Building a swimming pool is no small feat. With a whole host of things that can go wrong with an improperly built pool, adhering to the correct swimming pool rebar requirements is one on the most important things you can do to guarantee its quality construction.

Distinctive from standard rebar, swimming pool rebar was designed precisely for this type of structure. And if you’re in the process of building a pool and still scratching your head about what type of steel is best, this handy guide can help.

Why are swimming pool rebar requirements so strict?

Swimming pools are significant constructions, and with a central element being its concrete structure, using some form of reinforcing bar makes sense. The purpose of pool rebar is to reinforce its strength, bonding with the swimming pool concrete structure to form a solid, dependable base.

As rebar is bendable, it’s the perfect structural support for pools, which come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. And when you consider the sheer amount of water a swimming pool holds, it makes sense to have all the support you can get.

Meeting the correct swimming pool rebar requirements helps to avoid issues like cracking, deforming, and earth shifting, which commonly occur with poorly built pools. Most importantly, using a steel manufacturer and supplier who delivers quality and compliance in all their products is a must.

Neumann Steel is proud to offer quality swimming pool rebar made in Australia and compliant with AS/NZS 4671:2019. Our D250N grade pool rebar is available in stock and is of high strength for absolute peace of mind.

What type of rebar is used in pools?

One of the most common questions about building a pool is whether pool steel is the same as regular reinforcing steel. As a swimming pool has unique requirements for durability and strength, it needs a particular type of rebar made just for this application.

Typically, reinforcing steel for pools comes in two grades: D250N and D500N. With D250N being the standard pool steel, most builders prefer this type. However, there might be some instances when they need to use D500N, such as specific designs that call for it, but they’re uncommon.

There are loads of advantages to using swimming pool rebar. Its higher strength and durability provide a more durable support over the years. And even though regular rebar can be used to build pools, it won’t offer the same sturdiness over time.

Another bonus is the malleability of the pool rebar. It’s easy to bend, shape, and cut on-site, meaning faster construction times and no need for pre-casting large concrete sections.

This flexible form of steel also allows for your creativity and freedom in your pool designs. As the shapes and features of pools become more innovative, swimming pool rebar is even more advantageous for achieving those unique forms.

What size rebar should be used in a pool?

As there are limited sizes of swimming pool rebar available, customers only have a few options to choose from. So, when ordering rebar, you can select the one that best matches the bar per tonne, length, and metres per tonne your project needs.

To meet your swimming pool rebar requirements, Neumann Steel manufactures and supplies the following:

S12/6: 181 bars per tonne, 6000mm length

S12/9: 120 bars per tonne, 9000mm length

These are the most viable options depending on the pool design, size, and other construction factors. And at Neumann Steel, these are the only recommended sizes of pool rebar we supply.

How do you calculate pool rebar?

Before moving ahead with constructing a pool, you’ll need to run the numbers. Here are a few things to consider to calculate your swimming pool rebar requirements.

What’s the planned surface area and depth of the pool? This will show you the exact measurements for the concrete structure requiring the rebar for reinforcement.

What rebar grade do you plan on using? How much strength does the pool structure need? Typically, the more strength required of your swimming pool rebar, the larger the size it will need to be. Moving up a grade will give you more yield strength.

How many rebar pieces will you need? Remember, spacing requirements are different for every project. The rebar pieces must also form a grid, so factor this in.

For the most accurate calculations, reach out to the team at Neumann Steel. We can ensure you choose the correct grade and amount of steel to suit your project.

Neumann Steel: Your Pool Rebar Professionals

Neumann Steel knows their way around rebar, and if it’s swimming pool rebar you’re after, we can assist. With two grades available and the highest quality Australian steel used in its construction, it’s the peace of mind you need when building a pool.

Do you need advice when it comes to reinforcing steel for your pool project? Contact the experts at Neumann Steel.