Shipping Container Pool: The Complete Buying Guide for 2021

A shipping container pool is a type of shipping container which is fabricated to make a swimming pool.

The box is cuboid shaped and made of steel with corrugated walls and can be relocated from one place to another.

This guide aims to give an overview of the shipping container parts, features, installation, among many other factors.

Best Shipping Container Size for making Swimming Pool

The best shipping container sizes for making a swimming pool are two: 8feet by 20 feet and 8 feet by 40 feet.

Some shipping container pool manufacturers at times reduce the length to 12 feet to achieve an eco-friendly option.

Due to the rising innovations in modern design, you can customize your shipping container pool size in 1 increment.

Part of Shipping Container Pool

The main things that your shipping container pool should have include:

Shipping Container Pool Pump

The pump is the heart of every shipping container pool, and therefore it should have a high quality and efficient pump.

The swimming pool pump helps move the pool’s waters daily through the filtering system to eliminate dirt and debris.

Passing water through filters prevents the pool waters from stagnating and inhabitation by algae and harmful bacteria.

The pumping system for the shipping container pool is located below the deck and stairs.

Shipping Container Filtration System

Shipping container pools should have a functional filtration system as they tend to harbor lots of dirt and debris, more so outdoor pools.

Also, the filtration system in a shipping container helps keep the water of the shipping container pool clean throughout.

The filtration system of a shipping container pool can be located under the deck or stairs.

Shipping Container Pool Heater

A heater in a shipping container pool helps in controlling the temperature of the water.

People living in a warm climate deem the heater unnecessary, but they can significantly benefit from it by extending the swimming season to two or three times longer.

Most shipping container pools come with already installed heating systems, as the cost in most cases is inclusive of this feature.

It is essential to ascertain that the heater is of good quality and works appropriately once you receive the shipping container pool.

Choose the appropriate type of heater that you prefer as the shipping container pools are fitted with different heater types.

The different types of heaters include:

• Electric heater
• Gas heater
• Propane heater
• Solar heater

Child Safety Door

This is a vital component of a shipping container pool, and manufacturers always ensure that it doesn’t miss safety reasons.

It provides restricted access to the shipping container pool because once locked, children and pets cannot get into the pool unsupervised.

Shipping Container Pool Liner

It is a membrane that covers the pool’s interior surfaces and helps in holding and containing pool waters.

They also assist in making shipping container pools watertight.

The shipping container pool liners could be vinyl, watertight welding, and paint or layers of plywood.

At times extra layers of steel that have been rust treated are also used in some shipping container pools.

Shipping Container Pool Stairs

Shipping container pools above the ground have stairs leading up to the container pool for easy entry to and exit from the collection.

The stair’s material can be concrete, steel, or wooden, and you may choose the design of the stairs that you prefer.

Shipping Container Pool Control System

Shipping container pool control system is a system that allows you to control the filters, pool pump, and electrical system from your mobile device.

Due to modern innovations, some shipping container pools can now be maintained with an automatic pool control system in mobile app form.

Shipping Container Poolside Window

The window in a shipping container pool might be a design feature or can be used for safety reasons to monitor kids in the container pool.

How to Fabricate Shipping Container Pool

The fabrication process of a shipping container pool entails the following steps:

• First, establish the requirements for depth, fencing, and any other measures before deciding on the shipping container pool’s size.
• Consult a structural engineer to assist in the process of designing and planning the shipping container pool.
• Select the suitable dimensions for your shipping container pool and cut according to the design. Ensure that sharp edges are covered.
• Line the shipping pool container with plywood and watertight welding and an additional steel layer internally to make it waterproof.
• Install water plumbing features like pipes, filters, and pumps to the shipping container pool. Put into consideration the sources for power supply, water supply, and drainage.
• In case a jacuzzi is needed in the shipping pool container, construct a divider made of durable, resistant plastics on the inside. It will help to separate the pool and the hot tub.
• Construct a concrete slab or use 20 centimeters of gravel to make a proper pool bed for the shipping container pool.
• Use a layer of limestone to protect the soil under the shipping container pool.
• The shipping pool container fabrication process may take about six to eight weeks.

How Shipping Container Pool compare to Traditional Swimming Pools

Below is the comparison between a shipping container pool and a traditional swimming pool:

• Swimming pool price: research on the merits of the two swimming pools shows that shipping container pools are the ultimate poll option for saving on costs.
• Flexibility: shipping container pools are moveable and can be relocated from one point to another. Traditional swimming pools cannot be moved. Thus, you can never be able to relocate them.
• Versatility: shipping container pools are more versatile in comparison to traditional banks. However, both pools can be designed to suit the size, shape, and custom features.
• Installation process: shipping container pools are more comfortable to install as the main thing needed is to put the container pool at a suitable location after site preparation. On the other hand, traditional pools require building the foundation from scratch up to the end, which involves a lot of time and effort.
• Ease and speed of construction: construction of a shipping container pool is faster and more comfortable than building a traditional swimming pool.
• Swimming pool safety: shipping container pools are constructed with safety features such as stairs, child safety doors, and even covers. On the other hand, traditional swimming pools have safety features like retractable swimming pool enclosures, alarm systems, and pool fences.

Factors Determining Cost of Shipping Container Pool

The cost of a shipping container pool varies due to several factors, which include:

• The shape of the shipping container pool.
• Shipping container pool accessories.
• Size of the shipping container pool.
• Type of the finishing materials.
• Delivery location of the shipping container pool.
• Customizable features of the shipping container pool.

Available Shipping Container Swimming Pool Designs

Some of the shipping container swimming pool designs include:

• Buying custom made container swimming pool: you may have your shipping container pool made to suit your specifications.

The shipping container pool should be within your specific needs and budget.

• Buying an existing container swimming pool: you may purchase an already existing design of a shipping container pool, which is much more comfortable.
• Building your container swimming pool: you may create the poo, by yourself and include all the features you prefer.
• Stationing a shipping pool container in the backyard and using a beautiful wooden decking around it.
• Erecting a fully functional filtration system, auto pool control system, child safety doors, lockers, and stairs.
• Using creative windows on the sides to enable swimmers to peep out when swimming.

Benefits of Shipping Container Swimming Pool

Some of the benefits of shipping container pool include:

• Easy to set up and install: shipping container pool comes with all the basic units such as heating, electrical, and plumbing systems already installed.

The only thing you need to do is to get the foundations ready, and you are good to go.

• Customizable for more stylish shapes and designs: shipping container pool can be adjusted to meet your specifications in its style and functionality.
• Affordable: shipping container pools are more affordable than concrete traditional swimming pools, thus helping in cost-cutting.
• Durable: shipping container pools have an exterior that is very tough as they are made from prefabricated steel, which is stable. The shipping pool container can withstand harsh weather conditions like earthquakes and hurricanes.
• Installation flexibility: shipping container pools guarantee flexibility in installation as they are moveable and easily transported.
• Stylish: shipping container pools have a sleek and modern design, which is very beautiful. Many people nowadays are using container pools for aesthetic reasons.

Limitations of Shipping Container Pool

Some of the limitations of shipping container pools include:

• Can be expensive: shipping container pools at the time might be just as expensive if not more costly than traditional banks.

This is because larger shipping pool containers might cost even above $40,000 to buy, set up, and install.

• Shipping container pool is not for everyone: not everyone prefers a shipping container pool, and many pool owners prefer designs that are wider and more creative. At times people compare the cost of larger container pools and desire to build a traditional swimming pool.
• Above the ground shipping pool containers may only one entry and exit point, which might be a challenge during maintenance.
• They are all the same shape: shipping container pools are rectangular and narrow, and this only suits laps and not suitable for floating and playing.
• Quality is not guaranteed: shipping container pools are made waterproof using waterproof paint, fiberglass shell, vinyl liner, or spraying concrete. If the gel coat is applied poorly at one point in time, you may end up with spider cracks, expensive and hard to fix.
• Vulnerable to corrosion: shipping container pools do not work well with salt systems.
• The shipping container pool might be expensive to heat and cool if it is located above the ground.

How to Install Shipping Container Pool

The installation process of the shipping container pool entails:

• First, it is essential to obtain planning permission from your local council and inspect any fencing regulations, depth, and other arising factors.
• You may get someone with a structural engineering background to assist with planning.
• Water is quite heavy, and thus, it is essential to ensure that the shipping container pool is strengthened to accommodate the weight.

Shipping container pools are designed to hold their weight on the corners and base of the structure.

• Decide on the height that you prefer for the shipping container pool and cut to size.
• Reinforce the shipping container pool’s structure on the edges by lipping around them to cover any sharp edges.
• Make the container watertight by adding a layer to keep the container pool full. You can achieve this through waterproof welding and adding a steel layer inside the box.
• Rust treat and paint the inside and outside of the shipping container pool.
• Add filters, pumps, and intake pipes onto the shipping container pool. Consult with your local pool company on the appropriate way to approach this concerning power supply, water supply, and drainage.
• Finally, install your shipping container pool, and you are ready to go.

Available Sizes of Shipping Container Pool

Shipping container pools come in the following standard sizes:

• Shipping container pool of 8 by 20-inch depth: this has a width of 8’2” and a length of 20’3.
• Shipping container pool of 8 by 40-inch depth: this has a width of 8’2” and a length of 40’3.

How Shipping Container Pool compare to Fiber Glass Pool

Shipping container pool compares to fiberglass pool in the following ways:

• Installation: most shipping containers are installed above the ground, and the entire process of building them is done offsite, thus no dealing with lengthy construction.

On the other hand, a fiberglass pool is installed 90% inground, and most of their building process happens at the manufacturer’s location.

• Interior finish: the interior finish of shipping container pool is in four main choices for container pool builders, and they include:

a. Fiberglass insert.

b. Vinyl liner.

c. Concrete and plaster.

d. Epoxy and elastic polymer.

On the other hand, a fiberglass pool’s finish is a gel coat finish, and it is resistant to algae, durable, and smooth.

• Shape: shipping container pool’s body is either rectangle or square, while fiberglass pools are available in various conditions; roman end, rectangle, and freeform.
• Size: shipping pool containers are about 40 feet long and 8 feet wide for larger boxes, and eight by 12 feet for smaller container pools. On the other hand, a fiberglass pool is 40 feet long and 16 feet wide for most models.
• Features: shipping container pool may have bench seating and glass features where windows are installed on the sides of the container pool.

Fiberglass pools have already built features like tanning edges, bench seating, spas, and bench entry.

• Sanitation: fiberglass pool mainly uses the sanitation method of either salt systems or traditional chlorine.

On the other hand, Shipping container pools mostly use chlorine in sanitation as the salt systems may speed up corrosion on the container’s metal parts.

• Warranty: the warranty of shipping container pools tends to be shorter than that of fiberglass pools. Fiberglass pools’ securities tend to last for a long time or even a lifetime, and their warranty for the surface is either ten or more years.
• Mobility: shipping container pools are moveable and thus can be relocated from one point to another. On the contrary, fiberglass pools can’t be moved once installed in the ground and fixed onto the surrounding concrete unit.
• Cost: small shipping pool container may cost about $17000 and below, while larger ones may cost $40,000 and above.

On the other hand, fiberglass pools price is higher than that of shipping container pool as the average price range is between $40,000 to $85,000.

Uses of Shipping Container Pool

Shipping container pools can be great for:

• Family fun.
• Aquatic exercise.
• Physical therapy.
• Water running.
• Water walking.
• Post-surgery rehabilitation.
• Marathon cross-training.

Features to Look for in Shipping Container Swimming Pool

Some of the features to look for in shipping container pool include:

• Container pool covers ascertain if the shipping container pools have pool covers for safety reasons. You may order the pool covers alongside your shipment.
• Cost: look at the expense of buying the shipping container and inquire if it’s inclusive of the delivery and affordable.
• Site preparations: consider what adjustments you need to make before the arrival of the shipping container pool.
• Analyze the corners and ascertain that they are not sharp for safety reasons.
• Ensure the material of the shipping pool container and ascertain that it is coated to prevent rusting.
• The shipping pool container should be watertight.

How to Prepare Site to Install Shipping Container Swimming Pool

You may prepare the site for the shipping container pool in the following ways:

• First, plan on the appropriate location where you would like to place the shipping container pool.
• Level out an area slightly more significant than the shipping pool container itself with crushed rock or a slab of 100 mills.
• In case your property is sloping, it is essential to involve a builder, engineer, or surveyor to construct the structure.

Choosing Filtration Systems for Shipping Container Pool

The filtration systems for shipping pool container include:

• High-quality salt chlorinator: this filtration systems make the water gentler on the eyes and softer on the skin.
• Mineral magnesium does not have a strong odor or taste and gives a softer feel to water in the shipping container pool. This mineral has benefits to the human body and enhances the bathing experience.
• Ozone XLM with PH control: this filtration system is a sanitizer with adequate sanitation and an oxidizer. It works through ensuring water balance and PH control against pathogens and bacteria in the shipping pool container.

Choosing Electrical Systems for Shipping Container Pool

For electrical systems, choose three by 10amp double power points and ensure that a qualified electrician installs them.

It is essential to ask the electrician to provide light in the filtration area.

Quality Standards and Certifications Shipping Pool Should Conform to

It is your responsibility to make sure that the pool complies with the requirements of the local council of your area.

Most regulations are directed toward the container pool fencing and the swimming pool water.

Legally, container pool fencing should not exceed the outside of the container; over 1200mmhigh.

If, in any case, you are using a boundary fence, it needs to be 1800mm high.

It is also a legal requirement that the shipping container pool is 900mm clear of any climb age areas.

Some of the quality standards for shipping container pool include:

• IS 3328: 1993- It prescribes that the water used in shipping container pools should be quality tolerant to ensure continuous circulation. The main water tolerances include:

a. Physical: clearness of the water.

b. Chemical.

c. Bacteriological.

Necessary Permits for Installing Shipping Container Swimming Pool

A pool permit is essential in shipping container pool safety and barriers. You should check with your local council to establish the appropriate permits for your location.

It is safe to know that you will need approval for the shipping container pool and the foundation and other utilities’ construction.

There are exceptionally essential ru.es and regulations all over the world governing the construction of pools.

Types of Pool Cover to use in Shipping Container Swimming Pool

Some of the types of pool covers include:

• Thermo Tech Cover with stainless steel roller: this is constructed from 4.5 mm thick cross-linked polyolefin foam between two layers of stabilized polyethylene. It is available in opaque blue color and covers the pool’s surface effectively, thus stopping evaporation.
• Micro illusion transparent with stainless steel roller: this absorbs the sun’s rays, effectively allowing them to pass through and warm the pool up to about 8 degrees warmer. It also protects the pool from dirt.

How to Choose Swimming Pool Enclosure for Shipping Container Swimming Pool

Some of the factors to consider when choosing a swimming pool enclosure for a shipping container pool include:

• Maintenance: the enclosure should protect the shipping container pool from harsh environmental conditions like debris, wind, acid rain, UV radiation, and snow.
• Ease of opening and closing: the shipping container pool enclosure should open and close seamlessly by sliding on a rail installed on the deck. This will enable easy opening during warm weather and closure during cold weather.
• Child safety features: the shipping container pool should have a locking mechanism to avoid accidents of kids or animals drowning in the pool.
• Material: ensure that the swimming pool enclosure should consist of polycarbonate sheets and extruded aluminum to guarantee a longer life span.
• Prevention of evaporation: when temperatures are high, water tends to evaporate, and therefore it is essential to choose a swimming pool enclosure that will curb this.
• Heat insulation: select a swimming pool enclosure that can reflect the sun’s rays and heat the water, especially during winter. The heat will be trapped in the shipping pool container as polycarbonate is a good insulator.

Surface Finishes for Shipping Container Pool

Available surface finishing options for shipping container pool include:

• Fiberglass reinforcement: Some shipping container pools are made of strong polyester resin, which is reinforced using fiberglass to provide a wall that has a smooth texture. These create a challenging and waterproof surface that is easy to clean and an inner space that is scratch resistant.
• Prefabricated steel: The shipping container pool’s exterior is made up of prefabricated steel welded together to form a very tough pool container.
• Vinyl liner: The shipping container pool’s interior is covered by a swimming pool liner known as a vinyl liner.

This could be plywood layers or watertight welding and paint—this kind of membrane that covers the shipping container pool’s entire interior surface.

• Painting: the shipping container pool is painted to prevent the steel layers from rusting.

Choosing Best Swimming Pool Fence for Shipping Container Pool

Figure 9 Swimming pool fence

Some of the factors to consider when choosing the best swimming pool fence include:

• Location: a perfect fence for a shipping container pool should surround the pool.
• Size: the fence should be at least 4 feet high and even 5 feet if possible.
• If, in any case, the house serves as one barrier to the swimming pool, install door alarms on all doors used to get to the pool area. The doors should be self-closing and the locks located beyond the reach of children.

Top 10 Shipping Container Pool Suppliers in China

Suppliers of shipping container pool in China include:

• Excelite Pool Enclosure Factory
• Guangzhou Perfect dream modular house company limited.
• Foshan Nanhai Halo company limited.
• Suzhou Zhongnan steel structure company limited.
• Guangdong Cbox company limited.
• Tianjin Zhonjie Jinchen Import and export trade company limited.
• Sichuan Villawo Lighthouse Technology Company Limited.
• ACE Container and parts company limited.
• Dongguan Vanhe Modular House Company Limited.
• China Chengdu Yuwen Company Limited.

How to Get Best Prices of Shipping Container Swimming Pool

You may get the best prices for shipping container pool through the following ways:

• Choosing an agent to guide you on the best prices that you may find around.
• Analyzing the shipping charges to establish if the delivery cost is inclusive.
• Buying directly from the manufacturer.
• Finding discounted suppliers
• Conducting market research before importing the shipping container pool.
• Negotiating volume discounts in exchange for loyalty to get quantity discounts.
• Buying shipping container pools in bulk.
• Using third parties for the shipping container pool insurance.
• Checking out offers from suppliers you buy from and taking advantage of that.
• Familiarizing with the import rules of your country to avoid spending on unnecessary expenses.
• Going prepaid: prepaying for your products at times can get you at least 20% off the shipping costs.
• Obtain the necessary licenses to obtain incurring costs as a result of fines.

Where to Buy Shipping Container Swimming Pool

Some of the places you may buy shipping container pool include:

• You may contact the factory and buy directly from there.
• Buy from online market places such as Alibaba.
• The manufacturers of shipping container pool do trade fairs.
• Agents, buying brokers, and sourcing companies in China.
• Use google search especially googles maps, to locate suppliers of shipping container pools.
• Through referrals by people who have bought shipping container pool.
• Using catalogs.

How to Transport Shipping Container Pool from China

Some of the methods of transporting shipping container pool from China include:

• Tilt bed truck: it is used when the shipping container pool should be moved less than 200 miles away. The container pool is offloaded by slightly tilting the car and thus does not require additional offloading costs.
• Flatbed truck: this is used to move the shipping container pool for a distance exceeding 200 miles. The shipping container pool will need to be offloaded using a crane or forklift.
• Shipping container pool transport by train: rail can also be used to transport the shipping container pool if the places of origin and destination are near rail lines.
• Shipping container transport by sea: shipping containers from China are majorly transported overseas using ships. This procedure entails adhering to many rules and regulations, and it is essential to make sure you comply.

Documents you need to Import Shipping Container Pool.

Some of the documents needed to import shipping container pool include:

1) Pro Forma Invoice

A pro forma invoice is a document that resembles a commercial invoice. In an international transaction, a pro forma invoice enables the international prospect to arrange for financing by opening a credit letter to obtain a proper import license.

A proforma invoice