Shipping Container Pools: What They Are & How to Build One Shipping Container Pools: What They Are & How to Build One
The latest trend in shipping container upcycling projects? Swimming pools! Find out how you can turn a shipping container into a backyard pool.
Shipping containers are incredibly Multifunctional. They are not just useful for transporting cargo oceans away, you can convert shipping containers into houses, personal work space, storage units, and retail kiosks. You can create a shipping container Airbnb and use the rental as an additional source of income. You can even turn a shipping container into a luxury swimming pool.
That’s right — you can make a shipping container swimming pool. Once you remove the roof from the container, you’ll have a ready-made structure with plenty of room to float around and swim laps.
Of course, it will take more work than simply buying a shipping container, cutting the top off, and adding water to it. You’ll need to take some extra steps (and help from professionals) to build a shipping container pool. Read on to find out exactly what those steps are below.
Research State and Local Laws
Before considering to buy a shipping container, make sure you research both your state and municipal laws regarding shipping container pools and swimming pools in general. These laws could dictate how you build your shipping container pool and whether you need to apply for permits ahead of time. For instance, if you live in Nassau County, Florida, you’re required to get a permit when you’re installing a pool that will exceed 5,000 gallons of water.
How many gallons are in a shipping container? It all depends on the size of the container you purchase. Standard 20ft cargo containers have internal volumes of 1,172 ft3. Translated into US liquid gallons, that’s just over 8,767 gallons of water. Meanwhile, any standard 40ft shipping container for sale has an internal volume of 2,385 ft3, which is the equivalent of 17,841 gallons of water. With either size, you’d need a permit for an area like Nassau County.
If you are part of a homeowners association (HOA), you should check to see whether it has any restrictions relating to shipping container pools. They might feel like the style of a shipping container pool clashes with the neighborhood’s aesthetic and prevents you from going through with the installation.
Doing this research will help you determine the boundaries for building a shipping container pool from the very start. You don’t want to skip this step and discover that the pool you’ve built violates these regulations only after it’s built.
Consider Pool Types
In reality, there is actually multiple type of shipping container swimming pool. Would you like an in-ground shipping container pool or an above-ground shipping container pool? The type you choose will determine certain aspects of your build.
For example, an in-ground shipping container pool requires you dig a deep trench into the ground to fit the pool inside. This process needs budget since it requires more intensive initiatives like dirt hauling and its disposal. You will also need to do a land survey in order to assess whether your yard is clear of any obstructions below the ground where you want to place your pool. Because of these additional expenses and efforts, many homeowners opt for above-ground shipping container pools instead of in-ground options.
Before starting with either option, it’s best to consult with a professional contractor or engineer about your shipping container pool plans. They will let you know which option is best for your yard.
Get a Shipping Container
You’ve checked your state laws, and you have consulted a contractor or engineer. You are in the clear to build. Now the next step for your container pool, your main material: your shipping container. When determining what type of container you should purchase, consider a one-trip shipping container for the job. This grade of the container is practically new. It’s only been used for transporting cargo one time before being removed from circulation.
Why not get a cargo-worthy grade? It’s not ideal to turn a container that’s been frequently used for shipments into a container pool. It’s more likely to have incurred damage over the years and you don’t want to contend with any major rust patches, holes, or leaks.
What about a diving board? A shipping container pool is good for swimming, play, and relaxation, but it’s not ideal for diving. To safely dive into a pool, it should be a minimum of 8 feet deep. Standard shipping containers are 8.6 feet tall, and high-cube shipping containers are 9.6 feet tall. Since these types of containers won’t be filled up to the very brim, you’ll likely have less than that minimum requirement. So, it’s best not to use it for diving.
Lining the Pool
The original container walls were not created with the intention of holding water. You will have to add a waterproof lining to the interior to prevent water from damaging the original walls., this will also stop water from leaking out of the pool.
What can you use to line a shipping container pool? You have several options:
- – Use a PVC liner specifically made for pools. It can be held in place with coping (a protective metal or plastic cap along the trim).
- – Use a concrete coat over the interior walls.
- – Use custom vinyl sheets over the interior walls.
Connect the Utilities
Your shipping container pool will need to be connected to several utilities. It will have to be connected to your plumbing system so that it can access and drain water. It will also need electrical connections in order to run the pool pump, heat pump, and pool lights. Once the connections are made, you can start getting your pool ready for swimming!
How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost?
The cost of your shipping container pool will depend on certain factors. A DIY shipping container pool project could cost under $20,000 to install. If you purchase a shipping container pool kit, it will likely cost you more. You should expect to spend between $10,000 to $30,000 for shipping container pool kits. The more complicated the pool design is, the more it will cost.
Does it cost more than a regular pool? According to Home Guide, the average cost to install an in-ground pool is $35,000. So, choosing a shipping container pool could be a savvier alternative.
Once you go through the necessary motions, you just might be able to build a shipping container pool in your backyard. Follow this step-by-step guide for container pool installation and soon enough you’ll have a refreshing swimming spot steps away from your backdoor. And if you’re looking for a shipping container for the job, you can browse sizing and prices here.