Nothing beats the sensation of cooling yourself in a swimming pool during a swelteringly hot summer – and it just so happens that you can do it too in a shipping container pool.
Being another popular conversion of shipping containers, shipping container pools prove how flexible these containers are as building blocks. Despite their relatively compact sizes, they still offer all the finest qualities of your average swimming pool.
While all is seemingly fine, how does a shipping container pool compare to its regular and equally alternative counterpart – fiberglass swimming pools?
Why People Develop Alternative Swimming Pools
The allure of having a swimming pool is undeniable—cooling off during summer, relaxing by the water, or enjoying poolside fun with family and friends.
However, for many, owning a pool can feel out of reach due to the expensive costs, long installation times, and the level of maintenance involved.
That’s where alternative pool options, like shipping containers and fiberglass pools, come into play. These alternatives allow people to enjoy the benefits of a pool without the downsides typically associated with traditional concrete pools.
Alternative pools—like shipping container pools—offer a modern twist on the swimming pool concept.
They are becoming increasingly popular for their sustainability, fast installation times, and versatility in design. As such, they’re the go-to answers if you’re looking for a more environmentally conscious option or a cost-effective solution for your backyard.
How Shipping Containers Become Swimming Pools
Shipping container pools are a novel concept that’s caught on in recent years due to their affordability and eco-friendliness.
Essentially, they take large, used shipping containers and transform them into swimming pools. The process is relatively simple: clean and seal the used shipping container, then convert it with waterproofing and plumbing.
Additional customizations are important to enhance the pool’s aesthetic and functionality, such as adding heating elements, filtration systems, or stylish features like LED lighting and decking.
The basic structure of a shipping container is inherently strong, so the container doesn’t require as much additional support or foundation work as traditional concrete pools.
The pool’s dimension depends on the container’s dimensions which usually span around 20 to 40 feet long. We can install these pools either above-ground, partially in-ground, or fully submerged, depending on your preferences and your background’s layout.
Also Read: Examples of Container Buildings in the Sports Industry
Benefits and Downsides of Each Pool Type
Each pool type has its own unique set of benefits and downsides, so understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make a more informed decision.
Container Pool
Benefits
- Eco-Friendly: By repurposing used shipping containers, these pools contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. At the same time, you can diminish the environmental cost of manufacturing new pool materials.
- Affordable and Cost-Effective: Shipping container pools are typically much cheaper to install than traditional concrete pools. You won’t have to worry about expensive excavation, and not to mention, the construction process is quicker.
- Quick Installation: Container pool installation time can take as little as a few days depending on its construction plan. This is a huge advantage compared to the lengthy process of traditional pools that can take months.
- Portable and Customizable: The ability to move a shipping container pool is one of its key selling points. If you relocate, you can take the pool elsewhere and add things like wooden decking, heaters, or ambient lighting.
- Compact and Space-Saving: These pools are ideal for smaller backyards or urban spaces where you don’t have room for a large pool. Because of their size and modular nature, they can fit into different landscapes and settings.
Downsides
- Limited Size and Depth: Shipping containers are narrow and have rigid designs. This means you won’t get the sprawling, luxurious pool experience that comes with traditional or fiberglass pools.
- Temperature Issues: The container’s metal walls can absorb heat during the summer and make the water feel warmer and very cold in winter months. Proper insulation or pool heaters are necessary to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.
- Customization Limitations: While you can certainly personalize a container pool to some extent, the container’s space constraints limit how much you can change the design.
Regular Pool (Concrete/Traditional)
Benefits
- High Customizability: One of the biggest advantages of a traditional concrete pool is its flexibility. From the size to the shape and depth, you can design a pool exactly how you want it, making it perfect if you have exacting swimming pool plans.
- Durability and Longevity: Durability makes up why regular pools are the institution. With proper maintenance, these pools can last for decades, which makes them a solid long-term investment for your property.
- Increased Property Value: A well-maintained, custom-built pool can significantly increase the value of your home, making it an attractive option if you plan to sell your property in the future.
- Design Flexibility: Whether you want a sleek, modern look with clean lines or a more organic, natural design with waterfalls and rock features, a concrete pool can accommodate all these designs.
Downsides
- Expensive: Concrete pools are among the most expensive options when it comes to both installation and maintenance. Construction costs can skyrocket due to excavation, materials, labor, and custom features.
- Long Installation Time: Installing a traditional pool is a major project that can take several months, depending on the complexity. This includes excavation, pouring the concrete, and waiting for it to cure.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Concrete pools require regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. The concrete’s porous surface can collect algae and dirt, requiring more effort to keep the water clean and safe for swimming.
Fiberglass Pool
Benefits
- Fast Installation: Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured in molds and shipped directly to your location for quicker installation. Unlike concrete pools, fiberglass pools are often installed in just a few weeks.
- Low Maintenance: The smooth, non-porous surface of fiberglass pools makes them resistant to algae and bacteria, which means less time spent on cleaning and fewer chemicals required to keep the water in balance.
- Comfortable and Smooth Surface: Fiberglass pools offer a comfy and smooth surface that feels good on the skin. There are no sharp edges or rough patches, making it safer and more pleasant to swim in.
- Energy Efficient: Because fiberglass pools are well-insulated, they retain heat better than concrete pools. This can help reduce the cost of heating your pool, especially in cooler climates.
Downsides
- Limited Size and Shape Options: Fiberglass pools come in pre-molded shapes and sizes, so while you have some options, it’s not as customizable as a concrete pool.
- Higher Upfront Cost Than Container Pools: Although fiberglass pools are more affordable than concrete pools, they are still more expensive than shipping container pools.
- Transportation Costs: Fiberglass pools are factory-made and shipped to your location, which can result in high transportation costs, especially if you live in a remote area.
Making A Choice: Which Pool Fits Your Lifestyle?
With many pool design options, your priorities will narrow down their numbers. If you have a small backyard or are on a budget, a shipping container pool could be a great option. They’re fast to install, eco-friendly, and easy to move if needed.
If you have a larger budget and a big yard, a traditional concrete pool offers unmatched customization and can add significant value to your property. However, you may face more financial spending and longer construction time if you choose this pool type.
Fiberglass pools offer a balance of quick installation, low maintenance, and sleek design, though they may not offer the same level of customization as concrete pools.
Conclusion
Regardless of which pool type you choose, fully understanding its strengths and weaknesses is the key to maximizing the pool’s usability and sustainability. If you find a container pool your finest option, using the best convertible shipping container from Tradecorp will make your pool project more valuable! By using Corten steel as its base construction material, the pool will inherit all the steel’s strengths of maximum protection and convenience. Order one today via the quote form and we’ll reply soon!