Having a swimming pool in your home’s backyard is where you can run riot with your design preferences, including setting up a container pool cabana next to the pool!
Although having a regular pool cabana in swimming pools is a common norm, having a container pool cabana is a trend that’s just been catching up lately.
Unlike traditional cabanas, a container cabana brings a modern, industrial edge to your outdoor space while being incredibly practical for anything when you relax in the pool.
So what makes the concept of a container pool cabana gain traction in recent years, and how can it complement your backyard pool? Read more here!
Also Read: The Best Shipping Container Lock and Its Recommended Types
How a Container Pool Cabana Fits into Swimming Pool Backyards
In case you’re not familiar with what cabanas are, they’re poolside shelters that protect people from excessive sunlight while relaxing in a sheltered poolside space.
A cabana fits beautifully alongside a swimming pool, acting as a multipurpose hub for changing, lounging, entertaining, and even outdoor dining (if the size is sufficient).
However, regular cabanas often occupy permanent spots that renovators can’t relocate quickly if the pool owners want to move the cabanas elsewhere.
Thankfully, it’s not the case with a container pool cabana!
You can position it at the end of your pool for a dramatic focal point, tuck it along the side as a subtle retreat, or even nestle it into a lush corner surrounded by greenery.
Its clean lines and customizable design let you match your cabana to any backyard style, like a sleek, minimalist look or a cozy, boho vibe.
Because it’s a repurposed shipping container, you can enjoy a modular building type that can protect you from the elements, from blazing sun to pouring rain.
In short, a container cabana creates “zones” in your backyard: a place for swimmers to dry off, a shady escape from the sun, and a social spot for friends and family to gather.
What Should a Container Pool Cabana Have
Because a container pool cabana is your go-to spot when you want to relax by the poolside, it must have these features:
Small Changing Room
A private changing room is a must-have for any pool cabana, as it gives swimmers a convenient spot to swap wet swimsuits for dry clothes, stash towels, or get ready for a poolside party.
While a container cabana might look small, you can maximize its changing room by adding amenities like hooks for towels, a bench for sitting, and cubbies for personal items.
Small Lounge Room
A lounge area makes a cabana an actual treat when you just want to sit or sleep lazily by the poolside after swimming on a hot day.
Outfit this space with comfy sofas or weatherproof chairs, throw in some plush cushions, and you’ve got a spot for reading, napping, or escaping the midday sun.
The lounge can double as a hangout zone for teens, a quiet reading nook, or a cozy spot to watch the rain while still enjoying the outdoors.
Kitchenette
A kitchenette takes your container cabana to the next level, where even a small counter with a mini fridge, sink, and some cabinets can make a world of difference.
In this kitchenette, you can store cold drinks, prep snacks, or mix up poolside cocktails without ever having to dash back to the main house.
If you love entertaining, consider adding a grill just outside the cabana for easy summer barbecues. With a kitchenette, your cabana becomes the heart of every backyard gathering.
The Best Pool Area Design for a Container Pool Cabana
The best pool area design is one that feels cohesive and inviting, something like a rectangular pool that aligns with a shipping container’s dimensions.
Start by placing your container cabana where it’s easily accessible from both the pool and the main house so anyone can navigate the cabana without problem.
Then, surround your pool and cabana with a mix of hardscape and softscape with pavers or natural stone for the pool deck.
At the same time, break up the stone with green zones like grass, creeping thyme, or low-maintenance ground covers to keep the area feeling lush and cool underfoot.
Adding stepping stones between the pool and the cabana adds visual interest and makes the walk more pleasant.
Just outside the cabana, put some outdoor furnishings like loungers and umbrellas near the pool for sunbathing, and cluster weatherproof chairs or funky accent seating at the cabana entrance for socializing.
Planters filled with tropicals or herbs help soften the industrial look of the container, and lighting like string lights, lanterns, or built-in LED strips can create a magical nighttime vibe.
Consider including a fire pit or outdoor fireplace a short distance from the cabana if you want to have evening gatherings with family, friends, and colleagues in your backyard.
Tuck it away so smoke doesn’t drift into the main seating area, and surround it with pea gravel or a small retaining wall for a cozy, cottage-like feel.
Finally, use the cabana’s orientation to take advantage of your best backyard views, whether that’s the pool, a stand of trees, or a garden.
Large windows or glass doors in the cabana can frame these views and let in plenty of natural light, so you can still enjoy some sunlight even inside the cabana.
Differences Between a Container Pool Cabana and a Container Pool House
While people sometimes use the terms “pool cabana” and “pool house” interchangeably, there are some key differences that make them not so interchangeable after all.
A container pool cabana is typically a smaller, more open structure focused on providing shade, a place to lounge, and basic amenities like a changing room or kitchenette.
People use the cabana for relaxation and socializing, often with big doors or windows that blur the line between indoors and outdoors, making it all about casual comfort.
A container pool house, on the other hand, is more like a mini home. It often includes a full bathroom, sometimes even a bedroom or guest suite, and more extensive kitchen facilities.
Unlike cabanas, people use pool houses for longer stays and can serve as guest accommodations, home offices, or even rental units.
Because people use these houses for overnight stays, these houses have wall insulation features, have more privacy, and may be equipped for year-round use.
Also Read: Container Cafe Design Ideas and Utility Plans: A Guide
Conclusion
While a container pool cabana might look unconventional to many, its benefits and characteristics prove that they have slowly become more popular in recent years. If you want to experience how the container cabana feels, contact Tradecorp today! With expertise in converting shipping containers into buildings and designing modular buildings, Tradecorp is ready to serve all container building needs.
