Ecopool Container Pool Review

What if I told you that you could get a pool that installs faster than traditional pools, is far stronger, and still save about fifty grand compared to a traditional pool? Meet Ecopool — the pool made from upcycled shipping containers. Ecopool starts around twenty-five thousand and gives you the same style and enjoyment as those six-figure builds. The secret? It's built in a factory — not your backyard.

Hey guys, I'm Justin, your resident pool aficionado. And today, we're diving into Ecopool Container Swimming Pools. We did a ton of research when looking for a test pool to use for our channel. And after getting quotes for inground gunite and fiberglass pools, we knew there had to be a better way. And that's why we ended up with an Ecopool ourselves.

From the price to the speed of installation to how it has held up in our endless testing of robotic pool cleaners, I'll break down everything you need to know. So, let's dive right in.

What is Ecopool?

For decades, building a pool meant months of mess, tearing up your backyard, weather delays, and six-figure bills. Gunite, fiberglass, vinyl — all different materials but share the same old issues. Ecopool was created to change that. By building pools in a factory instead of your backyard, they solved the biggest problems in pool construction — time, cost, and quality control.

Based in Salado, Texas, which is right down the road from us in Austin, they specialize in building swimming pools that are custom-made from steel, that can be installed quicker, and save tens of thousands over traditional pools.

With two different pool types, S-Series Steel Pools and Container Pools, they custom build each pool in their factory. Fabricated with high-end features like interiors made from German-engineered Zycore Membrane, and one-of-a-kind features like windows, plus all the necessities like stairs and baja ledges, they do it all.

What makes an Ecopool special is that they are made from high strength steel but at the same time, they are more affordable. The secret is they build your pool in a factory-controlled environment. Rather than building it in your backyard where crews often need over 80 trips to your property. This means no weather delays, no construction crews in your backyard for months, and no hidden costs. Ecopool can be installed in as little as 1-3 days. It's as easy as ordering your pool, leveling the ground or digging the hole, and placing it.

They have a modular design that means you can build any shape or size pool. From 8 x 8 to 20 x 60, the pools are fully modular — allowing you to build any size, small to massive.

With installation options of inground, semi-inground, and above-ground, there are a ton of unique options that aren't possible with traditional pools. For example, you have a sloping backyard. This would require a very expensive retaining wall with most pools. Not with Ecopool. Starting at around $25,000, you can have your dream pool at a fraction of the price of a traditional pool.

Container Pools

Container pools are exactly what they sound like — shipping containers transformed into modern swimming pools.

Now, I'll admit when I first heard of the concept, I pictured something entirely different. But the more research I did, the more it made sense.

• They're factory built instead of being constructed in your backyard piece by piece.
• They're built with single use, upcycled shipping containers and reinforced with hundreds of pounds of steel, welded, sanded, and weather resistant.
• They're modular and shippable on standard width trucks, meaning they can be any size and shipped to your house ready to be connected.
• They're affordable, shaving off tens of thousands of dollars compared to a traditional pool build.

For us, it solved a problem: we needed a pool to test robotic cleaners, pumps, and other pool equipment. And like most homeowners, a $100,000+ gunite pool doesn't make any sense for us. A $25,000 Ecopool container pool? That was doable.

Why We Chose Ecopool

There are a few container pool companies out there — Modpool and some smaller startups. But after looking closely, Ecopool was the clear choice. Here's why:

1. Zycore 3D Interior Membrane

The first thing that hooked me was the Zycore™ 3D interior membrane — which is exclusive to Ecopool. If you've ever scraped your feet on the rough bottom of a plaster pool or slipped around on a cheap vinyl liner, you'll know how big of a deal this is.

Zycore feels smooth, but not slippery — like a nicely textured stone. It has just enough texture underfoot to give grip, but it's soft on skin and won't snag anything.

There are nearly a dozen options of interiors to choose from. With a few samples, we chose the Matrix 3D Blue tile. And while it isn't individual mosaic tiles that are placed by hand like in a $250,000 build, it resembles it perfectly without the upkeep or cost. Which was better, as it can't chip or break off.

You're not standing on steel. You're not tiptoeing across a chalky plaster floor. You're gliding across a surface engineered to be comfortable, durable, and algae-resistant. It's the kind of finish you'd see in a high-end European pool.

2. 7-Layer, No-Rust Design

One of the first things everyone asks me when they find out we use a container pool is "does it rust?" No! This is one of the most common misconceptions about Ecopool container pools.

Ecopool isn't just a container built to hold water. You may be worried that you're just going to be stepping straight on the metal base of a container. But you're not.

It's a 7-layer engineered system designed for strength, waterproofing, and longevity:

1. Corten Steel — already resistant to rust, this is the backbone
2. Industrial 2-part Polyurea — a thick barrier layer that protects against moisture
3. Fiber-reinforced core — adds stability without weight
4. Elastomeric sealants — keeps everything flexible, no brittle cracks
5. Bonding substrate — a smooth foundation for the interior
6. Zycore™ membrane finish — the part you see and touch every day
7. Acrylic UV finish — helps protect against the sun

That Zycore interior makes all the difference. You don't feel metal, polyurea, or rough coatings. You feel Zycore on the inside: a high-end pool interior that stays cool in the sun, resists stains, and never gives you that gritty plaster burn. And on the outside, you feel the industrial polyurea coating.

And because of all those layers working together, the pool doesn't rust, doesn't flake, and doesn't need replastering ever.

3. Cheaper Without Cutting Corners

Cost was a big factor. A gunite pool quote easily hit $90,000–$150,000 in Austin, Texas. Ecopool? Starting around $25,000–$40,000 installed. And because 90–95% of the work is done in the factory, there's no builder markup eating away at your budget. You're not paying for 80-100 trips to your backyard. You're not paying for the months of labor it takes to build a gunite pool.

You get a premium pool for a fraction of the price, and you don't sacrifice quality to get there.

4. Industrial Modern Style

Ecopool has a modern, industrial design that makes a repurposed shipping container the perfect foundation. The interior looks like a high-end tiled pool or natural stone you'd see at a resort, and the exterior can be finished however you want. It has that industrial-modern aesthetic that feels different but somehow looks right at home in backyards.

We love it — but it may not be for everyone. If you don't love the look, you can place it inground or for a different onground look — make sure to check out Ecopool's Architectural S-Series. These have high-grade aluminum panels that are stunning. It's the Apple Products of Swimming Pools.

5. Quick Install

Finally, Ecopool's install time sealed the deal. I've seen it. You've seen it. I'm sure we have all seen pool builds that just take months on end. Traditional gunite pools can drag on for 6 months with weather delays and endless subs coming and going.

With Ecopool, the pool arrives ready to drop in place, and you can be swimming in as little as 1–3 days. That's the kind of timeline that makes summer fun actually happen this year instead of next.

Modular Design

Unlike fiberglass, which comes in one giant shell (good luck maneuvering that into a tight backyard), Ecopool pools are modular. They ship in manageable sections, bolt together onsite, and can scale from 8 foot by 20 foot pools to 16 foot by 40 foot pools.

Think of it like Lego for pools. This means you can build that 8 foot by 60 foot lap pool. Or build a 16 by 40 pool that the entire family can enjoy. It's all delivered to your door and connects using their patented design onsite.

Installation and Setup

The installation process blew my mind with how simple it was.

1. Site Prep — Level the ground, or dig a hole for inground (1–2 days)
2. Delivery — The pool arrives by truck
3. Placement — Pool set in place in under an hour
4. Hookup — Electrician wires pump to power
5. Fill and Swim — Done

No shotcrete curing. No plaster dust. No tile crews. Just water, chlorine, and cannonballs.

What's Included

Ecopool doesn't just send you a pool structure. The pool comes with everything you'll need included with it:

• Variable-speed pump — energy efficient pump
• Filtration system
• Pre-fabricated, ready to connect plumbing
• Zycore interior membrane

This bundle alone saves you thousands, as you won't need to hunt down more equipment. But there are a few upgrades to choose from.

Options to Choose From

One of the things we loved about designing our Ecopool is how customizable it is. You're not stuck with a cookie-cutter setup — you can tailor the layout to your space and how you'll use the pool. While we just needed something basic to test our pool robots in, there are a ton of really cool options to choose from.

Windows — Easily my favorite add-on. These are real acrylic viewing panels built right into the side of the pool. They look incredible, especially if your pool is above ground or semi-inground. Structural acrylic panels engineered into the shell — not surface add-ons. Above or semi-inground, they deliver a gallery-style view of the deep blue water. After sunset, interior lighting turns the panel into an immersive, resort-grade atmosphere at home.

Baja Shelves — Also called tanning ledges, these are shallow platforms perfect for lounging in a few inches of water. You can set a chair or just stretch out with a drink. If you've ever been to a resort pool, you know exactly what this feels like.

Ledges — Built-in perimeter benches give you that "hang-out" space in the water. Great for kids, or just taking a break without leaving the pool. They also make the pool feel more social — it's where people naturally gather.

Stairs — You can go with traditional steps, wraparound stairs, or integrated corner steps depending on your design.

All of these features are optional, so you can build your Ecopool to match what you want.

The Value Equation

Here's where Ecopool really shines — cost.

A traditional gunite pool with decking and equipment will easily run you $80,000 to $120,000, sometimes more depending on the builder, location, and your backyard layout.

But let me tell you a secret the pool industry doesn't want you to know — that pool in your backyard is probably only around $10,000 worth of materials or less. Everything beyond that is mostly labor. You're paying for months of on-site construction, weather delays, builder markup, and an army of subcontractors. Every stage — excavation, rebar, plumbing, shotcrete, plaster, tile — adds another invoice and another week to the timeline. By the time it's finished, you've essentially funded a small construction company.

Ecopool flips that model on its head. Because the pool is built start to finish in a factory, you skip the layers of markup that drive costs through the roof. You're not paying for a crew of ten people to show up day after day for three months to six months.

When the pool arrives, it's already finished. Site prep, delivery, and electrical hookup — that's it. You can be swimming in 1–3 days instead of waiting all summer.

So, when you look at the numbers — $25,000 to $40,000 installed for a container pool versus $90,000–$120,000 for gunite of the same size — the math checks out. You're not getting "less pool." In fact, you're usually getting more pool as the pools are larger. You're also getting a smarter process that cuts out waste, delays, and middlemen.

Technology

One of the big reasons I went with Ecopool is the tech they offer. This isn't just a pool filled with water — it's a full-on smart pool system.

Robotic Pool Cleaners — The smooth Zycore™ interior is a dream for robotic cleaners. I run all of our tests in this pool. They glide effortlessly across the surface with zero hang-ups. No corrugated walls like other container pools — just smooth, uninterrupted cleaning. My top pick for the year is the Dolphin Premier — and if you haven't checked it out already, make sure to take a look at my list of the best robotic pool cleaners of the year.

SpectraLight UltraViolet System — This was a huge selling point for me. The optional integrated SpectraLight UV system zaps bacteria, viruses, and algae at the molecular level — reducing chlorine demand dramatically. The result? You get the same level of chlorine as tap water. Just 0.5 parts per million. Water that feels more like bottled water than a hotel pool. It's cleaner, softer, and eliminates that smell of chlorine we all hate.

EcoPump Variable-Speed Pump — Every Ecopool ships with an energy-efficient, programmable variable-speed EcoPump that cuts power consumption by up to 80%. You can set cleaning cycles, reduce noise, and control the speed that your pump runs at — allowing you to run it 24/7 without a huge electric bill.

Water Monitoring — With smart sensors like the ICO Pool Monitor, you can track your pool's pH, chlorine, and temperature right from your phone. It sends real-time updates, so you always know your water chemistry is spot on without having to guess or dip test strips.

As someone who tests pool gear for a living, this part mattered a lot to me. Ecopool isn't just a pool — it's a platform for modern pool technology. Everything works together seamlessly, which means less maintenance, fewer surprises, and a better swimming experience every single day.

Comparing Ecopool Container vs S-Series

Ecopool builds two main lines of pools: Container Pools and S-Series Steel Pools.

What's the S-Series?

Ecopool's S-Series are the world's first high-strength structural steel pools. What does that mean? They're resistant to cracking, engineered to fit into almost any backyard, and built with superior insulation — we're talking YETI-cooler-level performance (R-8.5 to R-10). The S-Series offers larger footprints, modular frames, and architectural finishes that make it feel like the Apple of swimming pools.

The biggest difference — beyond the look of corrugated steel versus smooth architectural panels — is the price. Here's a quick comparison of starting prices:

• S-Series 8 × 20 — around $30K
• Container Pool 8 × 20 — around $25K

We went with a container pool — but honestly, both are awesome.

Why an S-Series Pool?

The S-Series takes insulation and longevity to another level. Its rigid foam-core walls are sandwiched between dual layers of galvanized steel — like a freezer wall built for swimming. That thermal barrier keeps water warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and energy bills way lower.

You also get far more size options. Pools can be ordered in 4-foot increments in both length and width, giving you flexibility for a truly custom size or shape.

Both lines use the same Zycore™ architectural membrane, offering dozens of interior designs and textures. And installation is just as simple as the container pools.

Why a Container Pool?

It's simple. It costs less. You still get the same commercial-grade Zycore™ interior, plus the satisfaction of an upcycled steel build — without compromise. If you love the look of the container aesthetic, it's an easy way to save money while keeping all the core benefits.

What Was Our Choice?

For us, starting out, the Container Pool just made sense — easier on the budget and faster to install. But when I upgrade?

I'm going with the S-Series. It's the future of backyard design and energy-efficient living. If I wanted a true showpiece for the backyard, the S-Series Architectural models are absolutely stunning.

But if you love the look of the container pool — like we do — you can't go wrong either way. So, check out both before deciding.

Final Verdict

So, what is my final verdict on Ecopool?

It's Pool Nerd Approved.

I chose Ecopool because it checked every box that we needed:

• Affordable — Ecopool is around 40–50% less than traditional swimming pools
• Fast Install — You can swim in days, not months
• Durable Interior — Ecopool's Zycore membrane lasts far longer than plaster
• Modern Aesthetic — It has a sleek, industrial, intentional design
• Tech-Forward — With options like UV, variable pumps, smart monitoring

At the end of the day, I wanted a pool that wasn't going to break the bank, wouldn't turn into a maintenance nightmare, and still looked incredible. Ecopool delivered on all of that.

If you're shopping for a pool right now, I'd at least give Ecopool a look. Whether you're after a small plunge pool for hot summer nights, or a full lap pool to train in, they've got options that can scale with your backyard.

For us here at The Pool Nerd, Ecopool wasn't just the best choice — it was the only choice. And months later, I can say confidently: we made the right call.

If you're even thinking about getting a pool, give Ecopool a look. Visit their 3D Studio at Ecopool.com to design your own in minutes — or check out the S-Series and Container side by side. Whether you want a backyard oasis or a minimalist lap pool, Ecopool's factory-built approach just makes sense.

As always, if you wanna keep nerding out over your pool, head on over to my deals page at ThePoolNerd.com/deals where I post the best deals on robotic pool cleaners and other top pool equipment.

Your resident pool aficionado.

For over 5+ years, The Pool Nerd has been a leading source in the swimming pool industry. With years of experince owning a swimming pool, our hope here is to guide and help making owning a swimming pool easier.