Container Pools — Everything You Need to Know

Container pools have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. They're a genuinely practical alternative to traditional in-ground pools — faster to install, more affordable, and with a look that ranges from industrial-chic to polished luxury depending on the finish you choose.

At Outback Fencing Supplies, we've added container pools to our range because our customers kept asking for them. Here's everything you need to know.

WHAT IS A CONTAINER POOL?

A container pool is exactly what it sounds like — a shipping container that's been professionally converted into a swimming pool. The container is structurally modified, waterproofed, fitted with filtration and plumbing, insulated, and finished to a high standard.

From the outside, they can look like a sleek, modern pool feature. Inside, you get a deep, spacious swimming area that's perfect for laps, cooling off, or just relaxing.

OUR OPTIONS

20ft Standard — $36,000

• Approximately 6m long x 2.4m wide x 1.3-1.4m deep (depending on configuration)
• Professional-grade fibreglass or liner interior finish
• Complete with pump, filter, and plumbing
• Ready for connection to power and water

20ft Tiled — $39,000

• Same dimensions as the standard
• Interior fully tiled for a premium look and feel
• Tiles are more durable and give the pool a traditional swimming pool finish
• Easier to clean long-term

40ft Standard — $53,000

• Approximately 12m long x 2.4m wide — that's a proper lap pool
• Same professional interior finish as the 20ft
• Complete with pump, filter, and plumbing
• Ideal for serious swimmers or larger families

40ft Tiled — $55,000

• Full-size lap pool with tiled interior
• The premium option for those who want the best finish
• Stunning in a backyard setting

ADVANTAGES OVER TRADITIONAL POOLS

Speed of installation: A traditional in-ground pool takes 8-16 weeks to build. A container pool can be delivered and operational in a matter of days once your site is prepared. The pool arrives essentially complete — it just needs to be craned into position and connected.

Cost: A comparable-sized traditional in-ground pool typically costs $50,000-$80,000+ installed. Our container pools start at $36,000, making them significantly more affordable.

Structural integrity: Shipping containers are designed to be stacked 9-high fully loaded on cargo ships. The structural steel in a container is massively overbuilt for use as a pool. There's no risk of the walls flexing or the structure failing.

Portability: This is a big one for some people. If you move properties, you can take your pool with you. Try that with an in-ground concrete pool.

Smaller footprint: At 2.4m wide, container pools fit into spaces where a traditional pool wouldn't. They're perfect for narrow backyards, courtyards, or alongside a shed.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

Site preparation: You need a flat, level, compacted pad for the container to sit on. This is usually a concrete slab or compacted gravel pad. The surface needs to be dead level — these containers are heavy and any unevenness will cause issues.

Access: A crane or hiab truck needs to be able to reach the installation site. This means you need vehicle access and enough overhead clearance. We've installed in tight suburban backyards and open rural properties — it's usually achievable but worth checking before you order.

Electrical: You'll need a dedicated electrical circuit for the pump and filter. This should be installed by a licensed electrician to comply with pool equipment regulations.

Water: Obviously you need a water supply to fill it. A garden hose works fine — it just takes a while for a 40ft pool!

Fencing: In NSW, all pools that hold more than 300mm of water must be fenced to comply with pool fencing regulations. This is separate from the pool itself and we can help with compliant pool fencing too (see our post on NSW pool fencing regulations).

WHO'S BUYING THEM?

We see a real mix of customers:

• Rural property owners who want a pool without the construction hassle
• Airbnb and farm stay operators adding a drawcard to their accommodation
• Families in Orange, Bathurst, and surrounding towns who want a pool in their backyard without the traditional pool price tag
• People with sloping or difficult blocks where traditional pool construction would be prohibitively expensive

STANDARD VS TILED — IS THE UPGRADE WORTH IT?

The standard interior finish is a durable, professional-grade coating that works perfectly well. It's smooth, easy to clean, and long-lasting.

The tiled upgrade ($3,000 extra on 20ft, $2,000 extra on 40ft) gives you:

• A more traditional "pool" look and feel
• Easier long-term cleaning (tiles are very smooth and resist algae buildup)
• A premium aesthetic that looks more like a built pool
• Slightly better longevity on the interior surface

For most people, the standard finish is perfectly fine. If you want the pool to look like a high-end feature (especially for Airbnb properties or entertainer backyards), the tiled upgrade is worth considering.

Interested? Give us a call on 0434 093 077 or visit us at 76 Astill Drive, Orange. We can walk you through the options, show you photos of completed installations, and organise a site assessment.