We all dream of a personal backyard pool, but we may not imagine the hassle that comes with building one. We probably don’t fantasize about the price tag, either. Building the pool of your dreams typically includes digging, delivery or concrete pouring, plumbing, installation, and maintenance. After all that, an inground home pool can cost up to $115,000. (1, 2) On top of such a soaring price range, conventional pools can take weeks or months of construction to build.
Enter the shipping container pool. You heard me right. Companies around the world are beginning to repurpose steel shipping containers to answer the demand for personal backyard pools. Shipping containers are large, sturdy, and made for mobility. These companies aim to make the most of those qualities without compromising your vision of a fabulous pool. In fact, you might find that their products exceed all your expectations.
The Difference Matters
Shipping container pools are meant to be a cheap, modern alternative to conventional pools. They are above ground, which immediately cuts down on installation costs. In fact, all prices range in the lowest half of conventional pool prices at $16,000-$40,000 USD. (3, 4)
If the low cost wasn’t appealing enough, the convenience of shipping container pools speaks for itself. One Canadian company, Modpools, even boasts that their pools are ready to use within minutes of delivery. That is, their products arrive to your backyard pre-assembled and fully functional. Everything your pool needs to run is built into the pool itself, including all plumbing, heating, and electrical work. Once your pool is in place, all that’s really left is to “plug it in.” Connect it to your home’s electric and gas supply, fill it with water, and it is ready for business!
Made for You, Just How You Like
Shipping container pools typically come in sizes from 20 to 40 feet in length. The average depth is around 5 feet, giving you much more space than most above ground pool options. What’s more, each company offers an impressive list of customization options. You can modify the body of your pool according to color, cover, and decking options. Modpools will also add a glass window to the side of your pool for an aquarium-like aesthetic. You might want to add a divider partway through the pool to turn a portion into a jacuzzi. These companies will gladly accommodate your individual tastes.
Speaking of jacuzzis, did we mention these pools can come with built-in heating systems? Pools can also include standard or color-changing LED lighting. There’s nothing like a luxurious home pool you can enjoy year round, day or night. And the best part? Through Modpools, at least, the heating and lighting can be controlled easily from a companion mobile app.
Depending on the supplier, you can customize your pool further with these additional features:
- Gas or propane heating systems
- Suction or Robotic pool cleaners
- Swim jet
- Salt chlorinator systems
- Added decking
Beyond their convenient and expert design, these pools have a look unlike any other above ground pool alternative. These companies transform steel cargo holds into sleek, modern looking pieces that fit in any kind of backyard design.
The companies we found selling these pools are currently limited to Canada and Australia, with some delivery to the US. With a trend that makes this much sense, though, it won’t be long before we see these shipping container pools worldwide!
