Container pools have become one of the most talked-about pool options in Australia over the past few years. The appeal is obvious: they're prefabricated, relatively affordable, and can be delivered and set up quickly. If you've been researching compact pool options for your backyard, there's a good chance container pools have come up alongside fibreglass, concrete, and precast plunge pools.
But "prefabricated" and "quick to install" describe more than one type of pool, and the differences between them matter more than the similarities. Here's an honest comparison to help you work out which option suits your situation.
A container pool is a swimming pool built inside or from a shipping container frame. The steel container provides the external structure, and the interior is fitted with a fibreglass or PVC-lined shell, plumbing, filtration, and lighting. Most arrive as a self-contained unit: plug in the power, fill with water, and you're swimming.
They're typically available in two sizes based on standard shipping container dimensions: 6m (20ft) and 12m (40ft). Depth is usually around 1.2m to 1.4m. Most are designed to sit above ground, though some can be partially recessed with additional site work.
A precast concrete plunge pool is a pool shell manufactured in a factory from reinforced concrete, then delivered to your property and craned into position. Like a container pool, it's prefabricated off-site. Unlike a container pool, it's a permanent concrete structure designed to be installed in-ground, above ground, or semi-recessed.
Our pools, for example, are made from reinforced concrete with a factory-applied ecoFinish interior, pre-fitted plumbing, and certified engineering. They come in five sizes, from the 2.2m x 2.2m Quad through to the 6m x 3m Max, with a water depth of around 1.5m across the range.
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Container Pool |
Precast Concrete Plunge Pool |
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Material |
Steel frame with fibreglass or PVC liner |
Reinforced concrete |
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Typical sizes |
6m (2.4m wide) or 12m (2.4m wide) |
2.2m x 2.2m to 6m x 3m |
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Depth |
1.2m - 1.4m |
~1.5m (water depth) |
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Installation type |
Above ground (some semi-recessed) |
In-ground, above-ground, or semi-recessed |
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Install time |
1 - 3 days (above ground on prepared base) |
Pool craned in within a day; full project ~2 weeks |
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Lifespan |
10 - 20+ years (depends on corrosion protection) |
50+ years |
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Warranty |
Varies by supplier (typically 5 - 10 years) |
10 years structural, 3 years ecoFinish |
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Council approval |
Required (same as any pool over 300mm deep) |
Required (pre-engineered specs provided) |
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Portability |
Can be relocated |
Permanent structure |
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Starting price (pool only) |
From ~$20,000 |
From $13,990 (shell) |
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Typical total installed cost |
$25,000 - $60,000+ |
$37,000 - $57,000+ |
Container pools are constrained by the dimensions of a standard shipping container. That means they're either roughly 6m long or 12m long, and about 2.4m wide. There's limited flexibility on width because the container frame sets the boundary.
The 6m option works as a plunge or cooling-off pool. The 12m option is long enough for casual lap swimming. Some suppliers offer custom lengths between these two sizes, but the width stays the same.
Internally, most container pools include a bench seat, entry steps (either internal or external), and a skimmer box. Some suppliers offer swim jets, viewing windows, and cladding options for the exterior.
The fixed width of 2.4m is one of the key trade-offs. It means the pool is always narrow and rectangular. If you want a round pool, a wider pool, or something that isn't a long rectangle, a container pool won't suit.
Container pool pricing varies depending on the supplier, the size, and what's included:
Pool shell (6m): From around $20,000 to $30,000 for a basic above-ground unit with pump, filter, and lighting included.
Pool shell (12m): From around $30,000 to $50,000+, depending on features.
Site preparation: A concrete slab or steel support frame is required for above-ground installation. Budget $2,000 to $10,000+, depending on your site.
Delivery and crane: Varies by location. For metro areas, $1,000 to $3,000. Regional or remote locations will cost more.
Exterior cladding (optional): $3,000 to $10,000+ if you want to cover the steel container exterior with timber, composite, or other materials.
Heating: Electric heat pumps or gas heating are available as add-ons from most suppliers, typically $3,000 to $6,000.
Fencing: Required for all pools in Australia. Some above-ground container pools with compliant entry steps and self-closing doors may satisfy fencing requirements without a separate fence. Check with your local council.
Council approval: Required in every state and territory for any pool with a depth over 300mm. Documentation requirements vary.
All up, expect to spend $25,000 to $60,000+ for a container pool fully set up and ready to swim.
Container pools genuinely suit certain situations:
Because they sit above ground on a prepared base or steel frame, container pools can work on sloping blocks without major excavation. The container can be supported at one end and sit at ground level at the other, which is a simpler solution than excavating a level platform for an in-ground pool.
If your property can't accommodate a crane large enough to lift a concrete or fibreglass pool, a container pool delivered on a standard truck and unloaded with a smaller crane or tilt tray may be a viable alternative.
If upfront cost is the primary consideration and you're comfortable with an above-ground installation, container pools offer one of the lowest entry points for a permanent (or semi-permanent) pool.
Container pools can be drained, lifted, and relocated. If you're renting, on a short-term property, or want to take your pool with you when you move, this is a genuine advantage that in-ground pools can't match.
Concrete lasts 50+ years. Steel, even with protective coatings and fibreglass lining, is susceptible to corrosion over time, particularly in coastal or humid environments. If you're planning to stay in your home long-term, the longevity of concrete is a significant advantage.
Precast concrete pools can be installed fully in-ground (for a seamless, flush look), semi-recessed (for sloping blocks or design features), or above ground (with timber, stone, or tile cladding). Container pools are designed primarily for above-ground use, which limits the design possibilities.
Container pools are locked to the ~2.4m width of a shipping container. Precast concrete pools come in a range of widths (from 2.2m to 3m in our range), and the Plungie Arena offers a completely different form factor: a 3.5m diameter round pool that's one of the most popular options for compact backyards. If you want anything other than a narrow rectangle, concrete gives you significantly more choices.
Most container pools sit at 1.2m to 1.4m deep. Precast concrete plunge pools have a water depth of around 1.5m, which makes a noticeable difference for full-body immersion and cooling off.
Inground concrete pools are treated as permanent improvements by property valuers and consistently add more resale value than above-ground structures. A container pool sitting on a slab in your backyard is unlikely to be valued the same way as an inground concrete pool at resale.
A container pool, unless clad, looks like a shipping container. That industrial aesthetic appeals to some homeowners, but it's not for everyone. Precast concrete pools have a smooth concrete exterior that can be left raw, rendered, clad in stone or timber, or tiled to match any design style.
Fibreglass pools sit between container pools and concrete on most measures. They're lighter than concrete, faster to install than custom concrete (though similar to precast), and come in a wider range of shapes than container pools. They're a strong mid-range option, particularly if you want an in-ground pool at a lower price point than custom concrete.
The main limitations compared to precast concrete are a shorter lifespan (25 to 30 years vs 50+) and less flexibility with above-ground or semi-recessed installations, since fibreglass shells rely partly on the surrounding ground for structural support.
The steel frame is susceptible to corrosion, particularly in coastal or humid environments. Quality suppliers treat the steel with protective coatings and line the interior with fibreglass or PVC to prevent direct water contact with the metal. How well the corrosion protection holds up over time is one of the key long-term considerations with container pools.
Most container pools are designed to sit above ground. Some can be partially recessed with additional engineering and site work, but they're not typically designed for full in-ground installation. If you want an in-ground pool, concrete (custom or precast) or fibreglass is better suited.
Yes. Container pools can be drained, lifted by crane, and relocated. This is one of their genuine advantages over permanent pool types. It makes them a reasonable option if you're renting, on a short-term property, or want the option to take the pool with you.
Yes. Any pool or spa in Australia with a depth of 300mm or more requires building approval and compliant safety barriers, regardless of whether it's in-ground or above-ground. Check with your local council for specific requirements in your area.
It depends on your priorities. Container pools are more affordable upfront, portable, and quick to install above ground. Concrete plunge pools are more durable (50+ year lifespan), offer more installation flexibility (in-ground, above ground, semi-recessed), add more property value, and come in a wider range of sizes and shapes. If you're looking for a long-term, permanent pool, concrete is the stronger option. If portability and budget are your main concerns, a container pool has merit.
If you're comparing your options, see how all five of our precast concrete pools compare or browse the Project Gallery to see installations across Australia. If you're still weighing up container pools against other options, the comparison table above is a good starting point for the conversation with your builder.