Here Is What You Need to Know About Shipping Container Pools

Shipping container pools are an increasingly common alternative to traditional pools, and they come in many shapes and sizes.

It may not have crossed your mind, but you can do much with just one shipping container. In recent years, containers have become popular for all sorts of uses. From building homes and offices to even making pools. Shipping containers and shipping container pools are soon taking over.

Shipping container pools are attractive, durable, and affordable. However, they differ in price depending on their size and features. But what should you know about these shipping container pools?

This article will provide you with everything about shipping container pools to decide which one is right for your family.

Table of Contents

What is a Shipping Container Pool?

Shipping container pools are often prefabricated, modular swimming pools made of upcycled shipping containers.

They’re much cheaper to purchase and build than traditional swimming pools. Container pool prices start at about $28,000 and can go up to around $50,000 for a complete installation. The average lifespan of a shipping container pool on the other hand is 20 years.

Advantages of Shipping Container Pools

Affordable

Shipping containers are the cheapest alternative to traditional swimming pool construction. A shipping container pool costs less than half that of a conventional concrete pool and significantly less than fiberglass pools.

Your cost savings may be greater than you initially realize, mainly if your containers include extra features.

For example, an infinity pool requires the edge of its water container and the perimeter to be perfectly level, something more accessible to accomplish with a tank than in other containers.

Flexible Configuration

With proper planning and preparation, you can also build a pool underground, though, at that point, it might be better to go with the traditional option.

One way to make a shipping container swimming pool sturdy is by building it on uneven ground. Because the pool already has structural modifications, it doesn’t need any support underpinnings.

Instead, you can place it on the floor or support it on the edges. This allows you to place container pools in areas that would be almost impossible with a traditional pool.

One advantage of using an oblong container is that it allows you to maximize space. For example, in endless pools, cardiovascular exercise rather than recreation is the primary goal; these spaces need storage for treadmills, bikes, and other equipment.

Environmentally Friendly

Many homeowners are considering the environmental impact of home improvement projects. With a shipping container pool, you can enjoy your swimming experience while knowing that you have made a responsible decision to install one.

Using a shipping container that is beyond its useful life for cargo but still suitable for other purposes, such as building one’s home, is a great way to think and act green. If you’re hiring an architect or contractor, ask if this option is available.

Additionally, they use less water compared to traditional pools, a boon to conservationists.

Durable

Container pools are popular for their strength and durability, just like container homes. Steel boxes that form a container pool can comfortably support enormous loads and deal with the stresses of open-sea travel.

Steel is among the most long-lasting materials available, so you can be sure that your pool will be able to withstand all that the summer throws its way.

Container Pools are Easy to Install

Container swimming pools are easy to install and are ready for use within a short time. You can install the pool in any location and does not require a lot of space, making it ideal for people who live in apartments or areas with limited space.

You only need a few welders who know how to cut through steel and then connect the pieces to make your swimming pool from scratch!

Shipping Container Pool Costs

While container pools are often less expensive than traditional in-ground swimming pools, it’s hard to make a direct comparison because the two types of swimming spaces have many dissimilarities.

All things being equal, an in-ground pool will be closer to ground level than a container pool. However, several factors, such as your yard’s topography and aesthetic preferences, will affect how high the water line ends up at any given moment.

The average price of an in-ground pool is between $37k and $67k. In comparison, the cost of a shipping container swimming pool usually comes to somewhere between $20k and/$50k. So yes, at least when looking at them, averagely, container pools do appear to be a bit cheaper.

If you’re comparing the cost of a container pool manufactured in an area with high living costs and shipped to your home versus buying an inground pool, be sure to consider how much labor will affect each option. If you can find local workers to do the hard work at low rates, in-ground pool construction will be much less expensive.

Make sure you get quotes for the same features and not just pool size when comparing prices; many of the costs are similar, regardless of the type or size of container pool you have.

The smaller pool typically costs 25% less than the larger one. So, don’t choose the smaller pool because you think it’s a better deal; instead, look at how well it fits in your yard and whether or not having space for only two people is enough.

Finally, for those who want to construct their pools, the DIY cost should be around $ 10k or less for a 40 ft container pool.

What To Look For In A Company Before Buying A Shipping Container Pool

You’ll need to work with a company with structural and waterproofing expertise and the knowledge needed to size, select and install all ancillary equipment required for proper pool operation.

Because of these factors, it would be advisable to work with a company with extensive experience building container pools as one of its main sources.

There are several companies that offer container swimming pools for sale, either as part of a larger product line or as a specialty offering.

Be aware that some companies selling container pools in western countries are just reselling these shipping containers. That’s not necessarily bad, but make sure to purchase your container from a company with a good reputation.

Shipping Container Pool Examples

TAXI Apartment Container Pool

In Denver, Colorado, the TAXI Mixed Use Development repurposed an old depot of a taxi company into offices and apartments. One unique amenity is its extra-long container pool that it is available in some of its apartment units.

The builder, Corvus Design Build, combined two 40 ft containers to create an Olympic-length swimming pool surrounded by an expansive deck on all sides. It’s the perfect place for residents to socialize.

South Africa Learn to Swim Container Pool

This seemingly simple pool may not be as flashy or hi-tech as others, but it represents an excellent concept. It’s one of many pools that the primary schools in Ekurhuleni, South Africa use.

These pools give children their first swimming lessons, helping to prevent accidental deaths and injuries. The murals decorating the pool’s sides create a fun atmosphere that can make daunting learning tasks less intimidating.

Hillside Container Pool at Australian Home

This stunning pool, built by Shipping Container Pools as part of a custom home in Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia, is your quintessential example of the viral images you see when people talk about shipping containers being used for construction.

How To Handle The Delivery Of Container Pools

Unless you’re doing an in-place DIY build, your shipping container swimming pool will be fabricated offsite. When it’s ready to install, it must be brought from the fabrication site and installed at home by a professional company.

While there are many ways to offload your container pool, a small crane is the most likely choice. This gives you some food for thought.

First is whether the container crane can drive to the pool site as near as possible. Next is where the detachable crane may place its outriggers, swing boom, etc.

It takes great care to place a new container pool without damaging existing underground pipes, wires, trees, fences, and buildings.

Permits or Other Approvals When Installing a Shipping Container Pool

If you’re building a pool on your property, be prepared to answer questions from officials. The laws are somewhat unclear as to which category a container pool falls under, temporary or permanent structure, so the requirements may differ depending on where in the country you live and what kind of construction project it is.

However, it is right to assume that the pool will require some approval for its construction or the hookup to utility services.

Generally, there are rules and regulations to consider when installing a swimming pool. For example, you don’t want your neighbor’s yard flooded or for children to gain access without parental supervision. These are some of the problems that pool regulations often seek to address.

If you live in a rural area outside the control of the city government, it may be easy to build your pool. But before doing so, ensure you understand all the risks and take precautions to protect yourself from liability if your swimming hole injures someone.

Where can you Place a Container Pool?

Because they are made of smaller containers, container pools are much more flexible regarding placement options. Their small size enables the container pools to be placed in very compact areas where larger traditional pools would never fit, such as backyards with small spaces or apartments with balconies.

The agility of a fabricated container pool and its ability to create usable space out of seemingly unusable lots are additional reasons for the popularity of these container pools. A container pool can be placed almost anywhere, as long as you build a strong foundation to support it.

This allows pool builders to overcome the challenges posed by sloping, uneven terrain, or other natural obstacles. You can also configure a pooling container adjacent to retaining walls, creating a hybrid aboveground and inground swimming area. This adds some nice variety for placement options.

Will a Container Pool Rust?

The weathering steel used in shipping containers immediately gains a thin oxidation layer. This coating is so porous that it doesn’t require further protection against rust. However, this isn’t a perfect solution. Container rust can still be a problem without proper care and maintenance.

While the steel used in weathering containers is designed to resist corrosion better than untreated steel, it does not completely halt degradation. Placing a container in an environment with constant exposure to water presents significant challenges for all types of materials.

When you consider that the chemicals used to keep pools sanitary also accelerate corrosion, it becomes clear that this is a serious problem.

High-quality coatings do exist, though. Once applied to a metal surface, they will keep rust from appearing and protect the object for some time. However, at some point, many years down the road, you may need to apply another coating or polish the existing one-off. But corrosion can be managed if you take care of your pool’s condition well.

Optional Container Pool Features?

The most well-known feature of the pool is its see-through walls, which allow people outside to watch swimmers underwater or vice versa. It effectively transforms your pool into a human aquarium and is something that is rarely seen in residential pools.

Some manufacturers sell a removable dividing wall that you can use to turn your pool into a hot tub/jacuzzi whenever you want. And just as easily, removing this divider and returning to having full-length swimming space is possible.

Saltwater systems, water heaters, and unusual lighting arrangements are just a few ways pools have changed. Some people even opt to use phone apps instead of diving boards.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve looked inside the structure and safety of shipping container swimming pools, you may consider making one for your backyard.

Rest assured that by following safe practices and taking advantage of a strong design, you can have your trendy pool for less than $50k.

And for those who think a container pool won’t meet their needs, some alternatives exist, such as agricultural stock tank pools and dumpster pools. Whichever you choose, just find a way to enjoy every second of it.

Here Is What You Need To Know About Shipping Container Pools

What is a Shipping Container Pool?