10 Unconventional Ideas for Pools

Updated: Jun. 23, 2023

These made us laugh, applaud and scratch our heads in bewilderment.

1 / 10

A pool made from an old bus from DiWHY

Bus Conversion

This Reddit user flipped an old coach bus on its side and converted it into a DIY pool. They attached a ladder surrounded by safety nets to the back of the bus. Pool pumps behind the bus indicate the water is regularly cleaned and filtered.

2 / 10

Stacking Up Beer Crates

These partiers used beer crates to build a makeshift pool. It’s unclear if the crates are empty or full.

3 / 10

Pools are all sold out? Well, the boys and I built a poor man’s above ground pool out of boards and tarp. from DIY

Plywood and Tarps

With lumber prices fluctuating, this makeshift plywood pool, lined with a tarp, might not be the cheapest option. Points for creativity, though.

4 / 10

Shipping Container Conversion

You’ve probably heard of converting a shipping container into a tiny home, but what about into a pool? These savvy swimmers built steps where the container door was and slipped a drop down pool into the container.

5 / 10

Pallet Pool

Pallet projects have been popular some time. You can find lots of pallet pool ideas like this one on Pinterest.

6 / 10

Trailer Conversion

This Pinterest user showed off a converted trailer lined with a tarp to hold the water. This should be obvious, but don’t attach your pool to a moving vehicle.

7 / 10

Dumpster Pool

A dumpster might be harder to get your hands on than some items on this list, but this Pinterest user showed how this family did it. The photo shows a pump system going to the outside of the pool. It’s not clear if any additional sealing was need to keep the water inside the dumpster.

8 / 10

Tarp Hammock Pool

There don’t appear to be any pumps attached to this makeshift tarp pool, just a some rope and poles to hold it up. This pool is probably only a one-time use and would have to drained each time to avoid attracting mosquitoes.

9 / 10

Hay Pool

Hay, tarp and some bungee cords were enough for these swimmers to assemble a DIY pool. This interesting pool conversion is one of the biggest ones on the list, and looks like it could fit a large group.

10 / 10

A Pool Made out of an Old Boat from DiWHY

Boat Conversion

Normally you take your boat out ON the water, but this Reddit user decided to take the water to the boat. They also built a landing area with a ladder along the back. At least now they don’t have to worry about paying for boat maintenance.