The American company Modpools gives shipping containers a second life as swimming pools. Paul Rathnam from Vancouver was attracted by the idea of having a pool at home on the plot where his children could play.
“They’re basically the world’s cardboard boxes,” he says to Fast Company about the containers. “They take all of our cargo around the world, safely. And, they’re reusable.”
He decided to experiment with turning old shipping containers into a summer of backyard fun. After he’d done a few successful pools, his company Modpools started to expand on the idea.
“Turning them into something that you can use for 30 years on your property [is] probably the best form of recycling we can do,” Rathnam says.
Modpools uses a modular approach to build the swimming pools. First, they choose the most dent-free and cleanest containers from shipping companies. Then they cut them down to a customized shape and size. Finally, the finished form is taken to its new home for installation.
Fast Company reports, “the company has made pools of all shapes and sizes including models with infinity edges, window features, and even attached hot tubs.”
Today, Rathnam’s pools can be found across the US and Canada. Since he began transforming containers into pools back in 2017, 800 Modpools have been installed in North America. During the pandemic, the demand for Modpools creations has expanded. This past year has been their busiest year yet.
Photo: Modpools via Fast Company
