If you’re comparing metal vs. wooden above-ground pools, here’s our answer: for most families, wood is the better long-term buy. A wooden pool won’t rust; it can last 40+ years or more, and it looks like part of your yard. A metal pool costs less on day one, and that’s where its lead ends.
Our family has built pools in Vestal, NY, since 1961. In 1986, a customer came to us with a rusted-out metal wall pool and an idea: build a 24-foot wooden silo, 4 feet high, and put a liner inside it. That idea became the Crestwood Pool, and we’ve helped families create the pool of their dreams ever since.
Key takeaways
- A wooden pool has no steel wall to rust.
- Metal pools often last 10 to 15 years. Our wooden pools last 40 years or more.
- Wood blends into your yard and can move with you.
What Is the Difference Between a Metal and a Wooden Above Ground Pool?
Both pools hold water the same way. A vinyl liner sits inside a wall, and the wall is what sets them apart.
- Metal wall pool: a thin steel or aluminum panel wraps around the liner.
- Wooden above-ground pool: thick wood boards form the wall, and steel cables hold them tight, the same way a farm silo holds grain.
Our pools do use PVC Coated Galvanized Steel Cables and Stainless Hardware, but never a metal wall.
Metal Wall Pool | Crestwood Wooden Pool | |
Wall | Steel or aluminum | Grade 1 Southern Yellow Pine |
Rust | Steel walls can rust | No steel wall to rust |
Typical life | 10 to 15 years | 40+ years |
Look | Blue or gray panels | Natural wood |
Moving | Hard to take down and move | Can go with you |
Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
Why Is Wood the Better Choice? 5 Reasons Families Pick It
1. Wood Won’t Rust Out Like a Steel Wall
Steel pool walls carry a zinc coating, but steady moisture wears it away. A small leak at the skimmer or liner can leave rust streaks down the wall. Left alone, rust can flake, form sharp edges, and split the wall open.
Families shopping for above-ground pools in Palm Coast and other beach towns face extra risk. The American Galvanizers Association notes that the warmer the climate, the harder coastal air is on galvanized steel.
A wooden wall takes that problem off the table.
2. A Wooden Pool Lasts Decades, Not a Few Summers
Most metal pools give you 10 to 15 years. We build our wooden pools to give your family 30 summers or more.
Christine H. says her pool is “Standing Strong & Beautiful for 40+ Years.” Janis in Worcester, MA, has swum in hers since 2004.
We also back the wall in writing. Our 5 Year Guarantee covers the wall parts, cables, coping, and hardware, and an additional 25-Year Pro Rated Warranty follows it. This is by far the most Comprehensive Guarantee / Warranty in the pool industry ( or any other industry ), Period !!!
3. Wood Looks Like It Belongs in Your Backyard
Metal panels tend to stand out in a well-kept yard. Wood fits in, from modern homes to log cabins, and it pairs well with a deck or without. That’s why our pools are Naturally Beautiful.
One customer, Nicole, told us that once she saw a Crestwood pool, “there was no comparison.”
4. Wood Helps Your Pool Hold Its Warmth
Wood insulates better than steel or aluminum. Our customers often tell us their water stays warm through the day.
5. A Wooden Pool Moves With You and Helps at Resale
A metal pool can make it harder to sell your home or move the pool. A wooden pool comes apart easily, so you can install it again at your next house, sell it with the house, or sell it to someone else.
One rule: keep it above ground. Burying a Crestwood pool, even partway, voids the warranty.
Do Wooden Above Ground Pools Rot, Crack or Attract Termites?
Not when you start with treated wood and give it basic care. Here’s how we prepare every board:
- We use Grade 1 Southern Yellow Pine.
- We Pressure Treat it with Copper Azole, a copper-based preservative that protects wood from rot and insects.
- We Kiln-Dry the lumber After Treatment ( KDAT ) and check each board for warping, twisting, and cracks.
Humidity and termites are part of life in the South, and that’s why the best above-ground pools for North Florida start with treated lumber.
Your care routine:
- Use a Water Repellant / Wood Protector (preferably oil-based ) product on the wall initially, then every 2 to 5 years based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and how well it is weathering.
- Keep debris, plants, and soil away from the wall.
- Some small surface cracks may occur as the wood weathers. They’re normal.
- If left unprotected, the wood will turn a Grayish color and will show more signs of weathering.
When Does a Metal Above Ground Pool Make Sense?
We’ll be honest. A metal pool can be the right call if you need the lowest price today or you only plan to swim for a few summers.
You pay less now, but you may be shopping for a second pool in 10 to 15 years. A wooden pool costs more up front but will provide 40+ years of Family Fun!
How Do You Choose the Right Wooden Pool for Your Yard?
- Pick a shape. Round pools suit smaller, squarer yards. Oval pools suit lap swimmers and big parties, and they need a concrete footing around the edge.
- Pick a size. Our wooden above-ground pools come in seven round sizes, from 9’ to 27’, and three oval sizes: 12’ x 24’, 15’ x 30 ’, and 18 ’ x 33’, all with 48-inch-high walls.
- Pick an install route. Handy homeowners can set up a Crestwood Pool kit in about a day. If you’re looking at Above-Ground pools in Jacksonville, we can ship a kit to your door or connect you with our nearest Florida builder.
- Plan your budget. Pool financing through HFS or other lenders such as Lyons, Viking, or your own bank or credit union lets you pay monthly instead of all at once.
So, Should Your Family Choose Metal or Wood?
Metal wins on day-one price. Wood wins on what comes after: no rusted wall, decades of use, a natural look, and a pool you can take with you. For a family that plans to swim for years, wood is the smarter buy. We build every Crestwood Pool to our high standards, and yours.
What Should You Confirm Before Ordering Your DIY Pool Kit?
Before you order, check which pool suits your yard, what preparation it needs, and what you’ll need to budget beyond the kit price.
Work through these four checks:
- Record your measurements. Note the available area, preferred pool size, and nearby structures.
- Resolve location questions. Check requirements that could affect where you place the pool.
- Plan the preparation. Identify ground, drainage, and foundation work, including anything you will hire out.
- Confirm the order details. Ask about kit contents, additional materials, delivery, and current pricing.
To decide whether a DIY pool kit fits your budget, add site preparation, extra materials, and any hired work to the kit price. Compare that total with the amount you want to spend.
Ready to Talk to a Pool Expert About Your Backyard?
If you want a quality above-ground pool in Jacksonville or anywhere in the country, call us at 866-285-7665. Tell us about your yard and your family, and we’ll help you pick the right size and shape.
Not ready to call yet? Get our free book, 10 Most Important Things You Need to Know When Buying a Pool. It covers the costly mistakes to avoid and how to get more value without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
The price depends on the size, shape, and options you choose. Each size on our Above Ground Pools page lists its current price.
Yes. Our pool kits include printed and visual instructions, and our team is a phone call away. You'll need level ground. Round pools don't need concrete, but oval pools need a perimeter concrete footing.
A wooden wall has no steel to corrode, but salt can still wear on metal parts like pumps, heaters, and ladders. If you'd rather avoid salt, ask us about our water ionizer.
No. A small access stairway combined with our Walk-In Stairs gives you a safe way in and out. You can add a full deck if desired, and Ground Level Paver Patios mate perfectly with Outdoor Kitchens, Pergolas, Etc.
