Pros & Cons of a Shipping Container Pool

Shipping container pools have gained huge popularity in recent years. They’re cheap, easy to install and can look great, but, as with everything, there are benefits and drawbacks.

Before purchasing a shipping container and embarking on a pool installation project, it’s essential to do your homework, so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not a sea container pool is the best option for you.

Here we explore the pros and cons of installing a shipping container pool.

What is a Shipping Container Pool?

As the name suggest, a shipping container pool is simply a swimming pool which takes the form of a shipping container.

A sea container pool does, however, require more work than simply filling a standard sea container with water; an extensive modification process is necessary.

A standard sea container is made from steel, with corrugated walls. To convert this into a swimming pool, it needs to be reinforced, providing additional strength to ensure the container can hold the extra weight (of water pushing out from the inside), as well as making the container watertight from the inside.

This can be achieved by 3 different methods:

Steel welding: An additional layer of steel is welded to the corrugated steel walls.

Concreting: A steel wire mesh is attached to the inner walls of the container and forms the base for holding the concrete to the walls of the container. Concrete is then applied to the walls.

Fibreglass Insert: A free-standing fibreglass shell, or mould, is installed inside the sea container. The fibreglass shell itself is watertight and can bear the load of the pool water.

Benefits of a Shipping Container Pool

Price:

Sea container swimming pools are often significantly cheaper than other types of pools. The average sea container pool in Australia is between $17,000 and $30,000 – for a safe, high-quality and durable option.

You can buy a container pool for as little as $6,000, but the quality is likely to be sub-standard. So, do your research and shop around for a solution which offers value, without compromising on quality.

Easy Installation:

Shipping container pools are very quick and easy to install. They can be installed within a day! And once installed, they can be used almost straight away.

And as they are above-ground, no excavation work is required. Not only does that mean a quicker install and less mess in your backyard, but it also means a more attractive price tag.

Strength & Durability:

Providing they are good quality and correctly reinforced, container pools are incredibly strong and durable. They can last up to 20 to 30 years.

Low-Maintenance:

Usually, shipping container swimming pools are relatively low-maintenance. Built to withstand harsh conditions, the strong steel body can take a real beating and a good quality container can last years.

Versatility:

As a container pool is ready-made and can be craned into place, ground access to the location of the pool is not required. This means it can be installed where other pools can’t.

Portability:

Should you choose to re-landscape your backyard, you can move your pool! It will just need to be emptied and craned into its’ new position.

And if you move house, you can take your shipping container pool with you!

Less Fencing Required:

Being above ground, from a safety aspect, less fencing may be required – which is another cost-saver. For example, you may only be required by law to fence-off certain areas, such as the steps that lead up to your pool. However, it’s important to adhere to the pool fencing regulation guidelines for your local area.

Customisation:

You can customise your sea container swimming pool to your exact specifications. For example, you may wish to wrap the container with some attractive composite wood cladding, or install a sleek modern deck around it.

You can even install a large viewing window in the side of the container, without compromising the integrity of the structure.

Drawbacks of a Shipping Container Pool

Shape Restrictions:

Shipping containers are rectangular shaped – which means that your pool will have to be.

Curved shapes and other interesting designs are simply not an option.

Limited Entry/Exit Points:

As the pool is above-ground, entry and exit points are limited. In some cases, there may only be one access point.

However, building a deck or patio area around the pool can provide easier access.

Heating Costs:

An above-ground pool tends to cost more to heat than an in-ground pool, because the earth surrounding in-ground pools provides insulation. This is a frequent issue for sea container pools.

So, be prepared to spend more on heating costs.

Quality is Not Guaranteed:

The quality of shipping containers can vary greatly, especially if you’re purchasing a used container. So, it’s crucial to do your due diligence to ensure you’re purchasing a quality product from a reputable shipping container supplier.

Salt Water Systems a No-No:

Salt water systems are strongly discouraged for shipping container pools, as salt water can cause steel to eventually corrode.

Aesthetics:

Shipping container swimming pools aren’t for everyone. Even when customised with cladding and landscaped surrounds, some people find them ugly to look at.

For more information on shipping container modifications, please contact the friendly team at U-Move today.