Tangle Pools custom designs can be modern in style and are installed above ground, so can be moved

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Shipping containers are making a big splash.

Primarily known for moving freight around the world, those containers aren’t usually filled with water — at least until now, and they’re poised to become the next big thing in swimming pools.

That’s due, in part, to Tangle Pools, a Leduc-based company that sells pools made out of shipping containers. And while it may not be surprising to hear that they’ve sold and shipped shipping container pools to California and Texas, Tangle Pools is transforming the notion that it makes no sense for Edmontonians or Albertans, for that matter, to have a pool in their own backyard.

“We actually just installed a couple of pools in the Edmonton area, one in the southwest right off the Anthony Henday, and we did one in St. Albert recently,” said Loni Greff, managing partner for Tangle Pools. “A lot of acreages will also buy ours, people at lake lots as well, and quite a number in the city — especially if they’re looking for a modern contemporary look.”

As opposed to in-ground pools, these are generally installed above ground, meaning if you wanted to you could take the pool with you when you move.

“That’s a big motivator because you can always take these pools out especially if you install them in or partially in ground so they line up with you deck,” said Greff, pointing to buyers in more northern climates where having a pool is far from the norm.

But if you’re thinking these pools would stand out since they’re above ground, they don’t have to. They can be painted different colours and can be surrounded or incorporated into/with other landscaping features. A window option can be also added, so your pool takes on a whole new look where it becomes the focal point of a seating or eating area.

Further, it’s a great way to keep an eye on younger children when they’re in the water.

Buyers are generally younger to middle-aged families, although older adults like and use them as lap pools.

Demand has even been stronger with COVID-19 lockdowns.

“It just about making the home more comfortable and being a place to spend some time,” said Greff. “That’s who we’re seeing picking up the phone and calling us.”

For Louis Babin and Rochelle Chamczuk, getting one of these pools was all about providing their large blended family with a way to enjoy themselves.

In March 2020, they had plans for a 14-night cruise — it would have been a first for about half of the family members — but that vacation was scuttled due to the pandemic.

Instead, they thought about what they could do that would be amazing for their family, which includes nine people living there now.

The answer was a shipping container pool. Chamczuk had seen one on display on the west side of QE2 between Leduc and Ponoka (sitting on a 40-degree angle) that she liked but they always joked that they would never end up with one. The moral of this story: never say never.

They’re now the proud owners of a shipping container pool that’s mostly surrounded by a deck in the front yard of their Parkland County home.

“The fact that we love to entertain — when we can — it was kind of a no-brainer for us,” the couple said. “We thought about it and we thought why not? Life is short.”

They use it practically every day.

“It looks so professionally done,” they said. “I don’t see a shipping container. I see a swimming pool.”

Tangle Pools are manufactured in Canada and come in standard sizes of 8 and 12 feet wide by 20, 30 or 40 feet long or can be custom sized. Pricing starts at $48,500. They can also create a pool house with change room and outdoor shower that’s made from one-third of a 40-foot shipping container. Find out more at tanglepools.com.

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