Stock Tank Pool DIY

In this video I’ll show you how I turned this livestock tank into a pool. This is a fairly simple project that can be completed by one person half a day. I was able to source everything except the pump and plunger valves in local stores and I encourage you to ALWAYS support local businesses before shopping online or at big box stores when ever possible. If you are unable to find any of the items locally I have linked an online source for same or similar below.

SAFETY WARNING:
Pool pumps can create dangerous suction hazards. To avoid the danger I set the pump timer to only run at night when nobody is in the pool. It’s important to always follow manufacturers instructions for pool pump safety.

Online Source for Pool Components:

Materials List (See above for online shopping)
Livestock Tank 8'x2' - available at most farm supply stores for $400-$500

Optional Vacuum Manifold/ with Hose and Nozzle - Available at most hardware stores $40-$60

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Pool Water Maintenance:
Currently we are using a chlorine float but are exploring some environmentaly friendly options and will update once we discover a better option.

Pool Safety With Children:

Stock Tank FAQs

Q. Did you paint the inside of your stock tank?
A. Yes! after two years of using the stock tank pool it still had no signs of rust, but after extensively researching the experience of others it seems inevitable that the tanks will all eventually begin to rust, so I wanted to get ahead of that issue before it begins. I use a product called Pond Shield which is linked on the materials list link. I used the product exactly as it was recommended by the manufacturer and it was quite a project, but the result was a very attractiveand durable finish that was nothing short of perfection… for the first year. Then it began to peel, almost completely in every section. I removed it all, primed the tank, and installed a pond liner which is wirki g perfectlya d seems to be the best solution (linked above)

The pond liner was easy to install, looks good and is working perfectly so far.
Do NOT paint the inside of your tank! Wait to see if it rusts, then prome it and use a liner if necessary.

Q.Where can I find a tank?
A. We were on a waitlist for months and kept being told we would get one any day but it never came. Then my wife happened to be at Tractor Supply as one was being delivered so she bought it because she was at the right place at the right time. Just luck. Everyone is out because they are in extremely high demand and shipping/manufacturing is delayed. Keep trying. I wish you luck!

Q. Does the metal or metal rim get hot?
A. Not really. As long as the pool is full the cold water keeps the metal cool through conducive cooling.

Q. My vacuum hose is not working, how can I make it work?
A. This component can be tricky. I set mine up as shown in the video and it does function as shown, but the vacuum effect is not extremely strong, so small things can reduce or eliminate that vacuum affect. There are a few ways to increase the vacuums strength:
1. Shorten the vacuum hose length. The longer the hose, the less vacuum you'll get.
2. Increase the size of the 1/4 turn valve to the vacuum. different valves have different internal diameters. If yours has a 1/4" opening it should be swapped for one with a 1/2" - 3/4" opening for optimal suction.
3. Partially covering the pump strainer when vacuuming. Reducing the intake flow at the strainer will increase suction at the hose. Be sure to only do this for short amounts of time (less than a minute is what I do) and never completely cover the intake strainer. If the flow is too restricted it will cause an affect called pump cavitation which results when there is more water being pumped out than in. Cavitation will cause an audible change in the pump when it's happening and can damage a pump if it happens too often or for too long.

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Music By Dan Leibowitz
Songs: Lazy Afternoon Sun, Lazy River Rag, Gimme Back My Ya Ya

[nmelkhunter]

We use to swim in a water storage tank on my uncle’s ranch that was fed by a windmill. The tank supplied water to a stock tank that was about twice as big as your tank. The cows and horses would sometimes peak over the top of the storage tank when they would hear us swimming. We use to think it was great fun except the hard water would make our hair look pretty funny. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[combustionguy]

That 1-2x4 blew the budget for this project.

[tuxedojunction]

We had a stock tank pool when I was a kid. At the end of summer we would drain it and turn it over, dig a tunnel into it and use it for a fort. Farm equipment makes such good toys (don't get me started on beet diggers).

[michaelwilson]

I love farmers bc u guys feed us! Thank all of u for your love farmers!

[carolmyers]

Since I live in Florida farm country, I planned on a stock tank pool for this year. My son worked in St Thomas Virgin Island and recommended using elastomeric roof coating for painting the tank. He said that is what they use in the islands to coat their cisterns. Depends on brand you use, you can get 10 to life time warranty. A gallon at Home Depot or Lowe’s costs around $30+.

[joanalger]

57 years ago we visited my sister and her family on their Idaho farm.
They had a stock tank under a tree in their front yard for their family to cool down.
It was a welcome relief from the heat

[bbranett]

I did the same with a blue plastic stock tank. I added a above ground pool filter that I would run occasionally. It also fit in a screen tent to provide sun, bug protection and keep leaves and debris out.

[deborahjones]

Did this for my kids birthday hen we loved on a farm. I added pool noodles to the outside rim so they didn’t bash their heads in on the edge. Metal tanks keep the water super cold!!

[SpectrumVans]

Don't forget to add a small piece of carpet secured over the edge in case your cat or wild animals fall in so they can get out without drowning.
Learned that when unfortunately my neighbors beloved cat drowned in their above ground pool.
Great video. Might make one next year.

[milky]

I am going to be doing this for my mom as a surprised for when she gets back into town in a few weeks i already have everything and will be using this video as a guide thank you so much made this very easy to follow

[TheNaturesdiva]

For cleaning…if you get in pool and run around the edge in a circle you’ll create a whirlpool. Once it settles all the dirt will settle in one small spot in bottom middle of the pool. :)

[m.canida]

Awesome idea for someone who doesn't want to spend a bunch of money to cool off in the summer heat. Moving to Texas and you gave me a great idea to put in a great temporary pool until i want to "dive in" and spend the money for a built in pool for my new house !! Thanks for a great idea !!!

[kennyslaughenhaupt]

I grew up on a farm, we actually have use a 55 gallon barrel. My grandmother would supervise us kids taking turns in the barrel. It sucked. But it worked

[marbellad.]

Not sure why YT recommended this, glad they did! It was interesting to watch. Learned a lot!

[rob]

Brings back great early 80's memories growing up on the farm. Our tank had a rusty bottom but running in circles makin whirlpools was epic fun.

[iain]

That's brilliant. Although in Australia you would have to build a pool fence, get it certified, notify the Council and comply with 30000 other regulations!

[myowndrum]

We did that one summer for the grandkids! They had fun all summer long. The next year we went and got 150 tires that an old company let us just have to get rid of them. We stacked then into a huge oval, 6 tires high around, got a black pond liner, strapped it down with plenty of straps, filled it with water, and WA-LA.... a red-neck swimming hole! I even made a filter with a five-gallon pail and a small water pump! I turned the old stock tank into a salad garden. I only grow salad fixings' in it.

[bullhead]

My dad got us one of the galvanized stock tanks back in the 70's. We swam in it until the water got dirty, then dad watered the garden with it.

[lindamon]

I like the 8ft ones so i can fully extend& if u have a hose in hose out so there is a flow you can slowly turn& unwind. Perfect man u r my new utb FAVORITE!

[lemonhead]

We used a real cattle tank when we were kids. Grew up on a cattle ranch in South East Texas....No frills or fancy stuff. Dad went to the barn and got an extra tank we had, cleaned it out, filled it with water and there ya go.