Hype, hype, hype! Sure, pound for pound aluminum is a strong as steel (not stronger). But pound for pound it has 3 times the volume! This can be bad, it can be good. It can simply take up more space, or it can be crafted into stronger shapes. But the metal itself is much softer than steel, is not quite as elastic, and WILL corrode if not properly anodized.

But, if it's a well-made pool, it's a well-made pool--aluminum, steel or resin.

Salesmen ALWAYS say the other guy's product is garbage. The dumb ones try to tell you that what YOU have is garbage--like you'll want to buy from someone who just called you an idiot. In the golden age of audio stores, dumb salesmen would always say "Oh, if you listen to these EPI/Infinity/Polk (pick the brand) speakers you'll throw rocks through your Advent/Boston Acoustics (my preferred speakers)." "Oh, your Dynaco/Marantz amp is junk. You need the new Harman-Kardon/Audio Dynamics with 1400 watts per channel. That will REALLY make your apartment sing!"

Besides, these pool store guys will tell you you'll damage your pool if you use bleach to chlorinate...