The Benefits of a Stainless Steel Service Wall Panel

Learn how a stainless steel skimmer panel protect rolled one-piece steel walls from corrosion, why skimmer areas need extra protection, and how modern pool designs improve long term durability.

Why Your Pool Wall Matters for Long-Lasting Saltwater Pools

The pool wall plays a critical role in the performance, strength, and longevity of your saltwater swimming pool. It maintains the pool’s shape while withstanding constant exposure to water, sanitizing systems, and outdoor elements. Choosing a pool wall designed for durability and corrosion resistance helps ensure your pool remains strong, attractive, and enjoyable for many years.

Most above ground and semi-inground swimming pools are constructed with a rolled one-piece galvanized steel wall. While this design is strong and reliable, saltwater environments require additional protection at key points to prevent corrosion. That’s why corrosion-resistant materials and reinforcements are especially important when selecting a saltwater pool.

Saltwater 8000 Round Pool Installation with Stainless Steel Panel Visible

Why Skimmer and Return Areas Require Special Protection

All above ground and semi-inground pools require openings in the pool wall for a thru-wall skimmer and return jet. These components allow for proper circulation and filtration and are sealed using gaskets designed to prevent leaks.

Over time, normal wear, water pressure, and exposure to pool chemicals can cause small drips or slow leaks to develop around these openings. When saltwater or chlorinated water comes into contact with a steel pool wall, the risk of corrosion increases significantly. Because the skimmer and return section is more prone to leaks, it is the most vulnerable area of a rolled-wall pool and the most important area to protect against rust.

Stainless Steel Service Wall Panels Add Strength and Longevity

For rolled-wall above ground and semi-inground saltwater pools, a stainless steel service wall panel is an essential feature. Also referred to as a stainless steel skimmer panel or wall saver panel, this component reinforces the pool wall at the skimmer and return openings while providing a durable barrier against corrosion.

Stainless steel naturally resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for saltwater environments as well as freshwater pools using chlorine, mineral systems, or alternative sanitizers. By protecting the most vulnerable section of the pool wall, this high-end component helps prevent long-term damage, reduces maintenance concerns, and extends the life of the pool.

Important Feature: Stainless Steel Skimmer Panel Protection

The stainless steel skimmer panel provides saltwater corrosion protection at the water inlet and outlet wall section. Because the skimmer and return area is more susceptible to leaks than any other part of the wall, it is the most important area to guard against rust on a rolled-wall steel pool.

By incorporating this durable stainless steel component, the Saltwater Pool models available at The Pool Factory are able to withstand the corrosive nature of saltwater while maintaining structural integrity and long-term reliability.

Saltwater Pool Models Featuring a Stainless Steel Skimmer Panel

The following Saltwater Pool models available at The Pool Factory include a stainless steel skimmer panel as a standard feature, making them ideal choices for customers seeking rolled-wall saltwater pools with added corrosion protection:

These models are engineered to deliver long-lasting performance while protecting the most vulnerable area of a traditional steel pool wall.

Designed for Saltwater or Freshwater Use

All Saltwater series pools sold by The Pool Factory can be used with either saltwater systems or traditional freshwater chlorine systems. These are high-quality pools designed to resist corrosion regardless of the sanitizing method you choose, giving you flexibility without compromising durability.

Introducing the Saltwater Aurora with Advanced Resin Wall Technology

Not all saltwater pools require a stainless steel skimmer panel. The Saltwater Aurora is designed with next-generation materials that eliminate the need for this added protection.

The Saltwater Aurora features a 100% corrosion-resistant resin wall, not a rolled steel wall. Because the entire wall is made from non-metallic resin composite, it cannot rust, even in saltwater environments. For this reason, a stainless steel skimmer panel is not necessary.

In addition, the Saltwater Aurora includes an all-resin frame, with injection-molded resin uprights, ledges, and tracks. Injection-molded resin is the strongest type of resin used in pool manufacturing, offering exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to backyard chemicals and moisture.

Built for Confidence with a Lifetime Warranty

The Saltwater Aurora includes a manufacturer lifetime 360-worry-free warranty that covers the complete pool structure for the life of the pool. It is also approved for semi-inground installation up to 27 inches into the ground, providing greater flexibility in backyard design without sacrificing performance or peace of mind.

The Intrepid: Extruded Aluminum Strength Without a Stainless Steel Panel

Another unique saltwater option is the Intrepid Pool, which also does not require a stainless steel skimmer panel due to its wall construction. The Intrepid features a corrosion-resistant extruded aluminum wall made up of 4-1/8" wide interlocking aluminum slats.

Unlike a traditional rolled one-piece steel wall, the Intrepid’s extruded aluminum interlocking wall system is stronger and naturally resistant to corrosion. This design allows the pool to be warrantied for semi-inground installation up to 36 inches into the ground, making it an excellent choice for customers seeking additional strength and installation versatility.

Choosing the Right Pool for Long-Term Performance

Whether you choose a rolled-wall Saltwater Series pool with a stainless steel skimmer panel, the fully resin Saltwater Aurora, or the extruded aluminum Intrepid, protecting the pool wall is essential to long-term performance and enjoyment.

Each option available at The Pool Factory is designed with corrosion resistance, durability, and customer confidence in mind. By investing in the right materials and thoughtful engineering, you’ll enjoy lower maintenance, greater peace of mind, and more time enjoying your swimming pool.