Summer days can be hot, it is as simple as that. When the temperatures start to climb, it can be relaxing and enjoyable to take a dip in the pool. But what happens when you don’t have a pool? You make one, of course. Today I will be going over how to make your own pool from a stock tank, as well where to place your stock tank pool, stock tank pool maintenance, accessories to purchase, how to stay safe in the water, and the pros and cons of this type of pool. Hopefully this guide will help you get making your own pool. The sooner it gets built, the sooner you can have fun in it. So let’s get started.
How to Build a Stock Tank Pool
Building a stock tank pool is similar to building a stock tank hot tub, except that you don’t need the heat. The following instructions are the steps to building your stock tank pool. Let’s get started.
Get the Stock Tank
This may be the trickiest part, because this involves getting it to your home. You will want to use a trailer of some sort to get the stock tank to your home. It is possible to put it in the back of a truck, but you will need to really strap it down good. Whether you use a truck or trailer, make sure you strap it down good, and perhaps use a flag to let other drivers know you have a big load.
Prepare the Area
Once you get your stock tank safely home, it is time to prepare the area for it. It may be easier to do this step first, so that you can drop your stock tank off right where you want it. Whenever you choose to do it, here is what you have to do. Level the area so that it is flat. You may want to add some gravel or sand to the area where you will be placing the stock tank.
Install the Filter
The filter you got should come with instructions on how to install it. There are three different types of filters: Sand filters, Cartridge filters, and DE filters. Each filter is going to operate slightly different. For example, for the sand filter you will need to pour some sand into it in order for it to work. So, follow the directions that come with your filter. As of hooking it up to your stock tank, you can either decide if you want to drill a hole in your stock tank (which a lot of people do), or just put the filter tubes over the top of the stock tank. It is easier to just put it over the top of the stock tank, but it may not look as good and can get in your way. If you want to drill a hole, what you’ll need to do is position the holes about 2 to 3 feet apart from each other in about the middle of the top half of the pool walls. Measure the outside diameter of the attachment piece that will fit through the hole before cutting. You’ll then attach the tubes to the stock tank, and install a gasket on each side of the side wall and some plumber epoxy to keep it in place. Like I mentioned, read the instructions that come with your filter.
Seal the Pool
Seal all the places where there is a chance of water leaking. Make sure there is a plug blocking the drainage hole. Do not seal the plug in any way that you won’t be able to pull the plug out. You’ll want to be able to drain the water when it gets dirty and when it is winter.
Test Run
Fill your pool up to the drainage plug, and check to make sure none is leaking. You may also want to stop filling the pool when you reach the area where the filter hoses connect to the stock tank pool. If nothing is leaking, go ahead and fill it all the way up.
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Where to Place Your Stock Tank Pool
First, you will want to make sure the place you place your stock tank pool is flat. Second, you will want it near an extension cord. You will need to run a filter which requires electric, and you may need electric for other supplies such as if you install bubbles or a pool vacuum. Third, try not to place your stock tank pool near a tree if possible. If it is close to a tree, you will probably be dealing with a lot of leaves in the pool. Lastly, you may want to install it near a shed so that when winter comes, you can easily roll it into the shed without having to carry it too far.
Pros and Cons of a Stock Tank Pool
Stock tank pools have many advantages. But just like all products, they also have some disadvantages too. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of a stock tank pool.
- Pro: Cheaper than other pools.
- Con: Does require some installation work.
- Pro: Safer option for young children because the pool is pretty shallow.
- Con: Not too big and deep, which means not much room to swim.
- Pro: Stock tank pools are pretty easy to make.
- Con: Can be hot to touch when the sun is out.
Image Source: Corbinarts
Stock Tank Pool Care
Just like with any pool, you have to maintain it in order for you to receive peak performance. Here are some pool maintenance tips and instructions on how to keep your pool crystal clear.
- Remove debris from the water. A pool skimmer will remove debris floating on the top of the water. You may also want to use a pool vacuum to remove any debris on the bottom of the stock tank.
- Scrub it clean. A pool brush will do this job well. What it does is remove any algae from the stock tank.
- Use the pool filter. The pool filter should help keep your pool really clean.
- Use chlorine. Chlorine will help keep your pool extra clean. If you don’t want to use chlorine, bleach will work too.
- Drain the pool. Every once in a while, you should drain the entire pool and scrub it clean. You won’t want to do this too often, because the stock tank pool uses a lot of water. Only do this if your pool is become really dirty or if a long time has gone by since you’ve emptied it.
- When winter comes, clean your entire pool so it’s ready for next year. This includes removing all hoses and cleaning them, scrubbing down the stock tank pool, and clean out the filter. Don’t forget to organize your pool supplies so that they are ready for next year.
Rust Can Appear
It is important to know that rust can appear on your stock tank pool. This is because the chlorine can damage your pool. How do you prevent that? Don’t drop chlorine tablets directly into the water. Instead, put them in a chlorine float. You can also prevent rusting by sealing the inside of your stock tank pool.
Prevent Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are drawn to still water. If your water isn’t moving, unfortunately it will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. You can prevent this from happening by keeping your water moving. Your pool filter should keep the water moving. If the mosquitoes are still hanging around your pool, try placing mosquito netting around your pool.
Safety First: How to Keep All Swimmers Safe
Generally, a stock tank pool is safe. It is not as deep as other pools, there isn’t a deep end, and it is pretty easy to hop out of. However, there is always a chance of drowning, even in one inch of water. Here are some safety tips to follow:
- An adult should watch swimming children at all times.
- Cover the stock tank pool when it is not in use.
- Young children should wear life jackets.
- No diving into the stock tank pool! Stock tanks are pretty shallow, and diving into it will result in an injury. Don’t even think about it!
- Keep something for young children to float onto, such as an inner tube.
Image Source: Embracing Motherhood
Additional Items to Purchase
A pool is never completely finished until all of the fun additional items are bought and put in the pool. It is also not complete until you have all the cleaning supplies ready. Here is a list of some accessories to purchase.
- Pool Ladder – A pool ladder allows you to easily climb in and out of the pool. It also prevents young children from climbing into the pool when adults are not there to supervise.
- Solar Cover – A solar cover will keep the water warm, and will also prevent debris from entering the stock tank pool. If you don’t want to purchase a solar cover, you could try a regular pool cover.
- Pool Noodles – Pool noodles are a must have if you have young children, or if you enjoy playing with pool noodles as well. They are also very cheap to buy.
- Life Jackets – Life jackets are only necessary if you have young children in the pool. Stock tanks aren’t that deep, so you won’t have to worry about people drowning in the water because of the depth. However, it is important that you always keep an eye on young children when they are swimming in the water.
- Pool Skimmer – This is a cleaning must-have. It will collect any debris floating on the water.
- Pool Vacuum – Pool vacuums are another must-have item, as they clean any other debris on the bottom of your pool.
- Diving Rings – Diving rings can be fun to play with in the water, although the stock tank pool won’t be too deep so don’t expect to dive down too far.
- Inner Tubes – Inner tubes can be used by children and adults alike. This also gives young children something to hold onto while they swim.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you understand more about building a stock tank pool. As you can see, it is pretty easy to make. In this article, I went over the instructions on how to build it. I also went over care tips and the pros and cons of a stock tank pool. Because a pool is never complete until accessories are bought, I also went over some great accessories to buy. Remember that safety is always first, so keep an eye on children while they are swimming in the pool. I went over some other safety tips in this article. Lastly, remember to have fun. A stock tank pool is a cheap way to bring hours of coolness and water fun. So go get building your stock tank pool! Your work will soon be rewarded.
Image Source: Hey Wanderer
