So, you’re thinking of building a pool. Awesome! Of all the DIY projects I’ve done in my life, this is definitely one of my favorites.
To make your life much easier, you may want to consider shipping container pool kits, which are now available, albeit rare. Building a pool from scratch can be a daunting task, but with one of these kits, it’s a breeze!
In this guide, I’ll walk through the steps of building an above-ground shipping container pool and how kits can make it easier. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to get started with your own shipping container pool.
What is a Shipping Container Pool Kit?
A shipping container pool kit contains a prefabricated set of materials to construct a pool out of a shipping container.
A kit generally includes materials such as a liner, pump, filter, and skimmer. They can range in price from around $7,000 to over $30,000 depending on the size and features included.
Where Can You Find a Shipping Container Pool Kit?
What you should know, though, is that most shipping container pools aren’t sold as kits. They are sold by the company themselves.
However, these suppliers can offer all-in-one packages that will provide you with everything you need to get your container pool up and running. This includes the container, the necessary plumbing, and electrical work, and delivery.
As such, we will go through the businesses that sell shipping container pools directly:
Modpools
Modpool provides shipping container pools across the USA and Canada. They offer modular pools, which can be customized to your liking. This means that their pools can be installed in any backyard, regardless of the size or shape.
Steelwater Pools
Steelwater Pools offer 20′ or 40′ long pools that are easy to install. They can also help you customize your pool with different liner and decking options.
Trek Pools
Trek Pools maximize single-use shipping containers and customize them into luxury swimming pools. These can be installed both above and below ground, in-ground, or as a standalone unit. You can also purchase a pool with a pre-installed hot tub.
Building Your Pool with a Shipping Container Pool Kit
These are the steps to building your pool using a shipping container kit:
Determine the Location of Your Pool
First, you need to determine the location of your pool. The ideal spot would be at least 10 feet away from any structures and fences.
A good rule of thumb is to place it at least 20 feet from the house and 10 feet from other objects. If your property has a slope or incline, you may consider placing it on an elevated area or a concrete slab for safety reasons.
Get the Necessary Permits
Getting the necessary permits from your local government before building a container pool or buying a shipping container pool kit is important. Permits are required for any pool, but the requirements can vary depending on where you live.
Before starting construction, contact your city or county office and ask about any local requirements that may be in place. You might also want to contact your insurance agent to let them know what you’re planning on doing.
If they already have knowledge of the project and see no potential issues with it (e.g., overcrowding), there won’t be any surprises later on down the line when they call in their initial inspection visit.
Choose a Contractor if You Plan to Hire One
If you want to hire a contractor, make sure they have experience in assembling a shipping container pool kit. Check with local government offices and visit construction websites to find suitable contractors in your area.
Once you’ve found some candidates, do your research. Check their Yelp reviews, speak with past clients, and ask for references. If possible, ask for their portfolios so that you can see their work firsthand.
Your contractor must know what they’re doing. Even an experienced contractor can make mistakes. Ask them how many pools they’ve installed and what kind of pool it was (above ground or in-ground).
A good rule of thumb is to avoid any company that offers a “one-size-fits-all” approach for pools. You’ll probably end up paying too much money for a shoddy job done by unqualified people.
Ensure That the Container is Level Before Filling It With Water
Make sure that your shipping container is level before adding water. You can use a spirit level or, if you don’t have one, use a straight edge and pencil to mark where the waterline would be on each side of your container.
Once you have these two points marked, place them together and see how much space there is between them.
If it looks like there might be more than an inch difference in distance between where the two lines meet each other, then it might be time for some shimming!
Again, placing the container on a pre-made concrete slab will make this step much easier. If everything looks good and the waterline is level, then it’s time to start filling up your container pool!
Test the pH Levels of the Water
It’s important to test the pH levels of your pool water, as this will ensure that it’s safe for swimming. pH levels that are too high or low can cause skin irritation, red eyes, and other problems.
Add Some Finishing Touches to the Project
You can also add steps and ladders or even a built-in bar that will make your pool more convenient for swimming. Just make sure that whatever you add is securely fastened to the container so that it doesn’t come loose and pose a safety hazard.
Pro Tip: When you are ready to fill your container with water, you will want to make sure there are no sharp edges or anything that could puncture your liner.
Conclusion
Building your own pool using a shipping container pool kit is a great way to have a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. The entire process may seem intimidating at first, but with the right planning and expert advice, you’re sure to be successful!
