Piscine container vs concrete pool
Two technologies for your swimming pool : the classic fibreglass shell, or the shipping container (transformed). Price, installation time, durability, aesthetics : here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
Complete comparison
| Criterion | Container | Polyester shell |
|---|---|---|
| Price for 5.5m installed | £18,900 – £33,600 | £14,700 – £29,400 |
| Price for 11 m installed | £29,400 – £50,400 | Rare (on order) |
| Installation lead time | 1-3 days | 1 week |
| Total construction site duration | 2-4 weeks | 6-16 weeks |
| Structure | Corten Steel | Laminated polyester |
| Waterproofing | Liner or resin | Integrated gel-coat |
| Structural lifespan | 30-40 years | 25-30 years |
| Available shapes | Rectangular only | Rectangle, oval, custom |
| Above-ground installation possible | Yes (simple) | Rare |
| Demountable | Yes (if elevated) | No |
| Property value | Slightly lower | Market standard |
Our recommendation
- Container If you want: a quick-to-install pool (seasonal), a swimming length > 10 m (standard 11 m for 40 ft container), a modern / industrial style, the possibility to move the pool, a rental project (Airbnb) with fast installation.
- Polyester shell If you want: non-rectangular shape (bean, oval, custom), maximum property value (resale of traditional house), tight budget for small size (5-7 m), traditional design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Equivalent price for comparable size?+
For a pool 5.5 × 2.2 m: shell £14,700 – £29,400 installed, container £18,900 – £33,600 installed. The container is 20-30% more expensive at the entry level, but the gap narrows in high-end models (premium finishes and equipment). On larger formats 11 × 2.2 m, the container often becomes cheaper than its shell equivalent (which is rare in this size).
Comparative lifespan?+
Container pool: Corten steel structure lasts 30-40 years, liner needs replacing every 12-18 years. Shell polyester pool: shell lasts 25-30 years, gel-coat needs redoing every 15-20 years (£7,350 – £12,600). Overall equivalent over 25 years, container has a slight edge beyond 30+ years due to the more durable Corten steel.
What difference in installation time?+
Container: 1 to 3 days of installation on prepared ground, 2 to 4 weeks for full construction. Shell: 1 week of installation, 6 to 16 weeks for full construction (excavation, crane work, equipment installation, backfilling). The container saves 4 to 12 weeks, which is valuable if the pool is needed for the current season.
And aesthetics?+
Subjective but structurally different. Container: pure rectangular shapes, industrial / modern / contemporary look. Shell: more variations (rectangle, bean shape, oval, swimming channel), classic to modern appearance. If you want curves and free-form shapes, go for the shell. If you prefer a clean-cut rectangular look, the container offers a high-end finish.
Can both be installed above ground?+
Container: yes easily on concrete blocks, it's even a popular option (simpler, demountable). Shell: rarely — designed to be buried or semi-buried. An above-ground shell requires specific encircling / cladding, not always aesthetic and more expensive. The container is more flexible in this regard.