Liferoot’s DIY Stock Tank Pool
The Finished Pool!
By Amy Lupton
Summers are hot in Texas! And this summer has been no exception. With temperatures in the 100’s for weeks on end… with no rain (and when you work outside all the time), the heat can really weigh on you after a while… not to mention be dangerous.
At Liferoot homestead, an in ground pool is not an option. We have too many gardens that would need to be uprooted, and the cost for these pools are more than we wanted to invest (we have more money to build more gardens…haha).
I started to see cowboy or stock tank pools start to become popular in 2020 when many public swimming areas were shut down. I saw them on Instagram, these cute 2.5-3 foot deep pool, wide and perfect for sitting and chilling. These pools were a cheaper, faster installation, semi-permanent, super chic and stylish way to get a pool. And did I mention they were super cute?
I wanted one.
How to DIY a Stock Tank Pool
2020 had us swimming on an inflatable pool on the deck (pictured below) or driving to a lake near us to swim. Many companies had some great designs for these cowboy/stock tank pools and decent turnaround times, but were still a little above what we were wanting to invest.
Our 2020 blow up pool
Our 2020 lake spot
I started to research DIY stock tank or cowboy pools, and began to discover our unique design that would be a part of our homestead. Now I just needed to talk my best DIY-partner-in-crime Brad into helping me build it.
At the time of writing this (June 2022), things are going way up on price fast. We knew we would need to buy supplies, but we wanted to use or reuse what we could to make this a fun but cost effective project. We did utilize as much recycled wood as we could, as well as waited for sales from companies to get better prices. Brad also has ample plumbing experience, so that was taken care of.
To DIY this project, it took us about three weekends worth of work. Digging and prepping the pad and spot for the pool, driving and picking up the tank (because we live outside of a major city, we could drive and pick up on our trailer), installing the tank and leveling, building the surrounding deck, and lastly installing the pump, waterfall, and plants.
Your Pad:
It’s important to get the ground level and soft and ready for the tank. We ordered 4 yards of pond sand (at the time of purchase was $28 a yard). Many nurseries and rock quarries have this for purchase and delivery, check your local area.
Your pool vessel (aka stock tank):
When I first started researching a stock tank pool, I immediately loved the metal stock tanks. They had a great look, and didn’t need much decorating on the outside. But once I started researching, I settled on the poly-carbonate stock tank material. Even though I didn’t like the look as much, there were the factors that pushed my decision.
Many reviews on the metal material stock tank reported that every year they needed to reseal and caulk the metal tank, as well as sand down for rust. The chlorine/baking soda/chemicals react with the metal, making it hard to upkeep. Also, many owners had reported they needed to replace the metal tank every few years, and many had gone with a poly tank when replacement was needed.
Owners had reported it gets warmer faster than the poly tank, which is an important factor in the Texas heat. Also, the poly tank will apparently retain heat more in the winter months, if you decide to get a heater for it and use it.
There were some reports of sharp edges with the metal tanks that could develop over time, and needing to be repaired.
The polycarbonate material from the tank company we chose is food-grade certified and thus less reactive to chemicals and sun. The tank is made to sit in the sun and not break down for years and years.
Here is the stock tank we went with:
HASTINGS STOCK TANK, POLY, 10 FT, 1100 GALLON - Home - Hastings Equity Manufacturing
Here is the link of the company we bought from, there are many companies that carry it. Hastings Equity Stock Tank, Poly, 10 ft, 1100 gallon
At the time of writing, it was listed at $549.00
You can find stock tanks at your nearest feed supply store, such as Tractor Supply, or local chain. We wanted a larger size, so went with a 10ft. They do have smaller sizes available such as 6 and 8 foot for less expensive.
Pump & Filters:
Pump house built out of reclaimed wood
We decided to use and Intex pump, because we have used them before and find they work strong. It did come with tubing and materials to install. We decided to only drill one hole into the pool and use a water feature.
INTEX 28635EG C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate
At time of writing listed price of $99.95. Krystal Clear™ Cartridge Filter Pump - 1,500 GPH
We also decided to order the off-brand filters, and will reduce waste on these by reusing them a few times (just rinse out all debris with a high powered hose and reinsert). At the time of purchase these were $28.99
Waterfall feature:
We wanted to make sure the pool stayed as cool as possible in the summer months, and after researching, a water feature (or disturbing the water constantly) does keep it cooler by several degrees.
We decided to build a pump house and use a water feature to filter water back into the pool. We built the pump house completely out of recycled wood, and built a shelf for the waterfall that would fit correctly over the pools edge. We had to purchase extra hosing to attach the water feature, we found the correct size at a local store. At the time of purchasing, the pool waterfall was $70.
VEVOR Pool Fountain Stainless Steel Pool Waterfall 23.6" x 4.5" x 3.1"(W x D x H) Waterfall Spillway with Pipe Connector Rectangular Garden Outdoor, Silver
Bamboo fencing around pool:
Although we didn’t mind the gray color on the pool, we wanted to decorate the outside. For a 10 foot diameter pool we used three 8 ft panels of dark bamboo. Because the polycarbonate has a defined lip at the top, we were able to screw it into the lip without penetrating into the pool itself. At the time of purchase, the panels were $118 each. The reason we went with this company was because reviews and company tout the long lasting ability of this bamboo. This bamboo is also able to be cut to size.
Bamboo and Thatch Products - Fencing, Roofing, Tropical Dècor. They do have sales, so watch for them :)
Chemicals:
Although I really don’t love chlorine, we did decide to use some for the pool. With chlorine, the health detriments are vast, and it can be harmful to developing kiddos (and thyroids) especially when in strong amounts or regular exposure. Although you don't add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it does still contain chlorine. It just has a smaller amount that's generated through the filter system and utilizes salt.
I researched using baking soda, and we decided to use them in tandem (minimal amount of chlorine, and using baking soda to help balance and clean). We are using a floater chlorine dispenser, and a floater baking soda dispenser. With this method, we only use one half of a chlorine tablet every two weeks, and about two and half baking soda tablets. This keeps the mold at bay, and keeps the chemicals on the lower end.
We also make sure to detox chlorine after swimming by using our Chlorine Detox salve (link here) and drinking plenty of lemon infused water and intaking ample amounts of natural sources of Vitamin C.
Plants:
We utilized the sand around the pool area and immediately planted seeds after installation. We went with flowers and some herbs, things that are mostly pretty. Because the chemicals are low, some water falls (our kids are active splashers) onto the plants, and they seem to be doing well. This gives the foundation and the pool pad a great start as the plants and flowers will anchor the sand down and prevent erosion. This helps the pad to not wash away and for your pool to stay in place. We also put around several potted plants (utilizing plants that love the sun, aka succulents) to make the ambiance more inviting.
