Turning Our Woodsy Backyard to a Summer Oasis :Our Stock Tank Pool Experience.

With only a month left until school starts again, we are going to soak up every last bit of summer, putting our phones down and enjoying backyard picnics and floating in our stock tank pool.

Even with a bustling highway nearby, our backyard feels reclusive. Towering trees scattered throughout create a canopy that filters the sunlight, our grass is more of a soft moss, and hostas grow wild next to orange and maroon tiger lilies. Our stock tank pool sits on a slab of concrete that was used for a gazebo by the previous owners. Next to the stock tank pool, ramps used for riding BMX bikes. Closer to the house, a playset with two slides and some swings. Our backyard has always been more of a play place, full of bunnies, squirrels, and songbirds, where our daughter’s imagination can run wild.

Adding the stock tank pool this year just seemed natural. We’ve had kiddie pools in the past, constantly emptying and refilling them. They never lasted more than a season. Mazlyn asked for a bigger pool this year, and while she really wanted an inground pool, the stock tank was a nice compromise.

The setup of the stock tank pool took some time. The stock tank that we purchased had some rust inside and needed light sanding before I could paint with Kilz Primer. I did not sand the entire tank because I wanted to leave the protective coating on the galvanized steel. After priming inside and outside the stock tank, I painted with tractor paint. Tractor paint works well on metal and can withstand the elements.

Once dried, I could add the 8-foot blue pool liner. From reading online reviews, I thought the pool liner would fit snugly and needed to be stretched over the tank; however, it ended up being quite loose with some ripples left on the bottom and sides. The pool liner stretched far over the top of the stock tank and needed to be trimmed. Once trimmed, I kept the liner in place by rolling the edge and securing it with some PVC clamps. Next, I cut pool noodles to wrap around the rim, covering the clamps and creating a soft edge.

I decorated the outside of the stock tank with black boho stickers. I figure they will last this summer, and I will want to decorate the tank in a different style next year.

The stock tank pool has a little bit of privacy with a corner fence that we had built two years ago. It adds some shelter from the wind and creates a place for hanging towels and unused floats.

On hot summer days, my daughter and I can be found enjoying nature in our stock tank pool. I float quietly, while she teaches her dolls how to swim. Leaves lightly fall in, and I scoop them out so they don’t disturb imaginative play. Sometimes we plug in a fan to keep bugs away and create a breeze, watching my husband working in the yard or riding the ramps.

So far, the water has been kept clear with minimal effort. Pine needles are my biggest problem, or the occasional ant that climbs its way up the side, causing my daughter to yell out. Overall, the stock tank has been perfect for our family, and even though I was worried about how many trees our yard contains, they have been more of a blessing. The trees create a peaceful canopy of shade and a backdrop that makes us feel like we are miles away from the city.

In the fall, we will empty the water out and store it inside our shed, keeping it safe and ready for next year.

FAQS

Q.How difficult is it to keep the stock tank pool clean with all the trees?

A. It has its challenges, but with the right tools, keeping it clean is quick and easy. Always cover the pool with a sturdy pool cover when not in use. I use a small pool filter, but I don’t leave it running all the time. Using pool chemicals keeps the water clear. Just make sure you read the directions and use the correct amount for the size of your stock tank. I have a pool skimmer for leaves and pine needles that fall in and a small pool vacuum for the dirt that accumulates at the bottom.

Q. Will the stock tank rust?

A. Inevitably, it will rust. Ours even had some rust when we first bought it. I painted it inside and out with Killz primer, then a tractor paint on the outside to help prevent rust formation. Using a pool liner will also help, and we should get years of use as long as we empty and store it properly for the winter.

Q. Are you worried about tree limbs falling on the stock tank pool?

A. Falling tree limbs are exactly why we chose a stock tank pool instead of an inflatable pool. If a tree limb falls on it, it may have some damage, but it will still be standing, and we don’t need to worry about losing large amounts of water.

Q. How warm is the water in the stock tank pool?

A. We are lucky enough to have a hot water tap in our garage, so we were able to use a hose and fill the stock tank with some warm water (it runs out quickly). Most of the stock tank pool was filled with cool/cold water, and when uncovered, the sun helps warm it up. Our stock tank pool does not get direct sunlight, so it is on the cooler end, but it hasn’t been a problem with our 90-degree weather.

Q. How did you get the stock tank home?

A. Getting the stock tank home was the most difficult part. We laid it flat across the top of our truck bed and strapped it down. We avoided highways and took back roads home. It weighs about 150 lbs, so getting it on and off the truck requires at least 3 people.

Q. How much did the stock tank pool cost?

A. The 8ft stock tank was on sale for $500 (it was originally $600), The pool liner was $90. Clamps for pool liner $12. Pool noodles for around the rim $7.50 (bought at dollar store). Pool filter $50. Paint $50. So the initial cost for our stock tank pool was about $710 before cleaning supplies and floaties.

Q. Did you attach a filter to your stock tank pool?

A. I bought a cold plunge filter that can be suctioned to the side, though it doesn’t stick to the pool liner, so I just place it inside the stock tank near the side. There are online tutorials on how to cut a hole and insert a pool filter, but we chose not to take that step.

Q. How big is your stock tank pool, and how many people can fit?

A. Our stock tank pool is 8ft round. Two people can float on floaties in it at a time, and 4-8 people can sit in it at a time.

Q. Will animals climb into the stock tank pool?

A. So far, we have not had any animals get into the stock tank pool. We keep it covered when not in use, which helps prevent that from happening.

Q. If you had to do it all over again, would you choose a stock tank pool?

A. Yes! It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and a great size for a 5-year-old to have lots of memories in all summer.