Introduction: How to Make a Stock Tank Pool! Easy DIY Backyard Pool

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About: I am a self taught maker that has fallen in love with making instead of buying. I create how-to videos about the projects I love and make. Check out my YouTube channel for more!

I made a backyard pool from a Stock Tank and it is a backyard game changer!

This tutorial will give you the supplies and a tutorial on how to DIY your own Stock Tank Pool for your backyard. Once you have your ground leveled and ready, you can knock out this project in an afternoon.

Due to popularity, the supplies can be hard to find. So I recommend that you start to find all of the supplies ahead of time so you are ready for the next pool season.

Be sure to watch the video for an even more detailed tutorial!

Supplies

Things I Used:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

I’m using a sand filter because it requires much less maintenance than a cartridge filter. You only need to replace the sand every few years and the overall cost is lower.

The pump/filter box contains the pump, filter, hoses and the outlet valve. In addition, I needed to buy an inlet valve (two parts linked in the supplies), two plunger valves, a 2 3/4” hole saw and marine grade adhesive sealant.

For the filter media, I’m using filter glass instead of sand because it filters better and lasts longer.

I also purchased this reusable water filter when filling the pool to help filter out things like calcium, VOC’s and hard water.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ground Surface

We got lucky and already had a level concrete slab in place. Otherwise, ground prep with sand would have been necessary to level and prepare a spot in the yard.

Step 3: Drill Inlet and Outlet Holes

I'm starting by drilling a hole for my outlet. When you pick your spot for your hole, make sure the larger part of the outlet clears the horizontal lip lines on the outside of the pool. Use the hole saw, linked in the supplies.

And then I did the same thing for the Inlet valve, making sure to clear the lip on the side of the tank.

I filed down any sharp edges with a metal file and then vacuumed up all the tiny metal shavings before moving on. No one needs sharp metal shavings in a pool.

Step 4: Instal the Inlet/Outlet Valves

For a little extra security against leaking, I added plumbing tape to the threads of the inlet and outlet valves. And then I loaded up my marine grade sealant and applied it around the inside of the outlet valve fitting.

I placed the outlet into the higher hole, letting the adhesive squish out and fill in to make it water tight. I screwed on the nut nice and tight, making sure to keep the air hole facing up.

And then I screwed on this extra piece that comes with with outlet called the air jet valve.

I then repeated the steps for the inlet valve and place it in the lower hole.

Step 5: Install the Plunger Valves

Next you install the two plunger valves. These will allow you to change out the filters or hoses in the future without letting all of the water out of your pool.

Step 6: Add Your Filter Media

As I mentioned before, I’m using glass media in place of sand in this filter because it lasts longer than sand and filters even better. I placed a cup over the inner hole of the tank to keep the glass pieces from falling in the center and then poured in the glass up to the fill lines marked.

Step 7: Attach the Hoses & Set Up the Filter/Pump

Then I attached the hoses to the plunge valves and the pump and secured the collar on the tank.

Your pump’s instructions will show you the correct placement for all of your lines. Another option is to watch some YouTube videos specifically on setting up your pump and filter.

Step 8: Fill the Pool!

And with everything set up, it was time to fill the pool!

You need to add something to maintain a clean sparkling pool and to keep bacteria in check. Most people use chlorine, which definitely works. Instead of chlorine for my pool, my friends at Stock Tank Love suggested a natural alternative of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. I buy mine here: https://bit.ly/2SLaeX0

Chlorine has some side effects that I’d rather do without. I've used this option for a year now and it really works great. You can find the test strips here: https://amzn.to/3lwbcmb

Another benefit of using this food grade hydrogen peroxide as a treatment method is that the pool water can actually be used to water your plants! It's actually known to aerate the soil, and it feels great recycling the pool water when it is time to drain.

Of course chlorine works as well for killing bacteria, if you'd prefer that. Do whichever method works for you!

Step 9: Enjoy the Pool!

I’m thrilled with how this Stock Tank Pool turned out. It’s amazing how much it feels like a real pool and how well it cools us down in the warmer months. It’s a summer game changer that is inexpensive and easy to fit in most any yard.

Follow me on Instagram and watch my highlights to see some behind the scenes on how I built the deck, which is a fantastic addition.

I'd love to see pics of yours if you decide to make your own! For more projects and tutorials, be sure and visit my YouTube channel and my website. You can also find me on Instagram @makergray.

Thanks for following along!