9 Best Stock Tank Pool Ideas | Creative DIY Swimming Pools (2024)

I’ve made a list of the BEST stock tank pool designs to inspire you for your own galvanized pool in your backyard! Each of these creative DIY swimming pools are unique, with some that are painted, and some having steps and surrounding decks. All of them are incredibly fun and creative ideas for outdoor pool designs!

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9 Best Stock Tank Pool Ideas | Creative DIY Swimming Pools

You might first be asking –

What's a stock tank pool?

A stock tank is traditionally used as a watering trough for livestock, that has recently become trendy to turn into DIY swimming pools. You can easily turn these galvanized stock tanks into a pool by adding a pump with a filter system, and keeping it clean with chlorine tabs in a pool cleaner floater.

There has been lots of buzz the last couple years with this affordable and trendy pool option, and the designs that people have come up with are super creative!!

Before we designed our own stock tank pool, I searched the web for the most creative pool designs and deck ideas. I wanted to share with you my top favorite stock tank pools I’ve found, in case you are searching for your own ideas on how to design your own DIY swimming pool!

Best Stock Tank Pools That Are Painted

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Sun Woven‘s gorgeous light blue stock tank pool was the first galvanized pool I saw painted. She first had it painted blue and now it is a bright yellow. Seeing her post about painting her pool really pushed me to go out on a limb to paint mine!

I also love her views on painting the stock tank pool – she says that painting the pool might not be for everyone – if you are an overly perfectionist, or not OK with having to do touch-ups over time, DON’T paint. But, I am perfectly OK with having to do paint touch-ups every so often, if it means I can have a bright color painted pool in my backyard!

Best Stock Tank Pool Ideas With Bench Seating or Deck

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Hey Wanderer is the original stock tank pool that made these galvanized swimming pools SO popular! They have so much helpful DIY tutorials on their website on how to setup your stock tank pool, how to clean your stock tank pool, and even how to turn your stock tank pool into a hot tub!

Their site is my go-to for all things stock tank pool related. I also love the wrap around bench they built around their pool for extra seating (they also have a tutorial on how to build a pool bench!)

Creative Stock Tank Pool Design with Pool Liner

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I would have NEVER thought of putting in a pool liner on a stock tank pool, until I saw Cuckoo 4 Design pool idea. The pool liner ideas is so creative! If you are worried about rust and leaking, this looks like a great option. She gives a full tutorial on how to install the pool liner on her blog. Plus, she also includes how they built this pool around a sloped area in her backyard.

All My Favorites: Painted Stock Tank Pool with Deck and Steps

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My all-time favorite designs are the stock tank pools that have paint + also have steps and wrap around bench seating. I might be a little biased, because these are the options that I chose for my own stock tank pool design! Painted stock tank pools add such a fun design element to the backyard. This painted black stock tank pool by Emerson Grey Designs is so sleek and modern!

When we first designed our deck for the pool, we didn’t have steps or a wrap around bench. After we saw our kids playing in the pool it made since for us to add both of these. The steps make it easy for our young kids to get in and out of the pool. And the bench seat helps add extra seating for those that want to sit and watch or just put their feet in.

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What are your favorite design elements for stock tank pools? I just love seeing the unique ideas that everyone is coming up with for these DIY swimming pools! Let me know if you have any stock tank pool questions in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer – I love talking about all things stock tank!

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Buy Your Stock Tank Pool Online from Tractor Supply! We have the 8 Ft CountyLine Extra Large Galvanized Round End Stock Tank (This is the biggest size) You can order online here and pickup at your local Tractor Supply store. Or you can order online and get it delivered to your house (if you don’t have a Tractor Supply nearby or a vehicle to fit it in!)

SHOP STOCK TANK SUPPLIES BELOW!

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9 Best Stock Tank Pool Ideas | Creative DIY Swimming Pools (2024)

FAQs

What is the downside of a stock tank pool? ›

The cons of stock tank pools:

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other bugs. If you don't properly maintain your pool, this will become a problem. While installation and set-up is doable for a moderately handy DIYer, it is nearly impossible to haul stock tank pools on your own.

What is the best surface for a stock tank pool? ›

Swim on solid ground.

Some people will place the tank on a concrete slab; others will level out an area in their backyard and add sand, mulch, or pea gravel. You can level the area yourself or contact a local lawn-care company.

Do stock tank pools need a filter? ›

"We definitely recommend getting a small pump and filter or aerator," a Tractor Supply Company spokesperson tells CountryLiving.com. "As they transfer and move the stock tank water, they keep the water from getting too hot, prevent algae and other buildup, and prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Do you put a liner in a stock tank pool? ›

Yes, you can. I have seen several people do this. We haven't found a pool liner that's our flavor so that's one of the reasons why we haven't used one. Why don't you just get an above ground pool?

How long do stock tank pools last? ›

We have only had our stock tank pool for 1 season, but from what we have heard, you can look to get around 5-10 years of use of your stock tank pool, if taken care of properly. We choose to provide Hastings Stock Tanks exclusively because they make great tanks and we can help support a local community here in Nebraska.

Do stock tank pools get too hot? ›

Any part of the steel tanks that are touching water will not get too hot to the touch in direct sun, though the top lip of the tanks can get hot in direct sun as water is not generally filled to the very top.

What is a cowboy swimming pool? ›

Cowboy Pool is a euphemism. The item in question is a galvanized steel livestock drinking tank. The best place to buy one is literally called Tractor Supply. And while these vessels do certainly hold water, they are not swimming pools, I thought. I did not want farm equipment in my backyard.

How many people fit in an 8ft stock tank pool? ›

The 8′ round pool fits around six people comfortably, while the 5′ long stock tank pool fits one or two people comfortably. Pool pump with built in sand filter – This makes it easier to maintain and just need to change out the sand occasionally.

What is the average cost of a stock tank pool? ›

Normal range: $610 - $1,360

Installing a stock tank pool will cost $945 on average, depending on the size. Most homeowners spend between $610 and $1,360 . Installing a stock tank pool costs $945 on average.

Should stock tank pool be in shade or sun? ›

The key to keeping your stock tank pool cool in the summer is SHADE. In fact, many customers report that their pool stays quite chilly in the shade, even when its scorching outside. We suggest choosing a sunny spot and using an umbrella or shade sail to shade the area if needed.

How deep should a stock tank pool be? ›

Stock tanks have a depth of about two feet, so they can work well as a wading pool or plunge pool. It's easy for one person to relax in a stock tank pool (temperature permitting) as most adults can lean back and soak immersed to the neck. They're ideal for summer as the steel structure keeps the water cool.

Can you use chlorine in a stock tank pool? ›

So get some extras. It just depends on how much continuous debris finds its way into the pool. Chlorine is critical to keeping the balance of the water so that it's clear. We use these chlorine tablets (3 at a time) in a floating chlorine dispenser, taking it out and turning off the pump when someone gets in.

How big does a stock tank need to be for a pool? ›

For a single soaker, choose a bathtub size tank that's at least 5 feet long, 2 feet deep and holds about 80 gallons. A 6 to 8-foot diameter tank will fit about two to four people. Plastic stock tanks can buckle under the water and occupant weight. They often need a separate exterior frame.

How much is it to make a stock tank pool? ›

A stock tank pool costs about $475 to $1,580 for materials and professional installation. You can save money by setting it up yourself or choosing a smaller stock tank around seven feet in diameter, rather than the bigger options of around 11 feet.

Can you build your own container pool? ›

That's right — you can make a shipping container swimming pool. Once you remove the roof from the container, you'll have a ready-made structure with plenty of room to float around and swim laps. Of course, it will take more work than simply buying a shipping container, cutting the top off, and adding water to it.

Can you have a stock tank pool without a pump? ›

A pool pump is a must. It will filter out debris and keep the water circulating. Without it, you'll have 700 gallons of sitting water for mosquitos and bacteria to feed on, which can be dangerous to your health.

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