How Much Does a Shipping Container Pool Cost? [2025 Data]
A shipping container pool costs $35,000 to $65,000, with an average of $50,000. You’ll need a pro’s estimate since costs range significantly based on model, installation, and extras.
A shipping container pool costs $50,000 on average, but prices range from $15,000 for a bare-bones aboveground pool to $100,000 for a fully customized in-ground pool with landscaping and high-end features. It largely depends on the specific model, the add-ons, and the labor required for installation.
Upcycling shipping containers has become a growing trend, from transformations into tiny homes and sheds to excess storage. A shipping container pool, also known as a modular pool, is another riff on the same eco-friendly idea. This guide will help you plan your pool budget so you can go from shipping to dipping in a few weeks flat.
Size of Shipping Container
The cost of a shipping container pool depends on the size. Most shipping containers are 8 feet wide and 20 feet to 45 feet long. You might find modular pools that are slightly shorter at 12 feet long or slightly larger at 12 feet wide, but that’s not the norm. The larger the pool, the more it will cost.
| Dimensions (Feet) | Average Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| 8x12 | $30,000 |
| 8x20 | $39,000 |
| 8x30 | $47,000 |
| 8x40 | $62,000 |
| 12x20 | $43,000 |
| 12x40 | $67,000 |
Aboveground vs. In-Ground Pool
In-ground pools are considerably more expensive than aboveground pools because they require excavation. This will add a few extra costs, including:
Soil testing costs: $700–$2,200
Land survey costs: $800–$5,500
Pool excavation costs: $500–$3,050
It’s a good idea to consult your contractor before putting in your pool so they can help you understand the full extent of what needs to be done to prep your land.
Foundation and Reinforcement
Reinforcements are part of the cost of installing an in-ground pool. This helps ensure that the shell won’t crack underneath the weight of the water and swimmers. Contractors will need to level your yard before installation. Some soil (like clay soil) is harder to work with, and you’ll need stronger supports, or you’ll need to backfill with a better type of soil after the excavation.
If your pool is aboveground, they’ll level your yard and lay down a foundation made from a concrete slab with gravel. If reinforcements are required, they’re usually included in your container pool kit. Here are some common costs:
Leveling a yard: $0.40–$2 per sq. ft.
In-ground pool reinforcements: $1,000–$3,000
Fill dirt: $150–$600 per truckload
Gravel: $1–$3 per sq. ft.
Concrete slab: $4–$8 per sq. ft.
Liner Material
The pool liner transforms your shipping container into a watertight pool, and the liner is included with most prefab container pools. If you need to purchase one (whether you’re converting a shipping container DIY or replacing an existing liner), you can expect to spend $500 to $900 on an aboveground pool liner and $1,200 to $2,100 on an in-ground pool liner. If you choose a fiberglass liner instead of vinyl, you may spend as much as $5,000.
| Pool Liner | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Aboveground vinyl liner | $500–$900 |
| In-ground vinyl liner | $1,200–$2,100 |
| Fiberglass liner | $5,000 |
Custom vs. Prefab
Most container pools come prefabricated, meaning the shipping container has already been upcycled into a pool and is ready for installation. If you hire a company to build a custom pool, prices can soar beyond $100,000.
The main benefit of a custom pool is the sizing. Since shipping containers come in standard sizes, sizing is limited with a prefab model. Depending on the brand, you can get a custom pool that’s as wide as 14 feet—nearly twice the width of a standard prefab model.
Brand
There are a few major brands that sell shipping container pools. Like most products, different brands have different price tags. You’ll spend more on a high-end brand like Trekpools™ (which starts at $40,000) or Modpools® (which starts at $32,500). Ecopool® is slightly more affordable (starting at $30,000) and allows you to connect containers for more customization. This can make the costs quickly skyrocket compared to other brands with more standard layouts.
Pool Contractor Costs
You’ll need to hire a pool contractor, which costs $50 to $150 per hour, to install your shipping container pool. Labor will make up 25% to 50% of the total project cost. Your contractor will be at the helm of the installation, leading the charge every step of the way—from choosing the best model for your backyard and prepping the land to successfully installing the pool and finishing the pool area.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Pool installation goes beyond installing the actual pool. As such, you may need to hire several different contractors. These include electricians who can handle all electrical aspects of the installation (like lighting and heating) and plumbers who can connect your pool to the sewer system.
Here are some contractors and their hourly rates, though your pool contractor may subcontract some of these pros and include the cost in your quote:
Electrician: $50–$130 per hour
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Landscaper: $50–$100 per hour
Fence contractor: $35–$65 per hour
Additional Cost Factors
Once you choose a contractor and decide on the size and location of your pool, there are a few extra costs you may encounter. Add-ons like heating, hardscaping, and landscaping all come with different price tags.
Permits
The permit to install a pool costs between $400 and $1,800, depending on local laws. Your contractor will obtain the correct permit before they begin construction.
Heating
If you want to extend the length of your pool season or don’t live in a very warm area, consider heating your pool. Since container pools are on the smaller side, the cost to install a pool heater is between $1,000 and $3,000.
Pool Accessories
Shipping container pools are too shallow for a diving board, but you can customize your pool with other accessories. These include built-in lighting so you can safely use your pool at night, as well as pool covers, ladders, and jets.
| Accessories | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Lighting | $20–$1,700 each |
| Solar pool cover | $75–$300 |
| Winter pool cover | $75–$225 |
| Automatic pool cover | $12,000–$22,000 |
| Slide | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Waterfall feature | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Stairs | $500–$5,000 |
| Wall window | $4,500–$9,000 |
| Jets | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Ladder | $600–$800 |
Landscaping
Most pool landscaping costs $700 to $3,300. At a minimum, you’ll need to do some minor landscaping or hardscaping because this project disrupts your existing landscape. Homeowners may choose to lay down grass seed, install sod or gravel, or add decorative boulders and shrubbery to finish the look of their pool area.
Pool Deck or Patio
The cost to install a pool deck or patio is anywhere from $300 to $12,000. For an aboveground pool, you’re looking at a wood or composite deck, which costs $300 to $7,800. For an in-ground pool, you’d install a patio made from a range of hardscaping materials, like pavers or stones. Costs range between $3 and $40 per square foot.
Fencing
In most areas, you’re legally required to fence in your pool area for safety. A pool fence costs anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the type of fence and size of the area. Expect to spend $15 to $25 per linear foot, with chain link being the most affordable option.
DIY Pool Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Pool installation is not DIY-friendly—especially if you install an in-ground pool that requires excavation. In fact, you may not be able to obtain a permit without the help of a licensed pro. That said, some experienced DIYers with contracting backgrounds may be able to install an aboveground pool kit alongside licensed plumbers and electricians.
Keep in mind that while a DIY could cut your labor costs in half, it could also lead to costly mistakes or potential hazards. Unless you have professional contracting experience, it’s best to hire a swimming pool installer near you to make your new pool a reality.
Ways to Save Money on a Shipping Container Pool
The big benefit of shipping container pools is that they can be more affordable than traditional pools, particularly if you want an in-ground pool. Nonetheless, there are still ways you can save on the total cost:
Stay aboveground: Certain aboveground container pools may be costlier than traditional aboveground pools, but an aboveground container pool still costs less than an in-ground container pool.
Choose the most affordable size: If your household has one or two people, you can save money with a smaller container pool. For four people, opt for a minimum size of 8-by-30 feet.
Install your pool during the offseason: The best time to buy a pool is in the fall. Before winter, you may be able to find deals from builders and manufacturers. Pool supplies, fencing materials, and certain landscaping items may be on sale.
Skip the extras: To save money on the cost of building a pool, avoid unnecessary extras like waterfall features, slides, lush landscaping, or fancy pool covers. Go for only what you need.
Does a Shipping Container Pool Increase Home Value?
The return on investment (ROI) for a pool varies between 5% and 56%, depending on several factors. On average, aboveground pools add around $250 of value, while in-ground pools add around $36,700, and it varies with location.
To determine the overall value, look at your local market. Pools are more popular in warmer states like Florida, California, and Texas. Check out local listings to view the price difference of similar homes with and without a pool. If the asking prices are similar, it’s a sign you may not get the biggest bang for your buck.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping container pools last up to 25 years. On average, they’re more durable than the standard aboveground pool, which only lasts 10 to 20 years. Their durability is similar to fiberglass in-ground pools. Concrete pools, on the other hand, outlive almost any other type of pool. They can last indefinitely as long as you resurface them as needed.
The disadvantages of container pools come down to flexibility and customization. Shipping containers come in standard sizes, so the sizes and shapes are limited. They also have a very distinctive look, which may not suit the aesthetic of your backyard.
Beyond that, while container pools are more affordable than in-ground pools, certain models can be more expensive. This includes the cost to heat your pool, since the metal walls have more heat transfer than other types of pools (which some brands circumvent with insulation).
Shipping container pools are prone to rust and corrosion over time, especially if you install a saltwater system. Though the interior of your pool should be lined, the outside is at risk. Luckily there are a few things you can do.
Elevate your pool or place it on a foundation to prevent moisture buildup along the bottom of the container. Apply a rust inhibitor or paint to protect the outside of your pool, and maintain the proper chlorine levels to reduce the rate of corrosion. Regularly inspect your pool for signs of corrosion, and take action when necessary.
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