Hi, I think the stainless steel panel is a big pain. I also don't see the advantage. With a little maintanence now and then your skimmer and return should not leak.

If you have not yet seen this thread

http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=3278

do so. Lots of good pool buying info. The pool you are looking at looks good also.

Later, Dennis