Building the Ultimate Stock Tank Pool
Jul 19, 2022
The summer heat has been miserable this year. Unless you have a source of water to cool off in, it’s almost too hot to be outside. For those who don’t have nearby access to lakes, rivers, or public pools, we have good news — standard farm fixtures can often be used for more than just handling livestock.
There has been a trend of outfitting galvanized stock tanks with pumps and chlorine to create backyard pools. This method is considerably cheaper than installing an inground pool or going on a beach vacation. Consider the tips below before you get started.
Choose the best size
There are two shapes of stock tanks, round or oval, and a variety of sizes to choose from depending on the purpose of your pool. Round tanks are better suited for multiple people and children as it gives them more space to spread out. Oval stock tanks, on the other hand, may be preferred for a single person wanting to stretch out.
Most round tanks come with either a 6-or 8-foot diameter. While a 6-foot tank is likely sufficient for couples and small families, 8-foot tanks are the most popular and can accommodate up to four adults or five kids. Oval stock tanks come in multiple sizes as well, but the most popular is the 3-x-8-foot tank, which can fit up to two adults. As a bonus, it has room for a float!
Consider location
If you get an 8-foot tank, it will likely hold over 700 gallons of water and weigh as much as a large SUV when filled, so you’ll want to make sure that you set it on firm, level ground. Inspect the ground for rocks, roots, and other bumps and consider leveling the area with a shovel and several bags of sand. Due to the weight, refrain from placing your stock tank pool on a deck. A better alternative is to place the tank on the ground and build the deck around it.
Make sure that the location you have chosen is close enough to an exterior outlet for the pool pump. You may also need to add steps, a ladder, or other landscaping around the pool, so make sure you save enough space to do so.
Keep it clean
One of the most important ways to keep your stock tank pool clean is to install a filter pump and add chlorine. Pumps that are designed for above-ground pools should be easy to install on your own and will keep the water circulating to prevent mosquitos and bacteria from harboring in the water. You will also likely need to purchase a separate inlet strainer and a couple of plunger valves. After drilling holes in the tank to install the pump, apply a generous coat of waterproof silicone around the inlet and outlet to prevent leaks.
Adding chlorine to your pool will help to keep the water free of dangerous bacteria, but too much chlorine can cause the tank to rust. Use test strips to check the chlorine levels every few days and adjust it accordingly. One or two 1-inch chlorinating tabs per week should suffice.
Visit your local Co-op for the best deals on stock tanks for your backyard pool! Find the nearest location here.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.
There has been a trend of outfitting galvanized stock tanks with pumps and chlorine to create backyard pools. This method is considerably cheaper than installing an inground pool or going on a beach vacation. Consider the tips below before you get started.
Choose the best size
There are two shapes of stock tanks, round or oval, and a variety of sizes to choose from depending on the purpose of your pool. Round tanks are better suited for multiple people and children as it gives them more space to spread out. Oval stock tanks, on the other hand, may be preferred for a single person wanting to stretch out.
Most round tanks come with either a 6-or 8-foot diameter. While a 6-foot tank is likely sufficient for couples and small families, 8-foot tanks are the most popular and can accommodate up to four adults or five kids. Oval stock tanks come in multiple sizes as well, but the most popular is the 3-x-8-foot tank, which can fit up to two adults. As a bonus, it has room for a float!
Consider location
If you get an 8-foot tank, it will likely hold over 700 gallons of water and weigh as much as a large SUV when filled, so you’ll want to make sure that you set it on firm, level ground. Inspect the ground for rocks, roots, and other bumps and consider leveling the area with a shovel and several bags of sand. Due to the weight, refrain from placing your stock tank pool on a deck. A better alternative is to place the tank on the ground and build the deck around it.
Make sure that the location you have chosen is close enough to an exterior outlet for the pool pump. You may also need to add steps, a ladder, or other landscaping around the pool, so make sure you save enough space to do so.
Keep it clean
One of the most important ways to keep your stock tank pool clean is to install a filter pump and add chlorine. Pumps that are designed for above-ground pools should be easy to install on your own and will keep the water circulating to prevent mosquitos and bacteria from harboring in the water. You will also likely need to purchase a separate inlet strainer and a couple of plunger valves. After drilling holes in the tank to install the pump, apply a generous coat of waterproof silicone around the inlet and outlet to prevent leaks.
Adding chlorine to your pool will help to keep the water free of dangerous bacteria, but too much chlorine can cause the tank to rust. Use test strips to check the chlorine levels every few days and adjust it accordingly. One or two 1-inch chlorinating tabs per week should suffice.
Visit your local Co-op for the best deals on stock tanks for your backyard pool! Find the nearest location here.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.