Stock tank pool en acier galvanisé ou en polyéthylène : lequel choisir ? ILOTank

Galvanized Steel or Polyethylene Stock Tank Pool: Which One Should You Choose?

In short: choose galvanized steel if you love the classic industrial look and want the widest choice of sizes (round 5' to 8' and ovals), with an interior height of about 58 cm. Choose polyethylene if you want a tank about half the weight when empty, that never rusts and is easy to move. Both are made by Hastings and are filtered the same way, with a submersible pump and sponge filters, with no drilling.

Comparison chart

Criteria Galvanized steel Polyethylene
Material G90 galvanized steel (zinc coating) High-density polyethylene, moulded in one piece
Available sizes Round 5', 6', 7', 8'; ovals 6' x 2.5', 7' x 2.5', 8' x 3' Round 6' and 8'; square 8' x 7'
Height ≈ 58 cm (interior) ≈ 60 cm (round); ≈ 71 cm (square)
Capacity of the round 8' ~2,720 L ~2,195 L
Empty weight of the round 8' ≈ 68 to 78 kg (150 to 171 lb) ≈ 38 kg (83 lb)
Rust Protected by zinc; a grey patina forms (normal) Does not rust
Water treatment Chlorine or bromine between 0.5 and 1 ppm, no shock treatment, no salt No corrosion possible; we also recommend light care (0.5 to 1 ppm), no salt
Look Industrial, natural metal Grey, clean
On delivery Slight dents or scratches possible (inherent to the material) Slight surface marks possible

Approximate capacities and weights stated by Hastings (2024 catalog); steel weight varies with gauge.

Galvanized steel: the industrial classic

Our Hastings galvanized steel tanks are made of G90 galvanized steel. The bottom is joined to the sidewall with a 4-ply lock seam and sealant, and a steel pipe is rolled into the top rim for rigidity.

  • The widest choice of sizes: round 5', 6', 7' and 8', plus three ovals (6' x 2.5', 7' x 2.5', 8' x 3').
  • Interior height of about 58 cm: below the 60 cm threshold of Quebec's Regulation respecting the safety of residential swimming pools. Your municipality may have additional rules: check with it.
  • A normal patina: shiny when it leaves the factory, the steel turns dull after a few days. This grey patina is part of its protection against corrosion.
  • Care to respect: chlorine or bromine between 0.5 and 1 ppm, never a shock treatment or salt. A higher level speeds up the breakdown of the zinc coating.

Learn more: How long do galvanized steel stock tank pools last?

Polyethylene: light and rust-free

Our Hastings polyethylene tanks are moulded in one piece from grey high-density polyethylene, formulated to resist UV rays.

  • Light: about 25 kg (55 lb) empty for the round 6' and about 38 kg (83 lb) for the round 8'. It is easy to move and store.
  • No rust possible: polyethylene does not rust or corrode.
  • The largest volume: the square 8' x 7' holds about 2,840 L, but its height of about 71 cm is above the 60 cm threshold: an enclosure and a permit may be required.
  • Good to know: for the same diameter, the round polyethylene tank holds less water (8': ~2,195 L vs ~2,720 L in steel). The round tanks are about 60 cm high, right at the regulatory threshold: check with your municipality.

Which one fits your situation?

  • You love the industrial look: galvanized steel.
  • You want to move or store the tank easily: polyethylene.
  • Your space is narrow or long: a galvanized steel oval.
  • You want as much water as possible: the square polyethylene tank (after checking your municipality's rules).
  • You want a very small size: the 5' galvanized steel tank.

Not sure about the size? Read our guide What size stock tank pool should I choose?

What is the same for both

  • The manufacturer: Hastings, in business for more than 100 years.
  • Setup: less than an hour on a flat, level surface, then a few hours of filling depending on your water flow.
  • Filtration: a submersible pump with sponge filters, placed in the tank, with no drilling at all. Turn it off and remove it before swimming.
  • Accessories: the custom cover, the submersible water heater and the Premium Kit work with both materials.
  • Winter: empty the tank completely, then turn it upside down on blocks so air can circulate. See our winterizing guide.

For water care, follow our guide Stock tank pool water care.

Delivery

We deliver across Canada, except the territories: to your home within 125 km of our delivery points, or to a pickup point.

Frequently asked questions

Which stock tank pool is the lightest?

Polyethylene: about 25 kg (55 lb) empty for the round 6' and 38 kg (83 lb) for the round 8', compared with about 68 to 78 kg (150 to 171 lb) for an 8' galvanized steel tank (approximate Hastings weights).

Can you use salt in a stock tank pool?

No. Salt is not permitted in any of our tanks, galvanized steel or polyethylene. Use chlorine or bromine between 0.5 and 1 ppm; in galvanized steel, also avoid any shock treatment to protect the zinc coating.

Why has my galvanized stock tank pool turned dull?

That is normal: in contact with air, the zinc forms a grey or whitish patina that protects the steel against corrosion. No action is needed.

Which one holds the most water?

For the same diameter, galvanized steel: about 2,720 L for the round 8', compared with about 2,195 L in polyethylene. The largest volume in our range is the square 8' x 7' polyethylene tank, with about 2,840 L.

Which one is below the 60 cm threshold in Quebec?

Our galvanized steel tanks have an interior height of about 58 cm, below the threshold of the provincial regulation. The round polyethylene tanks are about 60 cm high and the square one about 71 cm. Your municipality may add its own rules: always check with it.

Read also

A question before choosing? Email us at info@ilotank.ca: we reply within 1 to 2 business days.

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