Stock Tank Pool DIY

A Stock tank pool seems to be all the rage this summer. Heck! They’ve been popular for the past couple of years, but I feel like with the current world pandemic, they’ve really taken off. You can call it our “quarantine project” or maybe our “big spend with that stimulus check” (if we ever get that check🤔).

Growing up, this would’ve been called a water trough – now it’s known as our stock tank pool. I’ve talked about this before, but I grew up on a farm, and this is something that we used to fill with water for our animals and occasionally thought about cooling off in.

Yes – it would probably be easier if we just purchased an inflatable/soft pool.

Yes – we didn’t have to do everything we did to prepare and finish the pool… but we did.

Kevin and I wanted it be a project that we could work on together, and something that could make spending more time at home enjoyable. Saying we love our new, re-found space and we’re so excited about it, doesn’t really describe how much we really enjoy our backyard oasis.

Check out our Youtube video and watch as we give our backyard a makeover!

The Project Breakdown

First, we started with adding paver stones to our side yard – it helped give a level platform for the pool to set on. Second, we cleaned out the stock tank with vinegar and hot water. Kevin caulked around the middle seam, around the edges, and where the drain plug is. We DID NOT paint the inside or do anything else to it. We did a bunch of research before painting the inside and outside and found that problems occur when people paint the inside. So we avoided that headache!

Then the holes were drilled, and the pump was installed. We found this process to be super easy. Then filled ‘er up! I wanted to get the outside of the pool done before we filled it up, but (if you watch the video, you’ll see) we ended up getting it done after. Our main focus was getting the tank sealed and the pump installed – especially since it took about a week to source, order, and receive the supplies.

Lastly, we then focused on the outside. Home Depot had the wood that we were looking for, so we purchased the 6-foot-treated lumber and cut it into 2-foot pieces. Then we used Liquid Nails to glue pieces onto the side of the pool. We also purchased all the extra supplies (cover, chlorine, chlorine float, etc.) that can be found linked below to complete our stock tank pool. If you ask my family, we went above and beyond by purchasing the faux rock to fit over our pump, but we really went all-in on this DIY.

We really created a little backyard oasis by hanging some twinkle lights, setting up our hammock beside the pool and using our outdoor umbrella.

POOL SUPPLIES

Stock Tank: You might have to do some research here. I know that stock tanks are in high demand right now. We purchased ours from a local farm store – I recommend trying Tractor Supply, Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment or your local co-op.

Pool Pump: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdUt

Pool Pump Accessory Kit: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdVu

Plunger Valves: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdWz

Extra Rubber Washers: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdVC

Hole Saw with Arbor (2 3/4″): https://shopstyle.it/l/bjeCK

Caulk for Inside of Pool: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjT5H

Pool Cover: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjYLE

Pool Filter: https://shopstyle.it/l/bJlVU

Water Testing Kit: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdWm

Chlorine: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdYs

Chlorine Float: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdZs

Pool Thermometer: https://shopstyle.it/l/bjdYR