Container pools, a booming option
Have you ever considered transforming a sturdy shipping container into an elegant and functional swimming pool for your garden? In recent years, a new type of swimming pool has emerged: the container pool.
These innovative structures, created by converting shipping containers, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional pools, with an original aesthetic. A real blend of customisation and ease of installation, they appeal to those looking to combine modern style with an ecological conscience.
Advantages of container pools
Durability and robustness
Sea containers, originally designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the oceans, are finding a second life as swimming pools. Their CorTen steel structure makes them remarkably resistant to weather and damage. These pools have inherited an ironclad solidity that promises longevity and low maintenance, a guarantee of peace of mind for their owners.
Easy to install
Compared with their in-ground counterparts, container pools offer impressive ease of installation. Delivered almost ready to use, they require only minimal preparation of the land and can be operational in just a few days. This significant time saving means that owners can enjoy their pool without suffering from the traditional long construction timescales.
Ecology and re-use
Adopting a container pool means making an eco-responsible choice. By recycling unused containers, we're helping to reduce the waste of resources and the carbon footprint associated with the production of new structures. This gesture in favour of the environment transforms a simple choice of pool into a conscious act, aligned with the values of sustainability.
Customise your pool
Far from being limited to a uniform block, container pools lend themselves to a multitude of layouts. Size, depth, exterior colour and even the choice of accessories such as integrated stairs or jet systems are all customisable.
Disadvantages of container pools
Limitations on size and shape
Shipping containers, with their standardised rectangular shape, impose severe restrictions in terms of design and dimensions. Users wanting organic shapes or specific dimensions may find this a limiting option. Modularity has its advantages, but it comes with a framework that can stifle architectural creativity.
Thermal insulation
Steel is not naturally the best insulator for maintaining the water temperature in a swimming pool. This can lead to increased energy costs to heat the water in colder months or rapid heat loss in cooler climates.
Corrosion and metal treatment
The metal of containers is robust but not invincible. Exposed to the chemical elements in swimming pool water and external humidity, it may require regular anti-corrosion treatments. This essential maintenance ensures the longevity of the structure, but represents an additional cost and effort for the owners.
Aesthetic perception
The aesthetics of a container pool can be a divisive issue. While some see it as a touch of industrial modernity, others may find it too crude or out of keeping with their surroundings. Adopting this style can vary greatly depending on personal taste and the architectural context of the location.
Installing a container pool
Site preparation
The first step in installing a container pool is to prepare the site. The ground must be levelled and stabilised to avoid any subsidence or unwanted movement of the container. It is also essential to ensure that the ground can support the weight of the container once it has been filled with water. This preparation may involve earthworks and the laying of a concrete slab to provide a solid, durable base.
Transport and delivery
Transporting the container to the installation site is a logistically intensive operation. Because of their size and weight, containers often require trucks equipped with cranes or other specialised lifting equipment. Route planning is also important to avoid obstacles such as low power lines, narrow bridges or unsuitable roads.
Installation and assembly
Once the container has arrived on site, the next step is assembly and final fitting. This includes the perfect alignment of the container on the prepared base, followed by the installation of internal systems such as insulation, internal lining, and water inlets and outlets. Each step must be carried out with precision to ensure that the pool is watertight and functional.
Connections required
Various connections need to be made for the pool to be fully operational.
- The plumbing is installed to ensure effective filtration and maintain water quality.
- Electrical connections are needed to operate the pumps, heaters and lighting.
- Filtration is crucial to keeping the water clean, and must be correctly sized according to the volume of the pool.
Although less complex than other in-ground pools, the installation of a container pool does require some important precautions.
Prices and charges for a container swimming pool
Swimming pool price comparison
When considering the installation of a swimming pool, cost is often an important criterion. Container pools have an advantage in this respect, compared with concrete or fibreglass pools. Traditionally, a concrete pool can cost between €20,000 and €50,000, while a fibreglass pool is usually between €15,000 and €30,000.
Because of its prefabricated nature and the reuse of materials, a container pool can be much more economical, often costing between €10,000 and €25,000 depending on the finish and dimensions.
Factors influencing rates
Several factors can influence the price of a swimming pool container. The size and depth of the container have a direct impact on the price, with a larger or deeper container requiring more modifications and reinforcements.
What's more, additional equipment such as advanced filtration systems, pool heaters, integrated LED lighting or interior lining options can also add to the initial cost.
Average price of a container pool
For a container pool project, it's wise to plan a budget that covers the purchase and modification of the container, as well as installation, the necessary connections and finishing touches.
The price range can vary from €15,000 to over €30,000, depending on the specifications and upgrades chosen. This budget should also include an allowance for unforeseen circumstances, which can arise particularly during the site preparation and installation phases.
