From Cargo to Current: The Technical Challenge of Blasting Sea-Container Pools

Surface PreparationIndustrial BlastingCase Studies

Feb 2

Shipping containers are being repurposed for everything these days, but a "shipping container pool" for a major venue is a high-stakes project. Learn how we prepped this custom build for a long life in the ground.

A Custom Build for a Big Stage

We recently headed out to a unique job site to prep a 40ft sea container that is being converted into a swimming pool for a country music festival venue. This wasn't just a standard box; a welder had already performed some heavy modifications, including removing the top, adding a steel sitting shelf, and installing cross-members for seating.

The plan is for the container to be buried, with the top two feet remaining above ground to showcase the festival sponsors’ logos and colors. Our mission? Ensure the interior and that visible exterior "splash zone" were perfectly prepped to handle the elements (and the crowds).

The Battle with Mill Scale

The biggest technical hurdle on this project was the mill scale. All that new steel—the sitting shelves, the cross-members, and the custom armrests wrapping the top edge—was covered in it.

If you aren't familiar with mill scale, it’s that bluish-black, hard layer that forms on steel during the manufacturing process. It looks solid, but it’s actually a "trapped" layer of oxidation. If you just paint over it, the scale will eventually pop off, taking your expensive festival branding and waterproof coating with it. We blasted all the new steel back to a "near-white" finish to ensure the primer was actually bonding to the metal, not just the scale.

Why Dry Blasting was the Right Call

While we often use vapor/dustless blasting, for this specific project, we went with a dry blast. Since the top of the container was completely off and we were working in an open environment, dry blasting allowed us to move quickly and efficiently through the heavy mill scale on the custom interior seating.

Using our DB350 XS trailer, we were able to dial in the pressure to move from the thick, new steel of the armrests to the thinner corrugated walls of the container without missing a beat.

Prepping the "Branding Zone"

Because the top two feet of this container will be visible above ground, the finish had to be perfect. This is where the festival sponsors will have their logos and colors displayed.

We blasted and primed this exterior section with the same care as the interior. By providing a clean, profiled surface, we’ve given the painters a "blank canvas" that will hold up against UV rays, foot traffic, and the constant splash-back from the pool water.

The Result: Built to Last

At the end of the day, a project like this is about longevity. Whether it's a high-profile music venue or a private backyard, the prep determines the life of the asset. We’re proud to be the ones ensuring that this container pool stays rust-free and looks great long after the festival lights go down.