30 Dreamy Stock Tank Pool Ideas (2024)

Table of Contents

What Is a Stock Tank Pool? Define Your Space Hang Wood Panels Build a Simple Deck Create a Woodland Wonderland Use Pavers Add Shade Go In-Ground Stick With Rose Stripes Add Lounge Chairs Bring the Grill Use Gravel Go Solo Keep It Small Use Existing Gathering Spaces Head to the Mountains Don't Forget the Float Highlight Your View Bring in Extra Seating Plant a Garden Make It Tropical Find a Tree Add a Little Grass Make It Moody Use Corners Paint It Pink Build a Platform Use Trees for Privacy Use What You've Got Paint the Inside Go to the Desert FAQs References

In the heat of summer, few things feel better than a quick dip in the pool. But there's no need to go leave your own backyard to get poolside—instead, add a stock tank pool and have an aquatic oasis right outside your back door. Stock tank pools come in all sorts of sizes for all sorts of spaces. Keep reading to see 30 of our favorites.

What Is a Stock Tank Pool?

Traditionally used in farming for cows or other livestock to drink water, these large round troughs can be turned into pools by adding a pool filter and chlorine.

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Define Your Space

To better define the space around your stock tank pool, add an L-shaped fence or trellis. Not only does this look good and provide some privacy, but it can also be used for storage or extra seating too.

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Hang Wood Panels

Wood fencing panels can bring privacy to all kinds of pools, including stock tank ones. Install only one near a prominent sightline for a chic and modern vibe.

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Build a Simple Deck

To get an in-ground pool feeling without all the digging, build a deck to surround your stock tank. These allow for extra seating and sunbathing.

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Create a Woodland Wonderland

Want to create a woodland wonderland for your stock tank pool? Plants lots of ferns and shade-loving plants near it to bring in a forest feeling.

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Use Pavers

Another ground cover choice for your stock tank pool are pavers or brick. These bring a classy look to your outdoor space, and they keep mud and grass out of your pool.

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Add Shade

To create shade for your stock tank pool quickly and easily, install a shade canopy or sail from a nearby fence or trellis.

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Go In-Ground

Want the look of an in-ground pool without the size? Use a stock tank pool. These versatile swimming solutions can be placed in your yard too.

Stick With Rose Stripes

Another fun way to decorate your stock tank pool is with rose-colored stripes. To pick the perfect color for your stripes, use a color that's found elsewhere in your yard.

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Add Lounge Chairs

Take a hint from larger pools at hotels and fitness clubs, and add a lounge chair or two. These provide an easy way to dry off and tan after a dip in the water.

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Bring the Grill

For the best barbecues around, place your grill near your stock tank pool. A fun and delicious evening, guaranteed.

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Use Gravel

To keep your pool area weed-free (and to avoid getting grass in the pool) cover the surrounding pool area in pea gravel or another type of small rock.

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Go Solo

For a pool that's just for you, look for an oval-shaped stock tank pool. It will allow you to lounge about in your own private water oasis.

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Keep It Small

The variety of sizes that stock tank pools come in make them great picks for smaller spaces too, like pint-size patios. Add a few potted plants and some privacy fencing and you've got yourself a relaxing backyard retreat.

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Use Existing Gathering Spaces

Sitting in a stock tank pool with friends is a great way to spend the evening. Considering this, make sure to place your pool in an area where it can become the de-facto hangout spot, like near existing outdoor seating or gathering spaces.

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Head to the Mountains

Stock tank pools aren't just for summery-feeling backyards—they can also fit right at home in cabin or mountain retreats too.

Don't Forget the Float

Statement pool floats are an essential part of your stock tank pool setup, so don't forget to add one or two that you love.

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Highlight Your View

Have a spot in your backyard with a one-in-a-million view? It's the perfect place for your stock tank pool.

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Bring in Extra Seating

To make sure your pool can become a gathering place for four or more people, even if it only fits two to three, add seating nearby that will allow others to chat with those in the pool.

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Plant a Garden

For an immersive outdoor experience all summer long, plant a lush garden surrounding your pool.

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Make It Tropical

In the spirit of sunny summer pool days all year long, add a tropical theme to your stock tank pool. This can be done with tropical plants, tiki torches, and woven or wicker décor.

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Find a Tree

Mature trees can easily become the standout feature of any backyard. If you're lucky enough to have one of your own in your space, place your stock tank pool near it to add to its visual oomph (and to give you a little shade too).

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Add a Little Grass

Want to add a bit of green to your pool surround? Plant lush grass in-between pavers to give your feet a soft place to land.

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Make It Moody

To make a stock tank pool just as wonderful to use in the evening as during the day, add lots of mood lighting with candles, lanterns, and string lights.

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Use Corners

Stuck on where to put your stock tank pool? Consider a corner that's not getting much use of its own. Stock tank pools don't need much space of their own.

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Paint It Pink

For a fun pop of color in your outdoor space, paint your stock tank pool pink. To make it fit in with the rest of your yard, add a few other pink elements, like flowers or décor, nearby.

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Build a Platform

Placing your stock tank pool on a small platform deck makes it easier to get in and out of, and allows for a fun hang-out spot near it too.

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Use Trees for Privacy

Another way to define space and create privacy near your stock tank pool is with large plants like shrubs and trees. If you're worried about the long-term commitment of a tree or damage from its roots, look for a dwarf species that can be potted.

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Use What You've Got

If you already have an existing shade shelter or porch in your backyard, make it the space for your stock tank pool as well. It's already protected from the elements in a spot like this, and it will be easy to access other frequently-used parts of your backyard too.

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Paint the Inside

To make your stock tank pool a little bit more unique, consider painting the inside or adding stick on tiles to the bottom of it. These can both be used to create fun patterns and designs, and make the pool feel more representative of your own style.

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Go to the Desert

Stock tank pools can look great in almost any outdoor space, including deserts. But to make sure things don't get too hot, add a pergola or shade shelter above the pool.

31 Design Ideas to Create a Beautiful Outdoor Space

FAQs

What is a good size for a stock tank pool? ›

The first thing to do is get the right tank. Most people opt for a 6- or 8-foot round pool. The 6-foot tank usually fits only two adults or a couple of kids. I wanted an 8-foot tank because my husband and I often host our neighbors or relatives (when we aren't in the midst of a pandemic).

What is the downside of a stock tank pool? ›

The cons of stock tank pools:

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other bugs. If you don't properly maintain your pool, this will become a problem. While installation and set-up is doable for a moderately handy DIYer, it is nearly impossible to haul stock tank pools on your own.

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How much does it cost to set up a stock tank pool? ›

Installing a stock tank pool will cost $945 on average, depending on the size. Most homeowners spend between $610 and $1,360 . Installing a stock tank pool costs $945 on average. If you decide to save money and DIY, you'll spend around $310 to $1,360 .

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What is the biggest size stock tank you can buy? ›

Our 10ft Stock Tank Pool is our biggest and most popular stock tank we offer, providing plenty of space for you to enjoy with 6-8 people. Its a great size if you are looking to mostly float, entertain big groups or own an Airbnb.

How long do stock tank pools last? ›

I will say that we read that above ground pools usually last about three years, but a stock tank can last well over 10 if you take care of it.

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Should stock tank pool be in shade or sun? ›

The key to keeping your stock tank pool cool in the summer is SHADE. In fact, many customers report that their pool stays quite chilly in the shade, even when its scorching outside. We suggest choosing a sunny spot and using an umbrella or shade sail to shade the area if needed.

Do stock tank pools get hot to the touch? ›

Any part of the steel tanks that are touching water will not get too hot to the touch in direct sun, though the top lip of the tanks can get hot in direct sun as water is not generally filled to the very top.

How many bags of sand do I need for a stock tank pool? ›

Step 2: Level the ground under your pool

If you need to fill some small dips, use bags of sand. About six to eight bags will flatten out the area unless you have more of a slope. My backyard slopes about 8 inches, so we used paver stones and crushed gravel to create a level platform.

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How deep can a stock tank pool be? ›

Stock tanks come in different sizes and usually range between three and ten feet in diameter and 2 to 3 feet in depth. Because stock tanks are designed to be left outside, they are generally made from thick, galvanized metal.

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Are all stock tanks 2 feet deep? ›

Personal-size oval stock tanks are two to three feet wide and up to eight feet long. Tanks max out at round versions 10 feet in diameter. All stock tanks are two feet deep.

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Can you put a pool liner in a stock tank? ›

As I mentioned above, stock tank swimming pools will eventually rust because they are made for regular drinking water. Adding either salt or chlorine to the water will eat away the galvanization and the pool will start to rust which is why we added the liner.

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What is the average size of a stock tank? ›

Most stock tanks are about 8 feet in diameter by 2 feet high; smaller models include a 6 footer, while others stretch to 11 feet or more. A tank can sit on a deck, patio, or in a small yard. Just don't try to use it indoors unless you want to flood your home.

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How much does a 6ft stock tank hold? ›

This extremely durable steel tub holds up to 390 gal.

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What are good pool dimensions? ›

This will avoid overcrowding and allow everyone to enjoy the pool safely. For a family of 1-2 people, we recommend a minimum pool size of 14 x 25ft. For a family of 3-5 people, we recommend a minimum pool size of 16 x 32ft. For a family of 6-8 people, we recommend a minimum pool size of 18 x 36ft.

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