Shipping Container Pools: The New Trend Making a Splash

When it comes to creative reuses of shipping containers, one of the most eye-catching trends is the shipping container swimming pool. Yes, you read that right – people are turning steel shipping containers into fully functional back garden pools. What started as a niche idea in places like the U.S. and Australia has now made its way to the UK, riding a wave of interest in sustainable, modular home improvements. Container pools are making a splash in 2025 as a trendy, eco-chic alternative to traditional swimming pools.

What is a Shipping Container Pool?

A shipping container pool is exactly what it sounds like: a standard shipping container (often 20 ft or 40 ft long) that’s converted into a swimming pool. The basic conversion involves removing the top of the container, reinforcing the structure, and adding a pool liner inside to hold water. Filtration, pumps, and heating systems are installed just as with any pool. The result is a rectangular pool with a sleek, modern look – a blend of industrial design and backyard luxury.

Many container pools feature added amenities like built-in steps, seating ledges, or even transparent viewing windows cut into the side walls for a unique visual effect. The container’s exterior can be left with its original corrugated steel for an urban chic vibe, or clad with wood or composite panels to match garden aesthetics. Container pools can be installed above ground, partially sunk, or fully in-ground depending on preference. Above-ground installations are simpler (essentially the container is placed on a level surface and filled), while in-ground ones require excavation but offer a more traditional pool look.

Why Are Container Pools Trending?

Several factors have contributed to the rise of container pools, making them an attractive option for homeowners:

1. Sustainable Upcycling: At heart, a container pool is a form of upcycling – reusing a decommissioned shipping container for a new purpose. Instead of tons of concrete and new materials, a lot of the structure is repurposed steel. This can reduce the overall carbon footprint of building a pool. It’s a conversation piece that says you care about creative reuse. 
2. Cost and Construction Speed: Building a traditional in-ground concrete pool can be very expensive and time-consuming. Container pools, by contrast, are often cheaper and quicker to install. The container provides a ready-made structure, so there’s less construction work. In the UK, a basic container pool can cost around £15,000, whereas more elaborate custom designs go for £30,000–£40,000 (still potentially less than some high-end conventional pools). There are even luxury container pool setups that approach £100k with all the bells and whistles, but importantly, you can achieve a functional pool on a modest budget compared to traditional builds. Additionally, many suppliers deliver container pools prefabricated – meaning your pool can be ready to use in days after delivery, rather than weeks or months of on-site building work. 
3. Mobility and Flexibility: Uniquely, a container pool is semi-portable. If you move house, in theory you could crane your pool out and take it with you (especially for an above-ground setup). Even on a single property, you have flexibility, you could reposition the pool or remove it if you later decide to repurpose the space. This is not the case with a permanent concrete pool. The container pool’s portability also means it could be considered a temporary structure in some cases (check local regulations), potentially simplifying installation permissions. 
4. Space Efficiency: Containers come in defined sizes (e.g., 8 ft by 20 ft, or 8 ft by 40 ft). For small gardens, a 20 ft container pool provides a narrow lap pool or plunge pool that can fit where a wider pool might not. It’s an efficient use of space, basically the size of a single parking bay for a 20 ft pool. Homeowners with limited outdoor area find this appealing – you get a pool experience without giving up your entire garden. 
5. Cool Aesthetics and Customisation: There’s no denying the cool factor. A container pool gives an instant modern edge to your garden design. Home magazines and garden shows have started featuring these pools as focal points in trendy landscapes. You can customise the look – paint the exterior in a chic colour, add decking around it, incorporate glass panels or lighting. It’s a designer pool in a box. The novelty factor will impress guests and also potentially add value to your property due to its uniqueness.
   

Considerations for Installing a Container Pool

If you’re intrigued by this trend, there are some practical things to consider:

1. Planning and Regulations: Just like any pool, a container pool may require certain permissions. Above-ground pools in the UK often don’t need planning permission if they are truly temporary, but if you’re doing significant ground work or the pool is part of a wider landscaping project, you should check with your local planning authority. Also, safety regulations (like fencing or barriers around pools) apply – a container pool above ground still needs a safe access ladder and possibly fencing to prevent accidents. 
2. Site Preparation: An above-ground container pool needs a stable, level base to sit on – usually a concrete pad or compacted gravel foundation. For in-ground, excavation and drainage are considerations. Ensure the area can support the weight (a filled 20 ft container pool will weigh many tonnes of water!). 
3. Insulation and Heating: The UK climate means most pools benefit from heating. Container pools are typically lined and sometimes insulated on the inside to help retain heat. You’ll likely want a heat pump or electric heater to extend the swimming season, and a cover to keep heat in when not in use. With the right setup, container pools can be used year-round. 
4. Quality of Conversion: It’s important to source your container pool from a reputable provide, such as Container Sales (UK) Ltd. Proper rust-proof coatings, a robust pool liner, and marine-grade welds on any cut modifications are key to ensuring the pool is watertight and long-lasting. We have “new” containers available, which are almost new units that have only made a single journey, and are ideal for pool projects. 
5. Costs Beyond the Container: Don’t forget to account for delivery (transporting a large container to your home and craning it in place), installation of plumbing/electrics, and any landscaping around it. While the container shell provides the main structure, things like decking, paving, or filtration equipment will add to the budget. As a guideline, basic installation in the UK might range ~£1,500–£3,000 for delivery and setup of a container pool. Even with these costs, the total can still be competitive compared to conventional pools.

A Fun, Innovative Way to Dive In

The emergence of container pools highlights how far shipping container conversions have come. They encapsulate many current trends: recycling materials, bold design, and at-home recreation (especially since the pandemic, homeowners have invested more in making the most of their outdoor spaces). 

For those who love the idea of a pool but are put off by the cost or permanence of building one, a container pool offers a refreshing alternative. It’s also a great talking point: from cargo carrier to back garden oasis, your pool’s story is certainly more interesting than the average. And if your needs change, that big metal box can, in the end, be repurposed again or moved on, reflecting the flexibility that shipping containers are known for.

At Container Sales (UK) Ltd, we focus on supplying quality containers which innovative partners and customers can transform in ways like this. While we don’t manufacture container pools in-house, we can provide the 20 ft or 40 ft container that serves as the blank canvas. With the right expertise, that container you buy from us could become your new favourite spot to cool off in summer.

For any container conversion project ideas, be it a pool, a pop-up café, or anything else, feel free to get in touch with Container Sales (UK) Ltd. We’ll help you source the right container to get you started on the project of your dreams.