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Shipping Container Pools Explained

Pools are a very straightforward product, right? If you have a pool or are considering getting one, you’re more than likely aware that the types of pools are fairly limited. Inground and aboveground pools rule the roost in the pool industry. They always have, and many people think they always will. But every industry needs some innovation every now and then? Just one person with a wild idea is all it takes to change a market. Pools have been a staple of American culture for decades now, but they have not gone through much change, and have seen little innovation. Now, this is not to say that pools have become boring, quite the contrary. It mostly comes down to the fact that pools are already complex enough the way they are. Royal Pools and More specializes in inground pools exclusively, but we’re always monitoring developments in the industry to see what the next big thing might be. There has been a new development in the pool world over the last several years that we here at Royal Pools are fascinated by: shipping container pools. 

What is a Shipping Container Pool?

A shipping container pool is exactly what it sounds like, a rectangular shipping container that has been modified and turned into a swimming pool. I was really blown away when I first saw these things. A shipping container… pool? You have to see it to believe it. The container interiors are coated with either steel or fiberglass to ensure the highest quality pool possible. Shipping container pools are the newest type of pool to hit the market and they’re doing so in a big way. One great thing about these pools is that they can function as an above-ground or an in-ground pool depending on what you want! Container pools typically also have their equipment built into the front of the pool shell which hides the pump, filter, and heater, saving space in your yard. 

 

Shipping Container Pool Cost?

Cost is one of the biggest benefits of getting a shipping container pool because, depending on size, they’re much cheaper than a traditional pool. A shipping container pool can cost anywhere between $28,000 and $50,000. Below is a list of rectangular container pool sizes and their respective prices. Prices will vary by company. 

  • 20-foot pool – $27,900 
  • 30-foot pool – $33,000 
  • 40-foot pool – $37,000 
  • 45-foot pool – $47,000

Size and Depth of Container Pools

Most shipping containers are either 20 or 40 feet long by 8 or 12 feet wide. You won’t find as many options for shape and size as with say fiberglass or vinyl pools, but container pools can be modified for different sizes and depths. Cutting off parts of the container or adding additional length or depth to the pool can be quickly done prior to installation. Several container pool companies offer 30-foot-long container pools. 

Container pools typically do not exceed 8 feet in depth, but certain manufacturers can extend or shorten depth. Depending on where you buy a shipping container pool from, the depth can range anywhere from 4 feet to 12 feet. Depth variety is great when shopping for pools, but it’s safe to say that container pools aren’t great for diving. 

Pros and Cons of Shipping Container Pools

Pros – In addition to boasting a lower cost than traditional pools, there are many benefits of getting a container pool, as well as some cons that we will also discuss. 

  • Portability – Imagine having to move to a new house and leaving your beautiful pool behind, with container pools you don’t have to worry about that. Container pools can be installed in under a day, they can just as easily be lifted out of the ground and brought to a new location. Who wants to lie down several thousand dollars on a new pool when you have a perfectly fine one already? 
  • Durability – As with all pools, the longevity of a shipping container pool depends on the level of year-round maintenance and care it receives. If taken care of, a container pool can last 20-30 years. Most container pool installers also apply a rust-resistant coating to the pool’s interior to ensure that the pool doesn’t decay and rust.
  • Eco-friendly – A majority of shipping container pools are built from used shipping containers that would otherwise be discarded. Getting new life out of such a commodity is a great way to help the environment and promote eco-friendliness. 
  • Customizability – There are several add-ons and features that can be applied to shipping container pools that really make them pop. A fantastic container pool feature would be a window! Windows are added by carving out a square from the side wall and replacing it with a piece of glass. Windows are a feature that can only be found on container pools. Container pools can also be outfitted with automatic and manual pool covers which is a huge bonus for any pool owners who experience harsh weather 
  • Unique Look – There hasn’t been a fresh and new type of pool to enter the market in years, this is why container pools are so exciting to us! Both above ground and inground pools have variations in look, shape and model… we honestly feel like we have seen them all! A shipping container pool is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, but you’d be surprised how beautiful these things end up looking. Shipping container pools vary in look and finish as there are a variety of options for interior and exterior finishes with these pools. These pools by design are very long and skinny, which is perfect for certain backyards. Many container pools are also customized to feature a window on the side of the pool allowing you to see in and out of the pool water, a feature that is exclusive to shipping container pools.

 

Cons – No pool is perfect, the industry hasn’t quite cracked that innovation yet, so here are some of the drawbacks you will find with shipping container pools:

  • Size & Shape – When it comes to size options for shipping container pools, your choices are fairly limited. As stated earlier, most container pools are either 20 feet or 40 feet long with a depth typically no deeper than 8 feet. Now again, size can be modified, but the modifications you will find will all be unique to specific manufacturers and installers. 
  • Unique Look – As with any new innovation, many homeowners looking into pools may be hard to sway away from the classic-looking above-ground and inground options toward such a different-looking product. To the untrained pool beginner, a shiny, giant metal box will probably not be what they picture when they think of pools, despite their polished final look. Container pools can, however, be built into the ground or surrounded by a deck, which can essentially hide the metallic, shingled walls. 

 

Wrapping up

Royal Pools and More is always looking for new, fresh ideas and innovations in the industry, and we see it as our responsibility to keep our customers updated and educated on these developments. Shipping container pools are growing in popularity and pool installers such as ourselves are eager to see how they continue to evolve. Container pools offer great customizability, portability, and a unique look that is totally new to the pool industry. Keep this new product in mind when shopping for pools. Happy hunting!

 

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