Come along with me as I show you how to make a stock tank pool for your backyard. I’ll share cost, supplies and pool maintenance for your new backyard stock tank pool. After you have your ground leveled, you could be swimming in your stock tank by the evening. Let’s get started!
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Supplies needed to make a stock tank pool
Adding a stock tank pool to our backyard patio was the best decision we ever made! Seriously. I love how much less maintenance it is compared to a larger pool. It’s beautiful and really took our outdoor living space up a scale.
Here is a size reference for the 8ft stock tank we chose!
Our kids enjoy the stock pool more than we ever thought that they would. During the summer, they swim in it almost daily! My husband and I also use the stock tank pool. Especially on date nights. We love to grill a nice meal in our courtyard, then hop in the pool together with a glass of wine. It’s better than any date night out on the town. Being home is one of my favorite places to be.
The most costly thing on your supply list is going to be the stock tank itself. Everything after that is very budget friendly. I have included a breakdown of the cost for you.
You will need:
- A stock tank. (I used the 8′ tank from Tractor Supply. But they can usually be bought at any feed/farm supply store) $599
- Pool Filter Pump: https://amzn.to/36RHALZ (this one is slightly bigger and better than the one I bought) This is totally up to you, they range $100-150+
- Hole Saw: https://amzn.to/3deO0WC (You need this tool attachment to drill a hole for your pump parts). I got a pack of these in multiple sizes from Tractor Supply! $24.99
- Food grade Hydrogen Peroxide: (for chemicals) $19.95
- Waterproof/Marine Sealant: https://amzn.to/3nBR6sq (to seal around the pump parts) You can use any brand you’d like. $22
- Pool Skimmer: https://amzn.to/2FhAN2I $14.99
- Sand/rock gravel if you need to level your ground first.
Overall cost of project: approx. $850
Fun add on’s
- Pool vacuum. This is optional but I don’t regret it one bit, so helpful! I use this one and LOVE it. They were even kind enough to give me a discount code for my readers. Use code: CAITLYN99 to get it on sale! This is definitely something that can come later, you don’t have to purchase this right away.
- Pool cover
- Pool lights
- Pool fountain
- chlorine tablets/floating chlorine holder
- Pavers around the pool for entering/exiting
How to make a stock tank pool for your backyard
The first thing you want to do is make sure you are putting your stock tank pool on level ground. Luckily, we already had a flat area of gravel rock to work with in our courtyard. Most people use gravel and sand to create a level surface for the pool before installing into their yard. This is the hardest part of the project. Everything from here is a breeze!
How to add a pump to your stock tank pool
After purchasing your stock tank and supplies, it is time to install. The first thing you want to do after picking your location, is to install your pump on the side of your pool. To do that, you will use the Hole saw to create hole in the side of the pool. This is so the pump parts can enter into the pool. Each pump is different, so make sure to Follow the Manual that came with your pump to install correctly. It is fairly simple, just hook up the correct parts where your directions tell you.
You will want to use some type of sealant or plumbers tape around the outside parts of the pump. This is so none of your pool water will leak out.
Once your pump is installed and completely sealed, it is time to fill your backyard pool up with water. You’ll be swimming in no time now! 4 hours to be exact. Our kids could hardly wait for the pool to fill up, so they splashed around while waiting on the water to reach the top. I set a timer, and it took our 8′ stock tank pool exactly 4 hours to fill all the way up to the top.
The last step is to add in your chemicals. Read on to see what kind of chemicals we use in our stock tank. After that, enjoy your new backyard oasis!!
I will say, adding a stock tank to our backyard was one of the best decisions we ever made! Truly, no regrets. Did you know that stock tanks can easily be converted over into hot tubs?! Now if that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will! Can you imagine football season, outside in your patio area watching a game, eating snacks, pool (hot tub) side?! I can hardly wait!! I will definitely be back to share how to convert a stock tank pool into a hot tub later in the season.
How to maintain your backyard stock tank pool
Maintaining a stock tank pool is almost as easy as the install! It is so low maintenance. Since you installed a pump, that will be doing most of the work for you. But, It won’t get everything and you will need to add some chemicals to bacteria from entering and to keep a clean sparkling pool all summer (or winter) long.
This is what I do to keep our backyard pool clean and what others online suggest:
Instead of chlorine (which could lead to rust in the tank) Most people suggest a natural alternative, 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide! It is a natural, safe way to keep bacteria down in the pool. Make sure to get some test strips to check your PH.
Another benefit of using 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide as a treatment method is that the pool water can actually be used to water your garden bed! It feels great recycling the pool water when it is time to drain.
If you do not have access to 35% hydrogen Peroxide, I have had to use floating chlorine tablets from the grocery store from time to time.
Another thing, depending on what type of filter you chose (sand filter vs cartridge filter) you will need to change the cartridge every week or two. Depending on how heavy your pool traffic is! Our stock tank pool is used almost daily by little humans who are usually running around barefoot before entering the pool. So, our pump works extra hard!
We also use pool skimmer and pool vacuum to pickup fallen leaves, trapped dirt, etc.
How much hydrogen Peroxide should you use to keep your stock tank pool clean?
I add about a 1/2 cup to 1 cup at a time, depending on use. I add it while the pump is running, let it circulate about 15 minutes or so before we let anymore enter the pool. Just depends on use, rain. etc.
What type of pump do you need for a stock tank pool?
There are 2 options for pool pumps when it comes to stock tanks and it all depends on personal preference. There are sand pumps and cartridge filter pump options.
I will speak from experience on this one. We purchased a cheaper cartridge pump with no research the same day we bought the stock tank pool. The pool pump we bought has trouble keeping up and I am constantly having to use the pool timer and vacuum to keep the first and debris level down.
I would suggest investing in a sand pump from the start to save you money later.
I have heard great things about this sand pump.
Does the stock tank pool get hot?
“Does your stock tank pool get hot during the summer?” I get asked this question ALOT and the answer is NO, not at all! We have had zero trouble with the stock tank getting hot to touch or even the water feeling warm As a matter of fact, people always talk about cool the water is!
But, I believe the key to this to install the pool in the shade or I would suggest getting an umbrella to place over the pool to add shade(and protection!). We have lots of shade trees in our backyard and I am sure that helps.
Some people cut a long slit in pool noodles and place them around the edge of the pool. But we personally haven’t found this necessary. The big key in keeping everything cool is shade.
Will the stock tank pool rust?
I have also been asked this question a lot. Although, we have had our stock tank pool for a short amount of time, I can report that we have had no trouble with rust. I believe the trouble would rust would come from using harsh chemicals, leaving debris on the bottom of the pool, installing the pool in the sun, etc.
When we are not using the pool, or know we will be away from home for a few days, we always make sure to add on a stock tank pool cover! This will keep debris from getting inside your pool while you are away, and also protect your pool from the sun. With a good pool care routine, I am sure you will have great success.
If you are having trouble with your stank getting hot, Some people cut a long slit in pool noodles and place them around the edge of the pool. But we personally haven’t found this necessary.
How do you drain the pool?
There is a drain hole on the bottom side! Any remaining water, you could tip the tank over (with some help) to get it out or use a shop vac to vacuum up the rest.
Do you need to winterize the pool?
Yes! Just like with any pool you will need to winterize it. To winterize the stock tank pool you simply need to drain the pool (clean it out, if needed) and add a cover! Unless, you plan to add a hot water heater to the stock tank and use the pool as a hot tub during the cooler months. Sooo cool, right?!
And that’s how you add a stock tank pool to your backyard friends!
Have any more questions about stock tanks? Leave them below and I will happily answer them.
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