You may have seen shipping container pools used as homes, offices, and storage units, but have you ever seen one used as a pool? A shipping container pool is a great way to have your own private pool without spending a lot of money.
This alternative to traditional pools has many benefits, such as being more affordable and easier to maintain. Shipping container pools are also eco-friendly because they are made from recycled materials.
Moreover, if you’re quite handy with tools and enjoy a challenge, you can build your own shipping container pool! This guide will show you how to do just that.
Why Build Your Own Shipping Container Pool?
When asking this question, there’s always the concern of whether or not a shipping container can actually be DIY-ed into a pool.
The answer is yes! With a little bit of elbow grease (and the help of some professionals), you can turn a shipping container into a cool addition to your backyard.
There are many reasons you might want to build your own shipping container pool. Maybe you live in a hot climate and want to be able to cool off without having to leave your home. Or maybe you just love the idea of having a pool that’s unique (and affordable).
Building your own pool saves you the cost of purchasing a prefabricated or inground pool and the price of shipping and handling. You may also shorten the time needed to wait for a prefabricated pool to be delivered.
What to Do Before Building Your Container Pool
These are some things you should do before constructing your shipping container pool:
Obtain the Necessary Permits
Just like building a shipping container home, you will need to obtain the necessary permits from your state government for a shipping container pool.
Depending on where you live, this may require a bit of research on your part. But it’s important to ensure that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Some states and counties have very specific requirements for container pools. For example, you must have a permit in Florida if your pool will be more than 5,000 gallons. In California, on the other hand, you only need a permit if your pool will be more than 10,000 gallons.
Knowing your local laws and regulations is critical to ensuring that you build your pool correctly and avoid any potential legal problems down the road.
Consult with a Structural Engineer
A structural engineer will need to assess the location you have in mind for your container pool and the size and weight of the shipping container itself. They can advise you on any additional reinforcement that may be necessary to ensure your pool is safe and stable.
Water is heavy, and a shipping container is not designed to hold water, so it is important to make sure that your pool is structurally sound before filling it up.
Determine the Size You Want
You’ll need to figure out how large of a pool you want before you can purchase your shipping container. You may want a small pool for relaxing in or a larger one for swimming laps. Once you know the size, you can determine what you need to build your desired pool.
How to Build the Foundation
A level and strong foundation is important for any structure, but especially for a pool. The weight of the water in a shipping container pool can put immense strain on the walls and bottom if it is not properly supported.
You can build a shipping container pool on almost any type of ground as long as it is level, but a concrete pad is the best option. If you pour a concrete pad, make sure that it is at least 4 inches thick and extends 2 feet beyond the perimeter of the pool.
How to Line a Shipping Container Pool
You will need to think about how to line the inside of the pool so that it holds water. One option for lining a shipping container pool is to use a liner made specifically for pools.
These liners are usually made of PVC and are available in various colors and patterns. The liner will be placed inside the pool and held in place with coping, which is a plastic or metal trim that covers the top edge of the liner.
Another option for lining a shipping container pool is to use a concrete coat. This can be applied to the inside of the pool with a trowel and then smoothed out so that it covers the entire surface. Once it dries, you can paint the concrete coat any color you want.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve placed and installed your shipping container pool, you’ll need to add some finishing touches. You can customize your pool’s design by adding a deck, stairs, or other features. You can also paint or line the inside of your pool.
If you’re planning on using your pool for swimming laps, you may want to consider installing a diving board or slide. You may want to add a shallow end to your pool if you have young children.
Once your shipping container pool is finished, be sure to test the water tightness and pH levels before using the pool to your heart’s content.
