Stock Tank Pool
Did you know you could DIY a stock tank into your own pool??
In 2020 during quarantine, I had seen videos on YouTube and Instagram of people DIY-ing these tanks into summer pools! I was fascinated and thought… I’m going to do this! I grew up with a pool and love being outside in the summertime but living on my own I didn’t want the upkeep and maintenance of a regular pool so this was perfect!
You can buy these at Tractor Supply or your local farm store, or even look on Facebook Marketplace! Once I had my tank, I followed a few different videos from YouTube and was able to get a list together of the things that I would need ! Most of which I was able to buy on Amazon.
Keep reading for my HOW to GUIDE to set up your pool!
Bellow is my Stock Tank all set up at my old home! ( YES.. I took it with me when I moved )
Step one: find the perfect place
Once you find the home for your Stock Tank Pool is important to make sure the surface is level! I had to clear out some old shrubs in the new house and make sure the ground was level! I also put down weed block underneath the pool, which I actually change every year !
Step two: drill the holes
All you need is a regular old drill and this attachment. I drilled my holes one higher than the other and a couple feet apart! There may be other ways to do this, but I wanted the filter hoses to be close together so it looked neater where the pump was . It’s important that one is higher for the pumps output, and the lower hole is where the input will go. It’s helpful to see the visual of the pump below to help gage where you want to drill!
Step three: attach your pump
This part can get confusing, but don’t give up! haha! You will need to purchase a filter/pump and depending on which brand or model you buy, you will need some additional parts as well to make the inlet/outlet since a stock tank isn’t a filtered pool! When attaching these pieces, make sure that you have the rubber gaskets as these will help prevent leaking! I also used liquid silicone before placing the gasket on! Once those are attached, you can attach the hoses and then connect to the filter! This is the Intex Pump that I ordered, and I was able to set up the inlet piece with what came in the package. I needed this kit as well to create the outlet! I found this video where they explain the pieces in more detail. Follow the instructions on the pump for general use once you have your two pieces assembled correctly.
TIP: Make sure to close the filter valves so that when you fill the pool, no water gets into the hoses yet!
Step four: get creative
Although you can leave your tank as is, you can be creative and artistic on the outside of your Stock Tank Pool! I used Rustoleum Primer and Satin White paint for the exterior! And after three full summers, I could still say that overall it looks amazing! There’s a few spots that have tarnished or faded off, but it looks great still! You can get creative and do different colors patterns or even stripes. I prefer the solid white because that’s just me! A white paint gal! I needed about nine cans total three primer and four paint and added bonus is getting this trigger handle for the spray cans! This was so so helpful as you will be spraying for a little bit and it’s easier on your hand and wrist! Ha ha!
The first year I assembled my stock tank I decided to paint the inside with an epoxy paint, which only lasted a year. I have since used Flex Seal after LOTS of sanding! I will say that if I were helping someone build one from scratch at this point, I would advise not even painting the inside! The galvanized steel is meant to hold water and with stand rust so it will be fine! I am writing another post about my journey with the interior painting !
Step 5: add chlorine
A lot of people have said to me, why don’t you just get a kid/blowup pool? Why do all this work with the stock tank? My answer is, I don’t want to dump the water every day, add more the next use and wait for it to warm up! A stock tank with attached filter pump can provide chlorinated water just like a real pool! I only have to dump it out for the winter!
I have found that for me, floating chlorine is the best method! If you can find the 1 inch tabs they are perfect! I start off with 4 tabs and usually add 2-4 per week!
Everyone’s water will be different depending on where you live and what your water is like , but my pool typically needs alkalinity in the beginning of the season, and occasionally throughout the summer!
Will you try? Do you already have one? Feel free to comment below with any questions!