I still remember the first time I saw a stock tank pool on Instagram—tucked away in someone’s backyard with string lights overhead and a few potted plants around it. I thought, “Wait… that’s a livestock tub?” It was genius. Budget-friendly, cute, and perfect for small spaces. That was the day I fell down the rabbit hole of stock tank pool ideas, and honestly, I’ve been obsessed ever since.
If you’re craving a cool-down spot that won’t drain your savings (or require an entire construction crew), stock tank pools might be your new summer love.
So grab a glass of lemonade, and let’s walk through 21 ways to make your backyard the chill zone of your dreams—without breaking the bank.
Why Stock Tank Pools?
Before we jump into the ideas, let’s talk about why they’ve become the go-to backyard trend:
- Affordable: You can set one up for a few hundred bucks.
- Stylish: With the right setup, it can look Pinterest-worthy.
- Compact: Great for small yards, patios, or even rooftop spaces.
- DIY-Friendly: You don’t need to be a pro to install one.
1. The Minimalist Matte Black Look
Want something sleek and modern? Spray paint your stock tank pool matte black and pair it with gravel landscaping, a few minimalist chairs, and bamboo plants. It gives off serious “zen spa” vibes.
2. Galvanized Tank with a Wooden Deck
Elevate (literally) your pool by building a small wooden platform around it. Add steps or even wrap-around bench seating. It looks polished but still keeps that rustic charm.
3. Southwestern Style with Desert Plants
Surround your pool with cacti, terra cotta pots, and crushed stone. It feels like a mini desert retreat, especially if you throw in a tan umbrella and some woven cushions.
4. Pool + Pergola Combo
A DIY pergola over your stock tank adds shade, structure, and style. Drape outdoor curtains or string lights for extra cozy vibes.
5. Stock Tank Soaking Tub for One
Don’t need a big pool? Use a small stock tank as a private soaking tub. Perfect for quiet evenings with tea, a book, and your favorite playlist.
6. Painted to Match Your Style
Customize your pool with outdoor-safe paint. Try teal for a coastal look, sage green for a natural garden vibe, or bold yellow for a cheerful statement piece.
7. Surrounded by Pavers or Gravel
Give your pool a clean, defined area using large stone pavers or pea gravel. It keeps the space tidy and adds contrast without needing a full patio install.
8. In-Ground Illusion
Dig a shallow hole and partially bury the tank. Add plants and stones around it to make it look like a built-in pool—without the cost.
9. Boho Chic with Macrame & Pillows
Lean into boho charm: place rattan furniture around your pool, hang a macrame wall, and toss a few patterned pillows on outdoor rugs. Add lanterns for the perfect evening glow.
10. Tropical Oasis
Set up palm plants, bamboo fencing, and tiki torches. Bonus points if you add a small water fountain or misting fan for that humid, island feel.
11. Stock Tank Pool with a Water Feature
Install a solar-powered fountain or small waterfall pump. The trickling water not only looks and sounds great—it helps keep the water moving and fresh.
12. Farmhouse-Inspired Setup
Think galvanized pool, white-painted fences, and a few hanging baskets with petunias. Add a rocking chair nearby and you’ve got yourself a country dream spot.
13. Rooftop or Balcony Stock Tank Pool
Yes, it’s possible! Just make sure your structure can hold the weight (always double-check). Keep it simple with a smaller tank, potted plants, and a cozy floor mat.
14. Round Patio Build-Out
Place the pool in the center of a round gravel or stone patio and surround it with Adirondack chairs, solar lanterns, and a small fire pit for after-swim hangouts.
15. Night-Glow Lighting Setup
Add waterproof LED lights inside the tank or wrap solar fairy lights around the outside. Your nighttime backyard hangouts just got cooler—literally.
16. Kid-Friendly Splash Zone
Add non-slip mats, some colorful pool toys, and a sunshade sail. It’s a fun, safe way for little ones to enjoy a pool without needing a full-sized one.
17. Cool-Down Corner for Pets
Yes, even dogs love these pools! Create a shaded corner where your furry friends can splash and relax on hot days.
18. Herb Garden Surround
Plant a mini herb garden around the tank—basil, mint, lavender. The scent is calming, and you can pluck fresh herbs while you soak. How fancy is that?
19. Stock Tank Hot Tub Conversion
Add a propane or wood-fired heater (make sure it’s safe and built to code). Suddenly your summer pool turns into a cozy winter spa.
20. Reclaimed Wood Surround
Use old pallets or reclaimed wood to build a rustic frame or privacy screen around the tank. Eco-friendly and stylish at the same time.
21. DIY Tiled Stock Tank Pool
If you’re feeling ambitious, tile the inside or outside of your stock tank. Mosaic tiles or Moroccan patterns turn it into an artistic backyard showpiece.
FAQs: Real Questions, Real Answers
Q: Do stock tank pools get too hot in the sun?
Yes, they can! To keep them cool, add a shade sail or use a floating solar cover when it’s not in use.
Q: How do you keep the water clean?
You can add a small pool pump, chlorine tablets, or use natural methods like baking soda and white vinegar. Cleaning weekly helps too.
Q: Can I leave the pool out all year?
If you live somewhere with freezing temps, it’s better to drain it in winter or use it as a hot tub with the proper setup.
Stock tank pools are proof that you don’t need a huge yard or huge budget to enjoy a splash of summer luxury. Whether you’re going full boho or farmhouse chic, there’s a design that can reflect your personality—and cool you off at the same time.
If you’ve been dreaming of a backyard upgrade that’s simple, stylish, and actually doable, I hope one of these stock tank pool ideas for backyards sparked some inspiration.
Have a favorite idea? Or maybe you’ve created your own version? Let me know—I’d love to see how you styled yours!