ABL's offering expands in the swimming pool market – ESM steel swimming pools added to the selection

For more information:
Mikko Hietikko
Technical Product Manager,
Sopro Building Chemical Products and Swimming Pools

ABL-Laatat stays in motion: we are known as a provider of comprehensive solutions in Finland's swimming pool and spa market, and now we are offering even more diverse solutions for pool construction and renovation. We have signed an agreement with Edelstahl-Schwimmbad- und Metallbau GmbH, and ESM steel swimming pools will be included in ABL's sales and representation starting spring 2024.

"I am excited about this new opportunity to offer clients and architects an alternative for projects where a steel pool is preferred over a ceramic pool. Our experience and expertise will reach a whole new level as we collaborate with ESM, a high-quality player in steel swimming pool construction," says Mikko Hietikko, Technical Product Manager at ABL-Laatat, who has long been involved in solutions for swimming pools and spas.

Comprehensive International and Finnish References

The German company ESM is a leading player in the steel pool market. ESM steel pools are supplied internationally to a wide range of projects: municipal swimming halls, hotels, spas, private homes, and healthcare facilities. The manufacturer boasts extensive references both in Finland and globally. Recommendations from Finnish swimming pool operators and positive user experiences testify to the quality of ESM pools.

ESM steel pools are manufactured at their own facility in Pirna, Germany, and are delivered as comprehensive solutions for projects. The quality assurance system is robust. The factory has its own installation team, responsible for the quality of the installation work and the overall project delivery in collaboration with ABL-Laatat.

Under the ABL-Laatat umbrella, the range of solutions for swimming pool projects is now broader than ever. From groundwork products to ceramic and steel surface materials, construction chemicals, pool systems, mosaics, and tiles, everything is available under one roof.

In collaboration with innovative European partners, ABL seeks and provides the best solutions for each project. At our core is a holistic project service, starting with product selection and design modeling support, all the way to on-site technical assistance.

Tampere’s Outdoor Swimming Pool Features ESM Steel Pools

The City of Tampere has had excellent experiences with the quality and durability of steel swimming pools. The outdoor swimming pool has become a popular summer attraction in the city.

A hot early summer marked the start of the sixth summer season at Tampere’s outdoor pool, which saw a record-breaking number of visitors in May 2024, according to Mikko Heinonen, Sports Manager responsible for outdoor sports facilities, the outdoor swimming pool, and indoor swimming pools in Tampere.

Opened in 2018, Tampere’s outdoor swimming pool is located behind the Tampere Swimming Center. The facility features a children’s pool, a wading pool, a diving pool, and a 50-meter swimming pool. Water remains in the two largest pools year-round, so the pool solutions must withstand the harsh Nordic winters and extreme weather variations.

“A steel swimming pool has proven to be a functional solution for our outdoor pool,” says Heinonen, highlighting the long lifespan, durability, and ease of maintenance as the best features of steel pools.

Solutions Tailored to Project Requirements

Swimming facilities in the City of Tampere feature both concrete-based and steel swimming pools. Heinonen emphasizes that both pool types have their advantages, and the choice is always carefully considered based on the specific requirements of each project, including lifecycle demands, functionality, architectural solutions, and budget constraints.

“A steel pool has met our expectations for durability and longevity, and it will certainly be a strong contender for future projects as well,” says Heinonen.

While the user experience and daily maintenance of the two pool types do not differ significantly, the long-term differences become evident in terms of maintenance requirements. Steel pools have no tile joints that need repair or maintenance, and they allow for easy modifications or expansions later, such as adding cutouts for surveillance cameras.

“The design and construction of the ESM steel swimming pool went smoothly with the supplier. The project was large and challenging, as the pool had to be built during winter under the protection of a tent. Overall, our collaboration with ESM has been excellent, including warranty services and repairs. The supplier meets high-quality standards, especially in terms of material quality,” Heinonen notes.

If you’re planning a summer holiday, Tampere’s outdoor swimming pool is well worth a visit. Over the years, it has quietly become a cornerstone of summer tourism, so dive in and experience it for yourself!

References for ESM Steel Pools in Finland:

Espoo, Matinkylä Swimming Hall
Tampere, Outdoor Swimming Pool
Hakunila, Therapy Pool
Rauma, Maritime School
Järvelä, Swimming Hall
Kankaanpää, Swimming Hall
Hämeenlinna, Kanta-Häme Central Hospital
Jyväskylä, Therapy Pool
Helsinki, Kontula Swimming Hall
Lahti, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital
Pietarsaari, Fire Station

Strengths of ESM Steel Pools: