Demand for swimming pools made out of recycled cargo containers is through the roof, and the few companies that offer them can barely meet demand.

Why it matters: For all the news about pandemic-induced cargo backups at sea, many shipping containers only make one-way trips from Asia to North America, and those tend to be repurposed for housing and industrial uses — or, increasingly, for fun.

Driving the news: Work-from-home rules have contributed to record demand for new swimming pools. Refurbished shipping containers tend to be less expensive than traditional high-end pools — and they're more durable, portable and eco-friendly, builders say.

They're considered "plug-and-play," meaning that virtually all they need on arrival is gas, electricity and water.

Where it stands: The weeks between now and the end of the year tend to be the most popular for ordering pools, "because it's a nice time to plan for spring delivery, and it's a pretty fun thing to announce on Christmas morning that a pool is coming," said Loni Greff of Tangle Pools, a Canadian container pool builder.

The intrigue: Shipping container pools are very much a luxury niche item, and their sleek and unusual look is viewed as hip and chic.

Caveat emptor: Several Modpools customers have complained about shoddy workmanship and poor customer service.

The bottom line: Many customers report excellent experiences with shipping container pools, which can be widely customized in size and amenities.