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​Luponds Stainless Steel vs Luponds Acrylic Water Wall Spillways: Which Is Right for You?

​Luponds Stainless Steel vs Luponds Acrylic Water Wall Spillways: Which Is Right for You?

Buyer's Guide · Water Wall Spillways

Stainless Steel vs Acrylic
Water Wall Spillways
— Which Is Right for You?

Two premium Luponds spillway materials. One important decision. Here's everything you need to choose confidently — for your pool, garden, or outdoor feature.

By DIYMegaStore Water Wall Experts  ·  Updated May 2025  ·  6 min read

A water wall spillway is one of the most impactful features you can add to an outdoor space — whether it's a poolside blade, a garden feature, or an architectural wall installation. But before you achieve that perfectly flowing sheet of water, you need to answer one key question: stainless steel or acrylic?

Luponds offers both materials in a range of sizes to suit DIY and professional installs across Australia. This guide breaks down every difference that matters — from durability in harsh Australian conditions to the look and sound of the water flow — so you can pick the right spillway with confidence.

Quick Verdict

Stainless Steel

Built to Last

Max Durability Low Maintenance Pool & Outdoor Premium Look

Acrylic

Striking Clarity

Budget-Friendly Crystal Clear Projecting Curtain Shaded Areas
Bottom line: Choose stainless steel if longevity and low maintenance are your priority — especially for poolside, coastal, or full-sun installations. Choose acrylic if you want a crystal-clear projecting curtain effect on a tighter budget in a shaded or sheltered location.
1

Material & Durability

Stainless Steel
  • ✓Marine-grade steel — 304 or 316 grade available
  • ✓Exceptional corrosion and rust resistance for Australian conditions
  • ✓Fully UV-resistant — handles sun, heat and humidity without degrading
  • ✓316 marine grade recommended for coastal and saltwater pools
  • ✓Structurally robust — resists impact and warping
 Acrylic
  • ✓Commercial-grade cast acrylic — clear as glass
  • ✓Durable under normal conditions; sensitive to prolonged UV
  • ✓Shaded locations only — direct sun causes yellowing over time
  • ✓Lighter than steel — easier single-person handling
  • ✓Avoid sharp impacts — more prone to scratching than metal
Australian sun warning: If your spillway faces direct sun for most of the day, acrylic is not recommended. UV exposure is the leading cause of premature acrylic degradation. Stainless steel has no such limitation.
2

Aesthetic Appeal

Stainless Steel
  • ✓Semi-brushed satin finish — contemporary and refined
  • ✓Clean lines suit modern architecture and pool surrounds
  • ✓Reflective surface catches light for an elegant daytime look
  • ✓Pairs beautifully with stone cladding, concrete and timber
  • ✓Timeless — won't look dated as design trends evolve
 Acrylic
  • ✓Crystal-clear transparency — the water flow becomes the feature
  • ✓Works across modern, tropical and traditional styles
  • ✓Spillway body “disappears” — only water movement is visible
  • ✓Particularly striking when paired with LED underwater lighting
  • ✓Creates a sought-after “floating water curtain” effect
3

Performance & Water Flow

Stainless Steel
  • ✓Flow style: Thick, smooth, heavy sheet — dramatic and powerful
  • ✓Projection: Shorter — water falls close to the wall face
  • ✓Volume: High volume for a full, consistent curtain
  • ✓Water types: Fresh, chlorinated & salt water
  • ✓Lip size: 35mm · Bottom inlets only
 Acrylic
  • ✓Flow style: Thin, delicate, glass-like sheet — graceful and refined
  • ✓Projection: Greater distance — ideal projecting curtain effect
  • ✓Volume: Thinner sheet; visually elegant
  • ✓Water types: Fresh, chlorinated & salt water
  • ✓Lip sizes: 40mm (back inlets) · 135mm (bottom inlets)
Choosing your water effect: Want water to cascade close to the wall? Choose stainless steel. Want the water to project outward as a glass curtain? Choose acrylic. See our Projecting Curtain vs Wall Wash guide →
4

Installation & Maintenance

Stainless Steel
  • ✓Compatible with a wide range of wall materials and substrates
  • ✓Robust build makes positioning and levelling straightforward
  • ✓Single bottom-inlet simplifies plumbing connection
  • ✓Resistant to discolouration — retains finish without special products
  • ✓Lowest ongoing maintenance — wipe down as needed
  • !Tea staining may occur depending on site environment — easily managed with routine cleaning
 Acrylic
  • ✓Lighter weight — easier handling on larger units
  • ✓Handle carefully — avoid tools that could scratch the surface
  • ✓Back-inlet option useful when plumbing must be fully concealed
  • ✓Regular cleaning prevents algae buildup on the clear surface
  • ✓Use acrylic-safe cleaners only — harsh chemicals cause crazing

What Is Tea Staining on Stainless Steel?

Tea staining is the term used to describe the brown or rust-coloured surface discolouration that can appear on stainless steel in certain environments. Despite its alarming appearance, tea staining is a surface-level cosmetic issue only — it does not indicate corrosion of the steel itself, and the structural integrity of the spillway is not affected.

It occurs when fine iron or chloride particles from the surrounding environment settle on the steel surface and react with moisture to leave brownish deposits. Common contributing factors include proximity to the ocean (salt air), nearby construction or grinding work, heavy chlorinated pool environments, or infrequent cleaning that allows mineral deposits to build up.

Step 1 — Regular Rinse

Rinse the spillway with fresh water weekly, especially in coastal or high-chlorine environments. This removes salt and chloride deposits before they have a chance to stain.

Step 2 — Mild Clean

For light staining, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with warm soapy water or a mild stainless steel cleaner. Always wipe in the direction of the grain — never in circles, which can scratch the brushed finish.

Step 3 — Stubborn Stains

For heavier discolouration, use a dedicated stainless steel restorer or a paste of baking soda and water. Apply gently with a soft cloth along the grain, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads.

Tip: Upgrading to 316 marine-grade stainless steel significantly reduces the likelihood of tea staining compared to 304 grade, making it the recommended choice for coastal locations, saltwater pools, or any high-chloride environment. Read our 316 vs 304 grade comparison →

5

Cost & Long-Term Value

Stainless Steel
  • ✓Higher upfront cost — reflects marine-grade material quality
  • ✓Minimal lifetime maintenance costs — no replacement under normal use
  • ✓No UV fading or yellowing — retains appearance for decades
  • ✓Best long-term value for outdoor and permanent installations
 Acrylic
  • ✓Lower upfront cost — more accessible for budget-conscious projects
  • ✓May need replacement if UV-exposed over many years
  • ✓Small ongoing cost for acrylic-safe cleaning products
  • ✓Best value for shaded, indoor or relocatable features
6

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Stainless Steel if you…

  • →Are building a poolside water feature or pool blade
  • →Live near the coast or use saltwater chlorination
  • →Want a low-maintenance, set-and-forget installation
  • →Need full sun exposure without material degradation
  • →Prefer a bold, heavy curtain of water close to the wall
  • →Are investing in a long-term permanent feature
  • →Want a contemporary brushed-metal finish

Choose Acrylic if you…

  • →Are working with a tighter project budget
  • →Want water to project outward as a glass-like curtain
  • →Are installing in a shaded garden, courtyard or indoor space
  • →Need a back-inlet option to hide plumbing in the wall
  • →Want a lighter, easier unit for a solo DIY install
  • →Are pairing with LED lighting for a dramatic nighttime look
  • →Prefer a transparent “invisible” spillway body
7

Full Specification Comparison

Feature Stainless Steel Acrylic
Material Marine-grade (304 or 316 SS) Commercial cast acrylic
Durability Excellent — lasts decades Winner Good — UV-sensitive; shaded only
UV Resistance Full UV resistance Winner Limited — avoid direct sunlight
Water Effect Thick, heavy curtain close to wall Thin, projecting curtain from wall Winner
Projection Shorter Greater Winner
Lip Size 35mm 40mm or 135mm
Inlet Type Bottom only Back (40mm) or bottom (135mm) Flexible
Water Types Fresh, chlorinated & salt water Fresh, chlorinated & salt water
Finish Brushed satin — contemporary metal Crystal clear — water is the feature
Maintenance Very low Winner Moderate — regular cleaning needed
Upfront Cost Higher Lower Winner
Long-term Value Excellent — minimal ongoing cost Winner Good — may need replacement over time
Best For Pool, outdoor, coastal, full-sun Shaded garden, indoor, budget builds
8

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no single “better” option — it depends on your project. Stainless steel wins on durability, UV resistance, and low maintenance, making it ideal for permanent outdoor and poolside water features in Australia. Acrylic wins on price and creates a more dynamic projecting water curtain, making it great for shaded or indoor installations on a budget.
Acrylic spillways are not recommended for prolonged direct sun exposure. UV rays cause yellowing and loss of clarity over time. If your installation faces full Australian sun for most of the day, a stainless steel spillway is the smarter long-term investment.
Yes — both stainless steel and acrylic Luponds spillways are compatible with fresh, chlorinated, and salt water. For saltwater pool environments, we recommend marine-grade 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance. Read our 316 vs 304 stainless steel guide →
Stainless steel Luponds spillways feature a 35mm lip with bottom inlets only. Acrylic models come in a 40mm lip with back inlets, or a larger 135mm lip with bottom inlets — giving you more plumbing flexibility.
Use a soft cloth and acrylic-safe cleaning solution — never abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, as these scratch or craze the surface. Regular cleaning prevents algae and mineral scale build-up, which is especially important on clear acrylic where it's more visible than on brushed steel.
Absolutely. Multi-unit spillway installations are very popular for creating wider water walls or staggered feature effects. Both materials work in multi-unit configurations. DIYMegaStore offers complete multi-spillway kits and a Water Wall Kit Builder to help you plan the right setup.

Ready to Choose Your Spillway?

Browse the full Luponds range — stainless steel and acrylic water wall spillways in multiple sizes for any Australian project.

10th Nov 2025 DIYMegaStore

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