Stock Tank Pools - The Cute and Affordable Pool?
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2025Just over four percent of households in the United States have an in-ground pool installed on their property. Though a pool certainly increases property value and adds a "fun dimension" to any home, not every homeowner can afford the average $35,000 for a new, in-ground pool installation. A new pool will probably cost you more than a complete residential solar panel system to help your home achieve net-zero status. Whereas investment in solar panels will most likely pay for itself in energy savings, pools can be expensive in maintenance, repairs, and energy use.
One unique alternative to the massive investment that in-ground pools require is a stock tank pool. This attractive and affordable pool alternative is low maintenance, easy to install. It offers endless opportunities for recreation at a fraction of the cost. There are also numerous sustainability advantages to opting for a stock tank pool, which we will explore below.
Table of Contents
- What is a Stock Tank Pool?
- What Are the Advantages of a Stock Tank Pool?
- What to Look for in a Stock Tank Pool
- What Size Stock Tank Pool Is Best for Your Family?
- What Depth of Stock Tank Pool Is Best?
- Should I Get a Round or Oval Stock Tank Pool?
- Do I Need a Filter For My Stock Tank Pool?
- Some Design Ideas for Your Stock Tank Pool
- Where to Buy a Stock Tank Pool?
- How Do You Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool?
What to Look for in a Stock Tank Pool
If you think that a stock tank pool might be a great addition to your yard, there are several things to consider:
What Size Stock Tank Pool Is Best for Your Family?
While you can find stock tank pools in various sizes, most commercially sold options come in 8-foot and 6-foot diameters. The larger, 8-foot option is nominally more expensive. It is generally a better option for families or if you expect that the pool will be used by more than two people regularly. The smaller, 6-foot sized stock tank pool is excellent for people with small yards, or small households that want a place to rest and relax on the weekends or after getting home from work.
What Depth of Stock Tank Pool Is Best?
The most common depth for stock tank pools is two feet. While you obviously will not be doing any dives with this depth, that's not the point with a stock tank pool. A depth of two feet is generally safe for younger kids with adult supervision. However, it is critical to recognize that drowning can be a risk in even the shallowest of water.
Should I Get a Round or Oval Stock Tank Pool?
If you are looking for a larger pool for families or to accommodate several kids, a round, eight-foot pool is the way to go. Oval stock tanks are generally a little cheaper. However, when made into a pool, you should only expect to fit a maximum of two people.
Do I Need a Filter For My Stock Tank Pool?
The need for a filter depends on your stock tank pool's size and how often you plan to use it. For example, a small 2-foot by 4-foot oval stock tank is like a large bathtub. For a little cabin in the woods that you plan to visit on the odd weekend, this size stock tank pool could be filled up and emptied every time you use it. While this will use a bit more water, it also reduces energy use associated with the pump. A pump and simple filtering system will be necessary for any stock tank pool that is more permanent and designed to be used throughout the summer.
Where to Buy a Stock Tank Pool?
Stock tanks can be found at many farm stores around the country. Tractor Supply Company has a whole page dedicated to the stock tanks that they sell, to name just one example. New businesses dedicated to creating stock tank pools, like H20 Tank Avenue, offer many size options as well as customization and installation services.
Of course, pretty much everything is sold on Amazon these days, and they also have several options for stock tanks for you to choose from. Agri Supply and Tank and Barrel and Livestock Equipment are other providers in the US and Canada that can ship their different sized stock tanks.
It is also possible to find used stock tanks that can be salvaged and repurposed into a beautiful backyard pool. Galvanized metal is exceptionally durable and rust-proof. If a local farmer has one up for sale, you might get a great deal. A day of washing and disinfecting the pool will leave you with a clean, safe pool alternative.
How Do You Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool?
One of the best aspects of stock tank pools is that they are an excellent option for a homeowner DIY project. As mentioned in the introduction, stock tank pools require no excavation or heavy machinery, which radically lowers the installation costs. To install your stock tank pool, follow these steps:
- Create a level surface where you plan to install your stock tank pool. Generally speaking, stock tank pools should not be placed on top of existing decks due to their weight.
- If you are not planning on building a deck around the stock tank pool, add cement, slate, brick, or other types of hardscape around the stock tank pool. This offers an aesthetic charm to the pool and reduces erosion risk due to splashing around the pool.
- Place the stock tank flat on the prepared surface.
- You may need to drill holes in the stock tank's side if installing a pump and filter. The correct installation and electrical connection of the filter and pump will depend on the type of pump and filter you purchase.
- If you bought a used stock tank, it might be a good idea to put silicone around the tank's seals and corners to prevent leaks.
- Finish up any decorative touches, such as painting the exterior of your pool, adding a pool liner, building a deck, etc.
- Fill up your pool with water, connect the pump and filter, and enjoy.
With the COVID 19 pandemic still raging across the country, taking your kids to the public pool might not be the greatest idea if they are even open. For a couple of hundred dollars and a weekend of work, you can create a backyard oasis with a simple, beautiful, and fun stock tank pool. It could offer hours of fun and recreation for your family!
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
