Everything You Need to Know Before You Build a Shipping Container Pool

Repurposing shipping containers has become a full-blown design trend, and few conversions are cooler than turning one into a swimming pool. Shipping container pools offer a unique twist on traditional setups—without draining your bank account or taking the entire summer to build.

 

Benefits of Building a Shipping Container Pool

Aside from the obvious industrial-chic appeal, container pools come with several advantages:

• Speedy Installation: Most shipping container pools can be installed in just a few days once everything is prepped. Compare that to the weeks (or months) it takes to dig and pour a traditional pool.

• Portability: Moving? No problem. Shipping container pools can be relocated.

• Space-Saving Design: Ideal for narrow lots or small backyards, container pools don’t take up a lot of space.

• Customization Options: Add stairs, windows, jets, and heating systems. 

Do You Want an Above-Ground or In-Ground Shipping Container Pool?

One of the big decisions you’ll face is whether to leave the container pool above ground or bury it partially (or completely). Each option has its pros and cons.

• Above Ground: Faster to install, easier to maintain, and ideal for sloped yards. You’ll likely want to build a deck around it for easier access.

• In-Ground: Looks more like a conventional pool and may blend better with your landscaping, but requires excavation and possibly permits.

Shipping Container Pool Permits and Local Regulations

Before you go all in, check with your local zoning and building departments. Some municipalities treat shipping container pools the same as standard pools, requiring permits, inspections, and safety barriers. Others may have stricter rules about above-ground installations or setbacks from property lines.

Don’t skip this step. The last thing you want is to install your new pool and have the city tell you to take it out.

What the Process of Building a Shipping Container Pool Looks Like

Turning a shipping container into a pool is not a job for an inexperienced DIYer. It involves metalwork, plumbing, insulation, and waterproofing. Here’s a look at how the transformation unfolds:

1. Structural Modifications
   First, the shipping container gets reinforced to handle the pressure of thousands of gallons of water. This may involve cutting out sections for windows, stairs, or jets and bracing those areas to maintain integrity.

2. Waterproofing
   Shipping containers are designed to keep water out, not in. So the interior needs to be lined to ensure that it’s watertight and corrosion-resistant.

3. Plumbing and Filtration
   Just like a traditional swimming pool, you’ll need a filtration system, skimmers, drains, and return lines. This can all be integrated into the shipping container’s design, often housed in a compact mechanical closet at one end.

4. Exterior Finishing
   Once the interior is in place, it’s time to customize the exterior. Options range from wood paneling and composite decking to stone facades or custom paint jobs.

5. Installation
   After the modifications and customization are complete, it’s usually just a matter of connecting power and water.

Tips for Customizing Your Shipping Container Pool

A shipping container pool might start as a blank steel box, but the finished product can reflect your personal style. Here are a few ideas to make it stand out:

• Install LED lighting inside for nighttime swims.

• Add a swim-up bar or a Baja shelf for lounging.

• Surround it with tropical landscaping to create a mini resort vibe.

• Attach a retractable cover for safety and energy savings.

Want to go full spa-mode? Integrate a hot tub section at one end, or install a heating system so you can use it year-round.

A shipping container pool isn’t just a novelty—it’s a smart, stylish, and surprisingly practical way to upgrade your backyard. If you’re craving a swimming pool but don’t want the hassle or permanence of concrete and tile, maybe it’s time to think inside the box.

Fill out the form below for a free shipping container quote from USA Containers: