Is an Olympic size lap pool not in your budget? We get it. For summer fun in the backyard, try this easy stock tank pool project that uses supplies from the farm & ranch store.
Stock tank pools are the perfect plunge pool to cool off from the heat, yet take up very little space and don’t cost a lot to DIY. You can install them above ground, or dig them in. They don’t have to look like it came from a farm store, either!
People create wrap around decks, dedicated patios, and even waterfall fountains for them! Choose galvanized stock tank pools or plastic – poly as a liner for an in-ground version. Loving this fun idea!
How Do I Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool? – Tips & Ideas!
So there are lots of ways you can go about setting up a stock tank pool. You can be as simple or complex as you want. Some people simply fill their tank with water and just drain and refill it as necessary. Others create a more traditional “pool” by adding pool pumps, filters and chlorine. These tutorials walk you through all different viewpoints. Worried about problems with your pool? Here are a couple of the most common concerns, and how you can deal with them.
Potential Problems & Solutions
Don’t these stock tank swimming pools breed mosquitos?
Any standing water can potentially breed mosquitos. You can either use a pump to keep water moving (they only breed in still water), cover the tank when not in use with mosquito netting, or use pool chemicals to control them.
Does the galvanized metal get hot and burn you?
Metal does get hot in the summer sun. Make sure you position your pool under afternoon shade. You can also cut a pool noodle in half lengthwise, then wrap onto the rim of the pool. This will keep you from getting burned when getting in or out of the pool. BTW, you can also buy stock tanks in a commercial plastic version instead of metal.
How do you prevent algae?
Once again, you have choices. Change your pool water frequently, or use pool filters and chemicals.
Do these look “trashy”?
We will let you make that judgement once you have scrolled down and not only looked through all the tutorials, but our Instagram inspiration as well! Our vote? Trendy, not trashy!
Where To Buy Stock Tanks to create your Pool
You have a few options depending on what size stock tank pool you want and where you are located. If you happen to have a farm supply store near you, that might be your best bet. Up until very recently, you used to be able to get some great deals on a couple versions from Amazon. But unfortunately they are not available on Amazon right now.
Your best bet now is to buy from Tractor Supply Co. They have locations all over the country. You can order online and do curbside pick up at the nearest store. If you want to do an in-ground plastic stock tank pool, TSC also carries those as well. But we have to say, we love the look of the above ground galvanized metal.
- CountyLine 6 ft Galvanized Stock Tank
- CountyLine 8 ft Galvanized Stock Tank
- Tarter Round Plastic Stock tank 8 ft
We also found a website – TankAndBarrel.com and they seem to have quite a few choices of steel round tanks and they do ship, but it looks like the freight costs are pretty spendy! They are located in Nebraska – so if you happen to be near them, I’m pretty sure you could pick up.
Again, many other farm supply stores may carry them as well.
Side note : If you are thinking all you want is a little water in the garden, check out our post on 14 Soothing DIY Garden Fountain Ideas over at TGG.
DIY Stock Tank Pool Ideas & Projects
‘Sunwoven Studio‘ starts us off with an easy primer on a simple stock tank pool idea. They painted theirs to make it look picture perfect, and it does! They also link to a video tutorial for easy installation.
Stacey at ‘Embracing Motherhood‘ has the happiest kids on the block! They even have a video tutorial on how to make a galvanized stock tank pool!
Katie and her husband from ‘Let’s Add Sprinkles‘ made this cute little oasis in their hot Texas garden for less than $300! Great DIY stock tank pool tutorial – they leveled the land and added decomposed granite for the pool “pad”. Can’t you see yourself soaking in this on a hot July afternoon?
Jump on over to ‘Hey Wanderer’, and find out how to make a DIY stock tank pool hot tub! Yep. finally a DIY pool for grown ups!
Marty from ‘A Stroll Through Life‘ was so inspired by the last tutorial from ‘Let’s Add Sprinkles’, that she and her family made their own DIY pool! Cool waterfall? No Hillbilly Hot Tub here!
First of all, if you read our blogs regularly, you know we love the Palm Springs area. This galvanized stock tank pool is perfect for cooling off in the desert heat! This is one of the most complete tutorials we came across, with tons of great info. From ‘The Joshua Tree House‘. Need a hat like these 2 fashionistas? Check out Top Places To Find Stylish Hats For Women on our sister site OhMeOhMy Blog.
‘Sew and Tell Quilts‘ did an in-ground version of a DIY stock tank pool. This tutorial has lots of photos, and they also shared what went wrong to try to save you some headaches. Here is a great example of a plastic stock tank pool that actually looks very nice!
This galvanized stock tank pool was made with gorgeous decking, from ‘Good Home Design‘. The tutorial is photos only, but there are tons of great tips in the comments of this post! Building it into a slope created a more “built in” pool feel, especially with the deck.
Here is a stock tank pool done by ‘Hot Tub Advice‘ on Pinterest. No tutorial, but great inspiration on how to create your own little hideaway! (A cool one!) Love the privacy screen and the stepping stones leading right up to it. This makes it look like an important part of the landscaping, not an afterthought.
This DIY stock tank pool idea was uploaded by Pinterest user Rebecca, and just goes to show what you can do with the tutorials you have already seen! Great inspiration!
Another Pinterest user upload by Sara, this is cool copper DIY stock tank swimming pool!
Stock Tank Pool Instagram Inspiration
So if you thought those tutorials were cool, wait until you check out these Instagrammers’ stock tank pools! Pure inspiration… Nothing “trashy” here! Lovin’ this!
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Casandra not only has this awesome DIY pool idea for us to check out, she also happens to have the coolest Etsy store, ‘Against the Grain‘. It’s all about handcrafted wood signs. Love the talent here!
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Love the setting of this whole outdoor space with a gorgeous yellow paint job on this DIY stock tank pool to top it off!
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If you want an easy and inexpensive way to cool off this summer, try one of these DIY stock tank pool ideas! For the grown ups, try our post on 12 DIY Ideas for Patios, Porches and Decks. And if you want to keep the kids safe in the backyard when they aren’t in the pool, check out our post on DIY Wasp Traps on our sister site The Garden Glove, along with our post on Easy DIY Outdoor Firewood Racks and DIY Greenhouses. And don’t forget sunscreen – check out our post on how to make DIY safe & natural sunscreen on OhMeOhMy. Oh, almost forgot. You’ll need a stylish swimsuit! Check out our Cupshe Swimsuits Review and 16 Sexy One Piece Swimsuit Styles For Summer also on OhMyOhMy.
how do you drain the water when it need to be changed?
I believe there are directions in the tutorials on adding drain plugs, etc…
My kids are in their 20’s now but when they were little we didn’t have much money. My husband found a stock tank on clearance at the farm supply store. He brought it home and our boys had many happy hours in there. Thanks for the memories.
Thx for sharing Sharon!
Hi Kathy! I am Josephine from the Philippines. Where and how can I buy a DIY stock tank pool.I have two kids who loved swimming. I have bought an inflatable pool for about 5 times but they easily got holes. When I have read your blog I was really amazed with the different designs of indoor pool but because of lack of budget I have chosen the DIY pool. Hoping for your positive response. Thanks.
We find them here in the states at a ranch and farm supply store! Hope that helps!
Can you use pool chemicals in it to clean it or does it have to be drained and refilled every time?
You can attach a pool pump and use chemicals to keep it clean!
Can you use salt water vs chlorine?
Good question! Anyone out there done that? Let us know!
Hey y’all – we added a stock tank but no luck in finding the pumps (except at exorbitant prices). We already owned a submersible pump, so here’s what we did that so far has kept our pool clean for weeks.
1. attach an old hose to the submersible pump (about $50) and cut off the other end so it’s only about 5 ft long. Zip tied an old sock with a coffee filter or two inside the sock to the end of the hose. (that’s your filter). We run the pump for an hour or so each day. We remove it when not in use and do not go into the pool when it’s running (just in case…electricity!). Change out the sock and filter occasionally. This captures really small stuff like any microorganisms and any mosquito larvae if you get any.
2. add chlorine in a float + test strips to make sure it’s right
3. bought Intex Pool Cleaning Kit for the leaf skimmer and vacuum. The vacuum hooks to a hose. Add a microfiber cloth inside the net bag to capture dirt. We use this about once a week. It works great. I just stand in the pool and guide the vacuum head – did not buy the separately sold pole since my pool is so small. https://www.amazon.com/Intex-Basic-Pool-Cleaning-Kit/dp/B005QIXX6E/ref=asc_df_B005QIXX6E/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198100862572&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8774846443493418485&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028308&hvtargid=pla-379264973644&psc=1
Enjoy. What a savior for covid summer when all pools are closed where we live in Texas and it’s 100s! BTW, the pool is just the perfect temp – around 85 or 86 here.
In kansas, drained the pool, unhooked the hoses and pump. Ok to leave connectors on? Was gong to cover with a tarp. Necessary to turn upside down?
Any winterizing tips appreciated. Not much info out there.
Great Job Buddy!!