accommodate challenging properties
- Saltwater or chlorine compatibility
- Canadian steel construction
- Engineered solutions for demanding sites
Our background in structural steel and metal fabrication also allows us to approach a swimming pool as an engineered structure rather than simply another backyard product.
Are DA Steel Pools custom built?
Yes. While we offer established pool sizes that work well for many residential properties, steel fabrication gives us significant flexibility to adapt the pool and its installation to the property.
The objective is to design the pool around the site rather than force the property to accommodate a one-size-fits-all solution.
What pool sizes are available?
Our commonly offered sizes include:
- 8 ft × 12 ft
- 8 ft × 16 ft
- 8 ft × 20 ft
- 8 ft × 24 ft
- 12 ft × 24 ft
The best size depends on the available space, how you intend to use the pool, site access, setbacks, landscaping, and the overall design of the property.
Can you build a pool for a small backyard?
Yes. Steel is particularly useful where space is limited because the structure can be designed around the available footprint.
We look at the complete property, including access, setbacks, elevations, surrounding structures, and how you want to use the space before recommending a configuration.
Can a steel pool be installed on a sloped or difficult property?
Yes. This is one of the areas where engineered steel construction can provide a major advantage.
Our structural steel and fabrication experience allows us to develop solutions for properties ranging from relatively straightforward backyards to significantly more complex sites, including steep slopes and installations requiring substantial structural support.
Can a DA Steel Pool be installed above ground?
Depending on the property and engineering requirements, a steel pool can form part of an inground, partially exposed, or structurally supported installation.
Rather than assuming every pool has to be installed the same way, we evaluate the site and determine an appropriate structural and installation approach.
- Features & Customization
What features can be incorporated into a steel pool?
Available features can include items such as:
- Integrated stairs
- Benches
- Tanning ledges
- Pool lighting
- Saltwater systems
- Chlorine systems
- Different interior finishes
- Customized installation configurations
We review these choices during the design stage so they can be incorporated into the pool before fabrication.
Can I add a tanning ledge or bench?
Yes. Benches and tanning ledges can be incorporated into the pool design.
If these features are important to you, it is best to identify them early in the design process so they can be integrated into the drawings and fabrication plan.
Do DA Steel Pools include stairs?
Do DA Steel Pools include stairs?
Can I choose the colour and interior finish?
Yes. Finish and colour choices are discussed before the pool reaches the final stages of fabrication. DA confirms the selected paint colour before scheduling the finishing and delivery stages.
Can a steel pool be saltwater?
Yes. DA Steel Pools can be configured for either saltwater or traditional chlorine sanitation systems.
Can I use a traditional chlorine system instead?
Yes. Both chlorine and saltwater systems can be accommodated. We can discuss the advantages and requirements of each option as part of the planning process.
Can pool lighting be incorporated?
Yes. Pool lighting can be incorporated into the design. Lighting locations and electrical requirements should be established before fabrication so they can be properly coordinated with the pool and installation.
- Design, Engineering & Permits
Are DA Steel Pools engineered?
Yes. Our steel pool structures are engineered, and structural engineering is an important part of how we approach more demanding installations.
Stamped engineering drawings can also be provided where required as part of the project scope.
What type of steel do you use?
DA Steel Pools uses Canadian steel and combines thata material with extensive structural steel fabrication experience.
The new DA Steel Pools brand positioning specifically emphasizes Canadian-made structural strength, precision fabrication, and performance for British Columbia properties.
Do I need a permit for a swimming pool in BC?
Permit requirements vary by municipality and by project. Requirements can involve the pool itself as well as setbacks, fencing, electrical work, structures, grading, or other site considerations.
We recommend identifying the requirements for your municipality early in the planning process. DA can help guide homeowners through this stage.
Are pool regulations the same in every BC municipality?
No. Requirements can vary considerably between municipalities.
A project in Langley may have different requirements from one in Surrey, Vancouver, Abbotsford, or another community. The applicable municipality should always be consulted for the requirements affecting your particular property.
Can DA Steel Pools help with permits?
Yes. We can help guide you through the permitting requirements associated with the pool project and provide the drawings and project information required for the applicable approval process.
The extent of permit coordination will depend on the property, municipality, and agreed project scope.
What if my backyard requires special structural engineering?
That is exactly the type of situation where DA’s structural steel experience becomes particularly valuable.
We evaluate the site, determine what the installation has to accomplish structurally, and work through the engineering requirements before fabrication. Challenging terrain does not automatically mean that a pool is impractical.
- Installation Process
What is the process for buying a DA Steel Pool?
The basic process is:
- Initial pool discussion
- Site meeting when required
- Quote
- Deposit
- Pool drawings and approval
- Scheduling and permits
- Fabrication
- Delivery and installation
During this process, we coordinate the pool design, confirm the project requirements, establish the fabrication schedule, and prepare for delivery.
Do you visit my property before building the pool?
For projects that include installation or require a more detailed site assessment, we arrange an on-site meeting to review the property and discuss what you want to accomplish.
This allows us to identify access, elevations, site conditions, installation requirements, and potential challenges before the project progresses too far.
Where is the pool actually built?
The pool is precision-fabricated off-site rather than being constructed piece by piece in your backyard.
This controlled fabrication process is one of the major differences between a DA Steel Pool and many traditional pool construction methods. The completed structure is then transported to your property for installation.
How do you get a steel pool into my backyard?
The completed pool is transported to the property by truck and is typically lifted into its final position by crane.
Before delivery, access, crane requirements, site preparation, and the sequence of the other trades are planned so the installation can be properly coordinated.
Does my property need direct truck access to the backyard?
Not necessarily. Because the pool can be lifted by crane, the truck does not always have to drive directly into the backyard.
Crane reach, overhead obstacles, neighbouring properties, access restrictions, power lines, trees, and other site conditions need to be evaluated as part of delivery planning.
How long does the installation take?
The complete project timeline includes design, drawings, permits, fabrication, site preparation, delivery, and installation.
The actual placement of the prefabricated pool is comparatively fast once the site has been prepared. The current DA website notes that site preparation may take approximately one to two weeks and that final delivery and placement can occur within a matter of days.
How far in advance should I start planning my pool?
Earlier is better, particularly if you want the pool operating for a specific part of the summer.
Design approvals, engineering, permits, fabrication scheduling, excavation, site preparation, trades, and landscaping can all affect the overall timeline. Starting early gives the project team more flexibility and reduces the pressure created by a fixed swimming-season deadline.
Do you install pools year-round?
DA Steel Pools works throughout the year. The appropriate timing for your particular project will depend on site conditions, permitting, fabrication scheduling, weather, and the other trades involved.
- Site Preparation & Trades
Does DA Steel Pools do the excavation and site preparation?
This depends on the agreed project scope.
DA’s core expertise is designing, engineering, fabricating, delivering, and positioning the steel pool. When installation coordination is included, we can coordinate the required trades and make sure the work is sequenced around delivery of the pool.
Does DA handle plumbing and electrical work?
Plumbing and electrical work are completed by the appropriate qualified trades.
Depending on the installation package, DA can coordinate the trades involved in the project or work alongside the homeowner’s own contractors. The existing DA process also identifies plumbing, electrical, backfill, and landscaping as work that can be handled through partner companies or contractors selected by the homeowner.
Can I use my own contractor or landscaper?
Yes. If you already have qualified contractors involved with the property, DA can work with them.
Alternatively, we can help coordinate experienced trades and installation partners where those services form part of the project.
Does DA Steel Pools do the landscaping?
Landscaping is not the primary business of DA Steel Pools. However, landscaping needs to be coordinated with the pool installation, and we can work with your landscaper or appropriate project partners to make sure the sequencing makes sense.
- BC Climate & Durability
Are steel pools suitable for British Columbia's climate?
Yes. DA Steel Pools are specifically positioned for British Columbia properties and conditions.
The structure, engineering, site design, drainage, installation, and seasonal operating procedures all play a role in long-term performance. The brand’s core positioning is intentionally built around dependable performance in BC conditions.
Can a steel pool handle cold BC winters?
Yes. Steel pools are designed to remain in place year-round.
As with any swimming pool in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures, the water circulation and equipment systems need to be properly winterized and maintained. The pool itself does not have to be removed or relocated during the winter.
How long does a steel swimming pool last?
A properly engineered, fabricated, installed, and maintained steel pool is intended to be a long-term addition to the property.
Actual service life depends on factors including materials, coatings, water chemistry, installation conditions, drainage, maintenance, and the pool environment. Rather than making a generic lifespan claim, DA focuses on structural quality, proper engineering, and long-term ownership performance.
What maintenance does a steel pool require?
Routine pool ownership includes maintaining water chemistry, filtration and circulation equipment, cleaning the pool, monitoring the interior finish, and properly opening and winterizing the system where required.
The exact maintenance schedule will depend on the equipment, sanitation system, usage, and installation.
- Service Areas & Delivery
What areas does DA Steel Pools serve?
For complete installations, DA’s primary service area is the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, approximately from Vancouver through Chilliwack.
DA can also fabricate and ship steel pools to projects elsewhere in British Columbia, including Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, Central and Northern BC, and the Kootenays. Installation arrangements outside the core service area would be assessed separately.
Can you ship a DA Steel Pool outside the Lower Mainland?
Yes. Because the pool is fabricated as a transportable structure, DA Steel Pools can ship pools beyond its core installation area.
Transportation, crane requirements, local trades, site preparation, and installation responsibilities would be established before the project proceeds.
Do you work on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan?
Yes. Pools can be supplied to Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, and other regions of British Columbia.
For projects outside DA’s primary Vancouver-to-Chilliwack installation area, we would first determine the appropriate delivery, installation, and local trade arrangements.
- Cost & Purchasing
How much does a DA Steel Pool cost?
There isn’t one meaningful price that applies to every property.
The total investment depends on factors such as:
- Pool size and configuration
- Features
- Site conditions
- Excavation and preparation
- Structural requirements
- Access
- Crane requirements
- Plumbing and electrical
- Equipment
- Permitting
- Decking and landscaping
- Location
Once we understand your property and what you want to build, we can provide a much more useful project-specific quote. The current site likewise treats pricing as project-specific rather than publishing a generic pool price.
Are steel pools less expensive than concrete pools?
They can be, but comparing only the pool shell price can be misleading.
The more useful comparison is the total installed project: structure, excavation, site preparation, engineering, labour, installation time, equipment, access, crane requirements, decking, and landscaping.
One of steel’s important advantages is that the pool structure is fabricated before arriving at the property, which can reduce the amount of construction taking place on-site.
Are steel pools cheaper than stainless steel pools?
Generally, conventional structural steel provides many of the structural and installation advantages of stainless steel without the premium associated with an exposed stainless-steel structure.
Stainless steel is particularly attractive when its distinctive metallic appearance is part of the design objective. Devin’s product comparison notes identify the polished appearance and significantly higher cost as the principal distinctions.
How is a steel pool different from a shipping-container pool?
A DA Steel Pool is purpose-built as a swimming pool rather than being adapted from an existing shipping container.
That means the structure and dimensions can be designed around the intended pool and property rather than being dictated by standard shipping-container dimensions. This is particularly important when dealing with challenging sites or structural installations.
How is a steel pool different from a fibreglass pool?
Concrete pools are constructed primarily on-site, while a DA Steel Pool is largely fabricated before it reaches your property.
Concrete offers extensive design flexibility, but it also involves a substantially different construction process. Steel combines customization with off-site fabrication and can be particularly advantageous where structural requirements or site conditions are challenging.
How is a steel pool different from a concrete pool?
Concrete pools are constructed primarily on-site, while a DA Steel Pool is largely fabricated before it reaches your property.
Concrete offers extensive design flexibility, but it also involves a substantially different construction process. Steel combines customization with off-site fabrication and can be particularly advantageous where structural requirements or site conditions are challenging.
- Getting Started
What information should I have before contacting DA Steel Pools?
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
It is helpful if you can tell us:
- Where the property is located
- Approximate backyard dimensions
- The pool size you are considering
- How you plan to use the pool
- Any features you want
- Whether the property is flat or sloped
- Known access limitations
- Your preferred project timing
- Whether landscaping or renovation work is also planned
Photos, property plans, surveys, or architectural drawings are also useful if you already have them.
What happens after I request a quote?
We begin by discussing your property, preferred pool configuration, project objectives, and installation requirements.
Where appropriate, we’ll arrange a site meeting. Once the scope is understood, DA provides a quote. After approval and deposit, drawings are prepared for client sign-off, the project enters the fabrication schedule, permitting requirements are addressed, and fabrication begins.
Can you tell me which pool is best for my backyard?
Yes. That’s an important part of the initial consultation.
Rather than recommending a pool based solely on backyard dimensions, we consider how you want to use it, the architecture of the property, available space, access, terrain, engineering requirements, and the surrounding outdoor environment.
Our role is to help you understand the options and provide the technical information you need to make the final decision.
How do I get started?
Tell us a little about your property, the pool you’re considering, and your preferred timeline.
From there, we can determine whether one of our established configurations works for the property or whether the site would benefit from a more customized solution.
Still Have Questions?
Every backyard is different. If you don't see your question here, Devin and our team are happy to walk through your specific property, timeline, and budget.