73 Backyard Stock Tank Pool Ideas

stock tank pools perfect for summer

Every summer we all look for ways to stay cool and have a good time. This usually leads to someone’s pool or figuring out ways to have water in your own backyard. A stock tank pool is an alternative way to have a small pool right in your own backyard. Stock tank pools—those round, shallow, shiny galvanized steel pools that dominate sites like Instagram and Pinterest—are replacing more traditional alternatives to standard in-ground swimming pools. They are a great alternative to cheap and ugly above-ground pools.

What Is A Stock Tank Pool?

A stock tank pool is a big round trough that farmers use to give water to cows and other animals. You can turn it into a pool by adding a pool filter and chlorine. It’s much cheaper than a traditional pool and you can set it up without professional help.

A backyard with greenery and trees, a seat, an egg chair, some decor, a stock tank pool and loungers.

A backyard with greenery and trees, a seat, an egg chair, some decor, a stock tank pool and loungers.

A blue stock tank pool with a wooden bench that doubles as a deck placed in the shadow is a cool idea.

A blue stock tank pool with a wooden bench that doubles as a deck placed in the shadow is a cool idea.

A boho deck with loungers, a stock tank pool and some wall decor is laconic and very chic.

A boho deck with loungers, a stock tank pool and some wall decor is laconic and very chic.

A bold patio with a hot pink stock tank pool, a black ladder, a woven chair with a pillow and some more pillows on the bench.

A bold patio with a hot pink stock tank pool, a black ladder, a woven chair with a pillow and some more pillows on the bench.

A bright and cool backyard with a wooden deck, a stock tank pool covered with whitewashed sticks, a colorful float, an umbrella and bold potted blooms.

A bright and cool backyard with a wooden deck, a stock tank pool covered with whitewashed sticks, a colorful float, an umbrella and bold potted blooms.

A bright and funny pool nook with a stock tank pool clad with a stick cover, potted greenery all around, a pink umbrella and rattan furniture.

A bright and funny pool nook with a stock tank pool clad with a stick cover, potted greenery all around, a pink umbrella and rattan furniture.

A bright outdoor nook with a rainbow stock tank pool, a wooden deck, colorful floats, an umbrella, white chairs and a wooden rug.

A bright outdoor nook with a rainbow stock tank pool, a wooden deck, colorful floats, an umbrella, white chairs and a wooden rug.

A bright outdoor space with a coral stock tank pool, a wooden deck and some floats, some umbrellas is a lovely nook.

A bright outdoor space with a coral stock tank pool, a wooden deck and some floats, some umbrellas is a lovely nook.

A bright patio with a sitting space, a dining space and a turquoise stock tank pool with a float, some loungers and layered rugs.

A bright patio with a sitting space, a dining space and a turquoise stock tank pool with a float, some loungers and layered rugs.

A brigth and cool pool space with a stock tank pool, wooden benches and a ladder, potted plants, an umbrella and a large float.

A brigth and cool pool space with a stock tank pool, wooden benches and a ladder, potted plants, an umbrella and a large float.

A catchy backyard with a stock tank pool, a sofa, a tent, an egg-shaped chair, a grill and some bright decor.

A catchy backyard with a stock tank pool, a sofa, a tent, an egg-shaped chair, a grill and some bright decor.

Where To Place A Stock Tank Pool?

You can put a stock tank pool anywhere in your backyard that feels good to you. They don’t need much space, so even a small backyard can have one. There are different sizes to fit any spot, and you can make them look great to match your yard.

A colorful pool space with a lovely accent wall, a pool with colorful floats, a rainbow one is a lovely space for kids.

A colorful pool space with a lovely accent wall, a pool with colorful floats, a rainbow one is a lovely space for kids.

A contemporary deck with some wooden furniture and a raised round tank pool next to it are perfect for kids.

A contemporary deck with some wooden furniture and a raised round tank pool next to it are perfect for kids.

A contemporary wooden deck with a bench and a large round pool that invites you in looks amazing.

A contemporary wooden deck with a bench and a large round pool that invites you in looks amazing.

A cool and bright backyard with a wooden deck at the stock tank pool, loungers with colorful pillows, potted plants is welcoming.

A cool and bright backyard with a wooden deck at the stock tank pool, loungers with colorful pillows, potted plants is welcoming.

A cool and bright outdoor space with pink large format tiles, a stock tank pool with a wooden deck around it, loungers, an umbrella and bright floats.

A cool and bright outdoor space with pink large format tiles, a stock tank pool with a wooden deck around it, loungers, an umbrella and bright floats.

A cool backyard pool space with a stock tank pool and a bright float, a bold rug and a stone path plus lights over the space.

A cool backyard pool space with a stock tank pool and a bright float, a bold rug and a stone path plus lights over the space.

A cool outdoor space with a stock tank pool, some greenery and cacti around, a stepped wooden deck and string lights.

A cool outdoor space with a stock tank pool, some greenery and cacti around, a stepped wooden deck and string lights.

A cool outdoor space with a wooden deck, walls with lights, a stock tank pool, some pillows, cushions and potted plants.

A cool outdoor space with a wooden deck, walls with lights, a stock tank pool, some pillows, cushions and potted plants.

A cool pool space with a stock tank pool in blush, with a flamingo float, flamingos and a striped umbrella and outdoor chairs.

A cool pool space with a stock tank pool in blush, with a flamingo float, flamingos and a striped umbrella and outdoor chairs.

A cool stock tank pool with colorful painted elements for decor and colorful floats is a lovely idea to have in your summer backyard.

A cool stock tank pool with colorful painted elements for decor and colorful floats is a lovely idea to have in your summer backyard.

A cozy desert backyard with growing cacti and a tree, a wooden deck, a white stock tank pool is a lovely space to enjoy.

A cozy desert backyard with growing cacti and a tree, a wooden deck, a white stock tank pool is a lovely space to enjoy.

A cozy outdoor space with a stepped wooden deck with pillows, a black stock tank pool, a cover and lights.

A cozy outdoor space with a stepped wooden deck with pillows, a black stock tank pool, a cover and lights.

A cozy outdoor space with a stock tank pool, a grey bench, some more benches with pillows and potted plants.

A cozy outdoor space with a stock tank pool, a grey bench, some more benches with pillows and potted plants.

How To Style A Stock Tank Pool?

You can leave your pool plain or make it look cool by painting it with stripes, tropical leaves, fruits, or just a bright solid color. You can also cover it with wood or sticks for a natural look. If you want it to look like a pond, you can put it in the ground or build a deck around it. This will look great in a modern or simple backyard. Add some colorful floats inside, and you have a fun, refreshing space!

A cozy pool nook with a black stock tank pool, a wooden deck, potted plants, an umbrella and a woven chair and a side table.

A cozy pool nook with a black stock tank pool, a wooden deck, potted plants, an umbrella and a woven chair and a side table.

A fun and cool pool space with a stock tank pool, a flamingo float, an umbrella, a bench and a lounger is super chic.

A fun and cool pool space with a stock tank pool, a flamingo float, an umbrella, a bench and a lounger is super chic.

A funny and welcoming backyard pool space with a stock tank pool, a deck around, colorful floats and pillows and cushions around.

A funny and welcoming backyard pool space with a stock tank pool, a deck around, colorful floats and pillows and cushions around.

A funny backyard pool space with a striped stock tank pool, a side table with pineapple decor, candle lanterns and a float.

A funny backyard pool space with a striped stock tank pool, a side table with pineapple decor, candle lanterns and a float.

A gorgeous backyard with a black stock tank pool, a bright rug, rattan chairs and stools and a rattan coffee table.

A gorgeous backyard with a black stock tank pool, a bright rug, rattan chairs and stools and a rattan coffee table.

A green lawn, a tiled deck with a stock tank pool and potted plants, a rattan chair and some string lights.

A green lawn, a tiled deck with a stock tank pool and potted plants, a rattan chair and some string lights.

A lovely boho nook with a stock tank pool, a wooden bench with pillows, potted plants and gravel around.

A lovely boho nook with a stock tank pool, a wooden bench with pillows, potted plants and gravel around.

A lovely mid-century modern space with a green lawn, a fireplace and some butterfly chairs, potted plants and a stock tnak pool.

A lovely mid-century modern space with a green lawn, a fireplace and some butterfly chairs, potted plants and a stock tnak pool.

A lovely outdoor space with a green lawn, some blooms and plants, a stock tank pool, loungers and side tables, lanterns.

A lovely outdoor space with a green lawn, some blooms and plants, a stock tank pool, loungers and side tables, lanterns.

A lovely outdoor space with a tiled deck, a stock tank pool, wooden chairs and benches, an umbrella and some towels.

A lovely outdoor space with a tiled deck, a stock tank pool, wooden chairs and benches, an umbrella and some towels.

A lovely outdoor space with a wooden deck, a stock tank pool, white chairs, an umbrella and some greenery.

A lovely outdoor space with a wooden deck, a stock tank pool, white chairs, an umbrella and some greenery.

A lovely space with a stock tank pool and a deck, with loungers and butterfly chairs in front of the pool.

A lovely space with a stock tank pool and a deck, with loungers and butterfly chairs in front of the pool.

A minimal outdoor space with a tile clad deck, a black stock tank pool, loungers, rugs and a wooden bench next to the pool.

A minimal outdoor space with a tile clad deck, a black stock tank pool, loungers, rugs and a wooden bench next to the pool.

A modern boho space with a tiled deck, a stock tank pool, an umbrella with tassels, a sofa with pillows.

A modern boho space with a tiled deck, a stock tank pool, an umbrella with tassels, a sofa with pillows.

A modern outdoor space with a black stock tank pool, a wooden deck, potted plants and lights - who needs more.

A modern outdoor space with a black stock tank pool, a wooden deck, potted plants and lights - who needs more.

A modern stock tank pool in black, a wooden deck, an umbrella, potted greenery, a woven chair and a side table.

A modern stock tank pool in black, a wooden deck, an umbrella, potted greenery, a woven chair and a side table.

How To Style Around A Stock Tank Pool?

You can also make the area around your pool look nice for more privacy and coziness.

  • Use screens and potted plants to make the space private and create a mood.
  • An umbrella over the pool or over a resting spot with chairs or loungers is a good idea.
  • Build a deck or a bench around the pool. If your pool is in the ground, a regular deck works. If it’s above ground, a bench is nice.
  • For privacy, use lattice panels, bamboo screens, or fabric screens around the pool.
  • Add comfortable chairs, loungers, or a hammock to the area. Add some greenery, trees, and flowers around, either potted or planted in the ground.
  • A small bar area, a grill, or a fireplace can make it even cozier.
  • Think about install a simple waterfall feature that flows into the pool. A small fountain could provide soothing sounds and visual appeal.
  • Ensure the space is functional. Install a rack or hooks for hanging towels and swimsuits. Use some storage boxes for pool toys, cushions, and cleaning supplies.
  • Think about surrounding the pool with pea gravel. It creates a rustic and natural look. It’s comfortable to walk on barefoot. And, most important, it keeps the area clean and free from mud.

Add candle lanterns and lights, and you’re all set to enjoy your backyard oasis!

A neutral contemporary space with loungers and white garden furniture and a round pool clad in white, too.

A neutral contemporary space with loungers and white garden furniture and a round pool clad in white, too.

A peaceful outdoor space with a tank pool and a wooden deck around it, striped loungers and black chairs plus a side table.

A peaceful outdoor space with a tank pool and a wooden deck around it, striped loungers and black chairs plus a side table.

A pretty outdoor space with a stock tank pool, a wooden bench around it and some pillows and decor.

A pretty outdoor space with a stock tank pool, a wooden bench around it and some pillows and decor.

A raised round pool surrounded with tropical plants is a stylish and minimal option to go for.

A raised round pool surrounded with tropical plants is a stylish and minimal option to go for.

A round pool made of a stock tank, with a ladder and a wooden deck around it plus a view of the desert is a lovely space to spend time.

A round pool made of a stock tank, with a ladder and a wooden deck around it plus a view of the desert is a lovely space to spend time.

A round tank pool with a small deck with storage and another curved piece to relax on can be DIYed.

A round tank pool with a small deck with storage and another curved piece to relax on can be DIYed.

A Scandinavian backyard with a wooden deck and a stock tank covered with the same wood, with elegant and cozy furniture.

A Scandinavian backyard with a wooden deck and a stock tank covered with the same wood, with elegant and cozy furniture.

A simple and pretty backyard with a black stock tank pool, a wooden ladder and a deck, potted plants and fun floats is welcoming.

A simple and pretty backyard with a black stock tank pool, a wooden ladder and a deck, potted plants and fun floats is welcoming.

A simple outdoor space with a stock tank pool, a wooden deck with steps, an umbrella and some potted plants and blooms.

A simple outdoor space with a stock tank pool, a wooden deck with steps, an umbrella and some potted plants and blooms.

A simple stock tank pool placed on the grass is a perfect solution for a hot and sunny summer day to chill in your backyard.

A simple stock tank pool placed on the grass is a perfect solution for a hot and sunny summer day to chill in your backyard.

A small and cool space with two upholstered benches, a wooden deck, a stock tank pool with floats and potted plants.

A small and cool space with two upholstered benches, a wooden deck, a stock tank pool with floats and potted plants.

A small and cute pool nook with a black stock tank pool with floats, a ladder and a deck and planked screens around the pool.

A small and cute pool nook with a black stock tank pool with floats, a ladder and a deck and planked screens around the pool.

A small and cute stock tank pool with white and pink stripes and cool floats is a lovely space for your backyard.

A small and cute stock tank pool with white and pink stripes and cool floats is a lovely space for your backyard.

A small backyard clad with tiles, a stock tank pool, wooden loungers, potted plants and blooms is a lovely nook to have a rest in.

A small backyard clad with tiles, a stock tank pool, wooden loungers, potted plants and blooms is a lovely nook to have a rest in.

A small pool space with a stock tank pool clad with wood and with wooden ladders, with growing grasses is a lovely nook to refresh yourself.

A small pool space with a stock tank pool clad with wood and with wooden ladders, with growing grasses is a lovely nook to refresh yourself.

A stock tank pool covered with bamboo, with decorative baskets and a candle lanterns, large rocks and growing plants.

A stock tank pool covered with bamboo, with decorative baskets and a candle lanterns, large rocks and growing plants.

A stock tank pool surrounded by a wooden bench creates a cozy outdoor spot. Floats add a fun touch, while a potted plant brings in greenery. The combination makes this setup amazing and inviting.

A stock tank pool surrounded by a wooden bench creates a cozy outdoor spot. Floats add a fun touch, while a potted plant brings in greenery. The combination makes this setup amazing and inviting.

A stock tank pool with floats, a wooden deck with a daybed, some greenery and bright towels.

A stock tank pool with floats, a wooden deck with a daybed, some greenery and bright towels.

A stock tank pool, a wooden bench, loungers and pillows, floats and greenery around, an umbrella is cool.

A stock tank pool, a wooden bench, loungers and pillows, floats and greenery around, an umbrella is cool.

A stylish pool nook with a black stock tank pool, planked screens, wooden ladders and a bench, potted plants and printed pillows.

A stylish pool nook with a black stock tank pool, planked screens, wooden ladders and a bench, potted plants and printed pillows.

A tiled deck with a stock tank pool, a wooden bench, greenery and a float, loungers and an umbrella.

A tiled deck with a stock tank pool, a wooden bench, greenery and a float, loungers and an umbrella.

A tropical outdoor space with a black bench and pillows, a white stock tank pool, tiles, a lounger and tropical plants.

A tropical outdoor space with a black bench and pillows, a white stock tank pool, tiles, a lounger and tropical plants.

A tropical outdoor space with a lot of greenery and rocks around, a stock tank pool clad with bamboo, with a wooden deck and a bamboo shower.

A tropical outdoor space with a lot of greenery and rocks around, a stock tank pool clad with bamboo, with a wooden deck and a bamboo shower.

A tropical outdoor space with a stock tank pool with bamboo, rattan chairs and loungers, some bright decor and blooms.

A tropical outdoor space with a stock tank pool with bamboo, rattan chairs and loungers, some bright decor and blooms.

A tropical outdoor space with a wooden deck, a daybed with pillows, a stock tank pool and some potted plants and trees.

A tropical outdoor space with a wooden deck, a daybed with pillows, a stock tank pool and some potted plants and trees.

A tropical outdoor space with an in-ground stock tank pool, a wooden deck, a cushion, potted plants and trees.

A tropical outdoor space with an in-ground stock tank pool, a wooden deck, a cushion, potted plants and trees.

A turquoise stock tank pool with a float, an umbrella, some greenery and potted plants is a very cool space.

A turquoise stock tank pool with a float, an umbrella, some greenery and potted plants is a very cool space.

A welcoming backyard with gravel and tiles, loungers, candle lanterns, a white stock tank pool with floats and potted plants.

A welcoming backyard with gravel and tiles, loungers, candle lanterns, a white stock tank pool with floats and potted plants.

A welcoming outdoor space with a green lawn, a deck clad with tiles, with hammock chairs, a pink stock tank pool with floats.

A welcoming outdoor space with a green lawn, a deck clad with tiles, with hammock chairs, a pink stock tank pool with floats.

A white stock tank pool with a deck, a wooden fence and some potted plants and greenery around it.

A white stock tank pool with a deck, a wooden fence and some potted plants and greenery around it.

A wooden deck, an in-ground stock tank pool, a white sofa with pillows, potted plants and a pouf.

A wooden deck, an in-ground stock tank pool, a white sofa with pillows, potted plants and a pouf.

An in-ground stock tank pool with a wooden deck, potted plants and trees and some outdoor furniture.

An in-ground stock tank pool with a wooden deck, potted plants and trees and some outdoor furniture.

An outdoor space with a gravel yard, seats, an in-ground stock tank pool, potted greenery is amazing.

An outdoor space with a gravel yard, seats, an in-ground stock tank pool, potted greenery is amazing.

DIY Stock Tank Pool

This could become a fun and easy DIY project. In the result, you’ll get yourself a cool place to swim in your backyard. Here’s a simple guide to help you set it up:

  • First, choose the right stock tank that fits well in your backyard. Most stock tanks are made of a strong metal called galvanized steel, which doesn’t rust easily. Some are made of plastic, which is lighter and easier to move around.
  • Choose a flat, level area in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight. Make sure there’s enough space around the pool for people to move around.
  • To keep the water clean, you’ll need a small pool pump and filter. These help circulate the water and remove dirt. You can buy a pump and filter kit made especially for such pools. There is usually instruction on how to install such kit by drilling a couple of holes in the tank for the hoses.
  • Think about decorate your pool to make it look nice. Fill the tank with water and you’re good to go!
  • Use chlorine tablets or a floating chlorine dispenser to keep the water sanitized.