Upgrading to a Stocktank Pool + All The Details You Need To Know
Have you heard of the stock tank pool rage going on right now? It’s the newest, hottest backyard accessory. And this girl is here for it!
I’ve had my eye on this fun stock tank pool trend since I first saw it scrolling Instagram about a year ago. From that time on, I continued to see them popping up more and more, and my love for them grew.
Why the craze?
Well, a couple reasons:
- Price – They’re much easier on your budget than a real pool.
- Maintenance – It’s fairly easy to maintain a stock tank pool, and you have a few different options in doing that, which I’ll share below.
- Durability – They can put up with a lot! Since we have Bruno, our 140 pound St. Bernard, we need durability! Anything made of plastic is going to get punctured. From his paws to his teeth, nothing is sacred or safe.
Where do you get a stock tank?
Most feed stores or tractor supply stores will have a tank. With how popular they are now, sometimes pickings are slim or they may be out of stock. We found ours at our local North 40 Outfitters, but Tractor Supply or any other feed store should have them in stock.
Tank Details:
We purchased a 8 foot wide, 2 foot deep tank. It holds approximately 706 gallons of water. At the time of purchase, our cost was $339 + tax. It also took about an hour and a half to fill.
What if all the stock tanks we find have dents in them?
Since stock tanks are made mostly for animal troughs, they aren’t typically handled with care. Dents are common, and even small holes sometimes. Ours had two small dents in it, and one tiny leak.
How to you fix stock tank dents and leaks?
You’ll need a small piece of 2×4 wood and a hammer. Setting the 2×4 against the dent, hammer the 2×4, essentially hammering out the dent. Try to get it as close to normal as possible. Then, take the plumber’s putty or caulk and seal up the hole. Allow to dry completely before refilling with water.
Some people over on Instagram (We’re friends there right?!) suggested a proactive approach and said they re-caulked all the seams before using the first time, just to offer an extra layer of protection. Very smart!
Can you paint you stalk tank?
I’m glad you asked! 😉 We haven’t yet, but I really want to. Here is a great tutorial on how to paint a stalk tank the right way so it lasts as long as possible!
How do you keep the water clear and algae from growing?
There are two common ways people maintenance their stock tank pools.
The budget friendly way:
- Pool skimmer
- Chlorinated tablets
- Floating tablet dispenser (do not drop tabs onto the bottom of the tank, it will cause rust where it touches!)
- Pool brush
Skim the pool often, keeping debris like leaves, bugs, and such out of the water. Add the floating dispenser into the pool with the chlorinated tabs and this should give you some longevity with the water. Once every few weeks, you will need to empty the pool, use the pool brush and give it a good scrubbing, and then refill. Repeat this process as much as needed. Honestly, this seems like a breeze in comparison to deep cleaning our huge pond every other year!
Be careful where you empty the pool. Its 700+ gallons of water will flood the area for a bit!
The efficient way:
This is the most efficient, long term way to keep your water pristine and your pool beautiful. Yes, it’s a bit more costly, but if you plan on having a stock tank pool for years, it’s a good investment.
For right now, we’re going to do the budget friendly way, and hopefully will upgrade to the efficient way next year!
Common questions:
Does the rim get hot?
Yes, yes it does! But, there’s a very simple way to fix that issue. Take seven pool noodles, you’ll use six and about a foot off of the seventh. (If you purchase the 8-foot pool.) Cut through to the middle, then place over the rim of the stock tank. It will fit snuggly and be the perfect way to prevent burns. It’s also a great buffer for kids who get crazy and may hit their heads on the side of the pool.
What about mosquitoes?
Depending on where you live, and if you don’t have a filtration system, the sitting water may attract mosquitoes. You can get really creative with this! Cover the pool when not in use with a pool cover or get some netting and place it over the pool similar to a covered porch!
Will they rust?
It is a possibility in the long run if not cared for correctly. Make sure to keep all chemicals off the bottom of the pool, as it causes corrosion. And honestly, just keep it clean. Don’t let it go too long between draining and scrubbing. Use a power sprayer every now and again, and don’t let algae sit for long. You can also seal the inside of the tank with a Flex Seal to prevent rusting.
We’re so excited about our pool and all the fun we plan on having in it this summer! Make sure you follow along on IG for updates on how it’s doing, and if you want to message me with questions. It’s my favorite platform to hang out!
