Shipping Container Pools - Inspiration and How-to Guide

What is a shipping container pool?

A shipping container pool is a 20ft or 40ft shipping container that has the roof cut off, and a fibreglass pool shell dropped it.

Shipping container pools usually come with all the equipment needed to get them up and running immediately, such as a filtration system, a pump, and the plumbing infrastructure. As soon as it has been lowered into place, connected to power and filled up - you're ready to go!

Shipping container pools often sit above ground to maximise the aesthetic qualities of the steel corrugations, however in some cases a more minimal look is achieved by lowering the container into the ground and planting around it, or installing a deck.

Image Source: Raj Rana Unsplash

The popularity of shipping container pools in New Zealand

Repurposing shipping containers has always been popular, but converting them into pool has only gained traction over the last few years.  They provide an easy to install alternative to traditional in ground concrete or fibreglass pools, and in some cases can be fairly cost effective. 

Convenience, coupled with rising cost of living pressures mean kiwi's are spending more time at home and focusing their energy into making their property a holiday destination in itself. 

This, coupled with decreasing block sizes in urban areas mean that utilising a shipping container pool is a popular option, but their recent resurgence has also seen them gain popularity in rural areas of New Zealand as well.

How to convert a shipping container into a pool?

It's easy to convert a shipping container into a pool, right?

Well, it might be more complicated than you think. Often people assume, much like container homes, that converting any shipping container into something else is straightforward. In reality, the process is a technical set of steps that need to be undertaken by a trained, experienced professional.

First the steel roof of the container needs to be removed, and the purpose-built custom fibreglass pool shell needs to be fitted snugly into the container footprint. Then, additional elements such as the pump, pipe work, stairs and safety gates are added, all within the container footprint.

Unless you have significant trade experience and skills with swimming pool installation, plumbing or servicing, it is not possible to build a shipping container pool yourself. Nor is it possible for a shipping container supplier, like SCF, to build a shipping container pool for you.

An experienced, professional shipping container pool company would need to be engaged to undertake your custom conversion.

How much does a shipping container pool cost?

Shipping container pools can cost between $54,000 -  $110,000+ depending on a range of factors.

It's important to consider all the elements of installing a shipping container pool when identifying total cost:

• The shipping container itself
• Custom fibreglass shell design and manufacture
• Transport
• Site installation
• Ongoing Maintenance

Costs of New or A Grade 20ft and 40ft shipping container pre-COVID were reasonable, attractive even. During COVID the price of raw materials, plus increases in shipping costs and increased demand for container saw a spike in costs, and only recently has the price softened, yet still remain above pre-COVID prices. 

If you want premium features for your container pool, they will come at an additional cost. Items such as custom paint, swim jets, LED lights, heating system and decking will add up quickly, so it's important to weigh up the cost vs benefit of these items.

Keep on mind the total so far does not include any earthworks and site preparation, footings, delivery or installation fees.

20ft shipping container pool pricing

20ft shipping containers currently cost between $5,600 and $5,900 ex GST. A 20ft container converted into a pool can range in price from $54,000 for a base model, up to over $88,000 by the time a range of premium features are included such as heating, lighting, swim jets, and a pool cover.

40ft shipping container pool pricing

40ft shipping containers currently cost between $6,800 and $7,300 ex GST. A 40ft container converted into a pool can range in price from $72,800 for a base model, up to over $110,500 by the time a range of premium features are included such as heating, lighting, swim jets, and a pool cover.

Custom sizing pricing

The sky is the limit with custom sized pool pricing. If additional engineering is required such as combining multiple containers to make a larger footprint or a more complex shape, a build to order quote from a specialist is required. Given the way that fibreglass inserts are used to make the pool, it might be a cheaper option to build a pool the more traditional way.

Free-standing, in-ground, or semi-in ground shipping container pools?

There are typically three different options for installing a shipping container pool.

The most common installation is above ground, on a steel support frame that has been designed and certified by a professional engineer, and manufactured to a high standard. This approach maintains the industrial look of the shipping container while keeping site preparation costs down. This method is popular for sites that don't have an easily accessible flat area to lower the pool into. This option can be subject to local rules and regulations around the height off the ground, so it's a good idea to check with your local council and government guidelines before dreaming about your pool in the sky.

For those interested in a more streamline look, or that have a sloping site, a semi-in ground pool is a good solution. Typically a small amount of excavation is required, a gravel base is laid, and the shipping container is placed on the ground. Then landscaping is filled around it. 

A fully in ground option is similar to a standard fibreglass or concrete pools, but can be ready to enjoy in a fraction of the time.

Above ground shipping container pool. Image Source: Homes to Love

Semi-in ground shipping container pool with window. Image Source: EcoPools

In ground shipping container pool. Image Source: EcoPools

Is planning permission required to install a shipping container pool?

It is always a good idea to check with your local council regarding your legal obligations when making any significant changes to your property, and especially so when considering installing a pool on your property. 

Specifics and terminology could vary among localities, but it's widely recognised that any artificial body of water with a pump and requiring a fence, will require planning permission and could also be subject to intermittent inspections.

Pool fencing can also require a permit, so be sure to check the rules around this as well.

Shipping container pool inspiration

40ft shipping container pool. Image Source: Realestate.com.au

20ft shipping container pool. Image Source: Compass Pools

40ft Shipping container pool. Image Source: Homes to Love

Top 5 benefits of a shipping container pool 

What are the benefits of a container pool over a traditional fibreglass or concrete swimming pool? 

1. Can be cheaper than a concrete pool

In ground swimming pools cost between $65,000 and $100,000+.  In contrast, a shipping container pool starts around the $54,000 mark.

2. Perfect for a lap pool 

A 40ft shipping container pool provides almost 13 metres of length to practice your freestyle.

3. Easy installation

Due to their compact prefabricated nature, shipping container pools are typically installed in one day. Once they have been lowered into place, connected to power and filled up, they are ready to go! 

4. You can take it with you

If you ever need a change of scenery, you can take your shipping container pool with you. Disconnect it from power, empty it and load it onto the back of a truck. 

5. Your pool your style 

Given the linear nature of shipping containers, they are perfect for maintaining neat, modern lines and adding an aesthetic quality to your outdoor area.

Are there any disadvantages to container pools?

There are many benefits to a container pool, however there are also some things to consider:

1. Shipping container availability

High quality, structurally sound shipping containers aren't as easy to get hold of as they used to be, so the process of finding your perfect shipping container might take a while, or you could end up paying more than you expected.

2. One shape only

Rectangles are nice and sleek, but if you need any other shape to make a pool fit in your space, you're out of luck . Greater freedom can be found in concrete and fibreglass pools, and as a result they can be more expensive.

3. Access

If you decide an above ground or semi-in ground shipping container pool is for you, you may be presented with a few challenges regarding access. These prefabricated pools usually only have one way in and one way out, usually at the short end. This could present a problem for maintenance, or for those kids that love to jump in and climb out at all points of the pool.

4. Rust

While rust proof paint is used to coat the exterior of the shipping container pool, over time the protective qualities could degrade and the container could start to rust, especially for salt water pool systems. 

5. Ongoing Maintenance

If your container pool is above the ground like most container pools are, the cost of heating and cooling your pool can add up quickly. Thermal properties of soil mean in ground pools are protected or insulated from dramatic fluctuations in temperature. 

How to choose the right size for your shipping container pool

20ft Shipping Container Pool. Image Source: Watertech

The great thing about shipping container pools is choosing the size is easy - either 20ft or 40ft. 

If you have a smaller yard, usually the 20ft option is a popular choice. If you're lucky enough to have a larger yard, both the 20ft and 40ft options are suitable. 

For context, a 20ft container is around 6m in length, and a 40ft container is almost 13m in length.

Other things that can have an effect on the right pool size for you include:

• Decking - is there enough room around the container to build a deck?
• Landscaping - Do you want to retain some grass or plants in the yard for kids and pets to explore or play on?
• Site attributes - Is your yard sloping, flat, easy to access and stable?

How deep are shipping container pools?

The most common depth for container pools is 1.3m, however this can often be modified by your supplier to be deeper if necessary

Image Source: Trek Pools

How long does it take to install a shipping container pool?

Usually, a shipping container pool can be delivered and installed securely by a qualified team all in one day. 

There might be some factors the effect time frames, such as the location, slope, or access requirements of your site. 

Shipping container pools are built off site by trained professionals and build time can take anywhere from 10 weeks to a few months depending on the pool's specifications, finish, and extras (such as heating, swim jets or lighting).

Image Source: Container Pools

Is a shipping container pool right for your layout?

Given the shape of 20ft and 40ft shipping containers, a container pool will likely be a good option for your layout if you are looking for a rectangular pool. 

If you want something that has an unusual shape, sits in the ground or is built around some pre-existing infrastructure, then a concrete or even fibreglass pool is likely to be a better option for you.

20ft shipping container pool. Image Source: Trek Pools

Still keen to install a container pool?

SCF is a shipping container supplier, however we DO NOT modify shipping containers into swimming pools. You will need to engage a specialist container pool supplier if you wish to install one. 

Check out our other guides to familiarise yourself with shipping container sizes and prices for when it's time to talk to a shipping container pool professional.