Affordable, Stylish Alternatives to Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools
Stock tank pools are a great alternative toin-ground swimming pools.
Traditionally, stock tanks are used as giant water bowls for livestock on farms and ranches.
Stock tank pools are easy to build and make for a great DIY project.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
Read on to get inspired by creative stock tank pool designs, tips, and how-tos.
The Spruce / Alyssa Vela
Want more design inspiration?
Build a Custom Bench
@heywanderer/ Instagram
Add a custom bench to make relaxation easy.
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The stock tank pool, flanked by greenery and a high fence, offers a dedicated relaxing space.
The half-moon deck surrounding the stock pool allows space for lounge chairs shaded by the giant plant fronds above.
As an added feature, anoutdoor showerwas installed for a quick rinse after a long day.
@crystalrene915/ Instagram
This setup from Carrie Divin on Life My Style Carrie is the perfect dose of dramatic flair and relaxation.
Give It an Elevated Deck
@stonewayswimclub/ Instagram
Add an elevated deck for more space to relax.
With an elevated deck outfitted with matching loungers, this swim club is worth a visit.
@harvey_house_austin/ Instagram
Design an Oasis
Cuckoo4Design
Work with the space you have.
Bamboo walls and a water-patterned lining make this stock tank pool look like a natural part of the environment.
Solar lights make this oasis accessible day or night.
*@hannahreesor_/ Instagram*
The combination of stone and bamboo creates a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere that anyone would love to relax in.
The results can be fun for the whole family.
The biggest considerations are the stock tank’s size, shape, material, and depth.
Suburban Pop
when you’ve got your parameters in mind, you might find the perfect stock tank for you.
Furnish Shade
@stovall_house/ Instagram
Add design features that make shade a possibility.
The entire space is ideally situated beneath a flowy white material cover to filter the harsh sun’s rays.
@heywanderer/ Instagram
It’s the perfect summer party centerpiece with colorful yellow siding and a swan float.
The duo behind Real Sisters Fixer Uppers built a nifty bench-deck combo to hide the unsightly plumbing.
The Sommer Home has the perfect solution: placing concrete slabstepping stonesaround for easy access and egress.
@rewhunter/ Instagram
Adding a side table to place a drink and a book makes for the perfect summer day.
A nice added touch is keeping astocked bararea nearby to create refreshing beverages while relaxing in the water.
This shelter’s solid rooftop keeps the swimmers cool and the pool clean of falling debris.
@lifemystylecarrie/ Instagram
The wood planks on the siding make the pergola more of an architectural feature.
This colorful backyard from Jenna Hazel boasts a serene blue for the pool, which already changes the feel.
It provides a spa-like atmosphere and even offers swimmers some shade.
@stonewayswimclub/ Instagram
Add a few hooks, and double its use as a spot to hang towels.
This striped stock pool from Danielle Dunn was a DIY masterpiece, boasting brown and white stripes all around.
The neutral color scheme matches the rest of the deck space and ties everything together.
Cuckoo4Design
“Just Keep Swimming” signage on the hedges surrounding the pool brings everything together.
We love this bright orange one, which adds vibrant cheer to the backyard space.
Barrett notes that she switches the paint color of her pool to refresh her backyard every year.
@natdavis13/ Instagram
This patio space from Belle of Designer Mum Etc.
The stock tank is nestled right into the patio, surrounded by candlelight and plant life.
Thepergolaabove is covered in string lights that help illuminate the evening space.
@stovall_house/ Instagram
However, the landscaping surrounding it can make all the difference.
Go Oval
The Spruce / Charles Crespi
Short on yard space?
Try making your pool out of a slender oval stock tank.
@sunwoven/ Instagram
This one fits in well right at the end of the yard between flower bushes.
A few paver stones in front draw your eye to the area and make it feel special.
Stock tank pools are smaller and shallower than larger pools and low-quality tanks can rust or burst.
@channeledbychloe/ Instagram
Stock tank pools need regular maintenance, includinga pool cleaner or vacuum, to keep them working well.
Stock tank pools made from metal and poly can last beyond 10 years if properly cared for.
Most stock tank pools are made of metal, which conducts both heat and cold.
@wyckstandtmelissa/ Instagram
If exposed to too much harsh direct sunlight, the water and rim can heat up too much.
Cost to install a stock tank pool.
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Home by Hiliary
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The Sommer Home
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@willajditaranto/ Instagram
@galvanized_chic_boutique/ Instagram
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@jenna.hazel/ Instagram
*@hannahreesor_/ Instagram*
*@dani.diy_/ Instagram*
@holly_valdivia/ Instagram
@sunwoven/ Instagram
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@lisadieder/ Instagram
The Spruce / Charles Crespi
Dazey Den
