A 10 Ft Stock Tank Pool Will Instantly Transform Your Backyard Into a Tropical Paradise

Dot your backyard with an eye-catching stock tank pool for the ideal spot to host summer celebrations. Add pool floats, stylish lounge chairs, and string lights for an inviting oasis that is sure to wow visitors.

Stock tanks resemble animal watering troughs in terms of appearance yet can easily be customized to match your style and requirements with just a few accessories and minimal upkeep required to keep them looking their best and safe for use.

Size

Stock tank pools offer a cost-effective way of cooling off from the summer heat without incurring the expense associated with an in-ground or even small above-ground pool. Their cost tends to be less than half of that of an in-ground one – though initial setup and ongoing maintenance requirements must still be addressed.

Galvanized steel stock tanks can be found at agriculture supply retailers or other places that sell livestock supplies and come in an assortment of sizes. Most miniature stock tanks typically measure two feet in diameter and can accommodate one swimmer at a time; larger models can accommodate multiple swimmers simultaneously.

A stock tank pool can be easily constructed on either a deck or ground surface but must always be situated on an even, level surface free from rocks, roots, and other debris. A quality pool liner should be added inside for extra convenience, while pumps and filters may also be included for further ease.

Since stock tanks were initially intended for rough use by cattle and horses, their construction is built to withstand intense abrasion. As such, they’re highly durable and can provide years of entertainment in your backyard. You’ll find essential gray galvanized metal tanks at most hardware stores, or you could choose to paint one to match the style and colors of your home.

Stock tank pools provide the added flexibility of being portable within your yard, unlike traditional pools, which must remain permanently installed either in the ground or on the deck. This makes them great options if you plan on hosting frequent parties or simply changing things regularly.

To add extra appeal to its stock tank pool in Stoneway, California, its owners designed their very own swim club establishment. A half-deck equipped with loungers abuts it and provides plenty of room to soak up some rays or relax after swimming – while surrounding vegetation adds texture while rustic wood fencing creates a rustic charm that completes its decor.

Materials

Stock tank pools offer an economical and more accessible alternative to in-ground pools, as they require far less maintenance costs and standing water issues that attract mosquitoes and other pests. When installing one in your backyard, be sure to drain it when not in use and hang a mosquito net at night while using chlorine tablets (e.g., Clorox Pool&Spa XtraBlue Chlorinating Tablets) according to recommendations in order to kill bacteria and thwart algae growth.

TikTok users usually opt for galvanized metal stock tanks; however, other people prefer poly plastic ones, which won’t rust and last about ten years. Both options tend to cost roughly the same, so choose whatever fits best with your budget.

Step one of constructing your tank should be finding an appropriate spot. A level surface is critical to preventing the tank from sinking when filled with water, so dig out any high areas and add soil or gravel as required – then use either a power or hand tamper to compact any additional material added into the mix.

Once you’ve located an ideal spot, roll and gently set down the tank. If it is too heavy to move without assistance from others, have them assist with moving. After it is installed, inspect carefully for depressions along its edges as this could indicate craters in the ground beneath it; if any excavations are discovered, fill with approximately one foot of water to test for leaks.

As your stock tank fills with water, prepare the necessary equipment. For example, if using a filter pump, install its hose fitting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting it to your tank. Some manufacturers may require an adapter in order to secure their pump properly; additionally, if you plan to use your stock tank pool for entertaining guests, then have some lounge chairs and an umbrella ready.

Installation

Stock tank pools can quickly transform any backyard into an idyllic paradise, yet setting it up and maintaining it can be time-consuming and laborious. Though initial setup costs are lower than digging an in-ground or above-ground pool, you will spend considerable time cleaning and maintaining this water feature throughout its existence – not least draining and refilling its tanks during winter and storing their larger sizes during the season.

The first step of installing your 10 ft stock tank pool should be selecting an ideal location. When choosing the spot for it, ensure the ground is level and away from any hills that could undermine its stability. Steel tanks can be vulnerable to water runoff and shifting ground; to reduce this vulnerability, you could create a partially raised bed using a shovel and rake (Image 1) so the tank sits flat against it (Image 1).

Once you have chosen a spot for your tank, dig a hole big enough to accommodate it and prepare it by filling it with concrete or using a backhoe to pour footings. Add a layer of sand at the bottom of your pool before setting out lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach towels, and beach umbrellas around it as a relaxing backyard getaway – or make it look like the beach by placing seashells along its shallow end for added realism!

Filtration pumps ($71 at Target) can help ensure that the water in your pool stays clean and free from mosquito larvae. To install, drill two holes on either side of the tank for its inlet and outlet ports. Plug it into an outdoor GFCI outlet, set the timer, and run according to the manufacturer’s instructions – although you’ll still need to perform regular skimming, add chlorine tablets as necessary, and check water levels with test strips periodically.

Personalize your stock tank pool by painting it a color to coordinate with its surrounding shed or using spray paint as a quick and easy way to change its look. Carrie Divin from Life My Style created an eye-catching setting by surrounding her stock tank pool with a black fence and string lights for an eye-catching appearance.

Maintenance

Stock tank pools can be an inexpensive and exciting addition to your backyard swimming area but require regular upkeep to remain safe for swimmers. In order to achieve this goal, they need pumps and filters that circulate the water and prevent bacteria growth, along with chlorine to sanitize it and regulate its level. You should also add pool chemicals that keep it looking vibrant all summer.

Stock tanks were initially intended to serve year-round farm use, yet they’re sturdy enough to make great swimming pools. Once installed, you can either fill them up with fresh water or drain and cover it for the winter. When it’s time to open up your new pool, the fun can begin! Start by covering the lip of the tank completely with painter’s tape to form a clean edge (Image 1). Next, mark out a circle at both ends using a pencil (Images 2 and 3). Once completed, use your pencil to mark every 2 inches along each edge of the tank (Image 3), using tick marks as indicators of where to cut. Following a similar method as when cutting metal, carefully use a metal saw to cut each tick mark out before removing all shaved bits from inside and rinsing off with white vinegar before filling and setting up your pool pump.

Once your pool is stocked, drain it two or three times each season using a pressure washer to clear away dirt and debris that has collected on its walls and base. To maintain clear water daily, leaves, twigs, and debris must be ordered with a pool skimmer, while chlorine levels in your water should be checked twice weekly using test strips ($13 each available at Target). To prevent your stock tank pool from rusting, choose slow-release tablets held in place by a floating dispenser instead of directly diluting with chlorine bleach.