When we first set up our stock tank pool, I’ll be honest—it looked like a cow trough sitting awkwardly in the yard. Functional? Yes. Cute? Not so much. But a little bit of changes here and a little bit of change in the greenery, it became the best spot in my home, and I love to spend time there.
So, if you are thinking of transforming your stock tank pool into a dreamy outdoor space, then you are in the right place. Here I will discuss everything I have learned while transforming my own stock tank pool side, so let’s get started.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Stock Tank Pools
If you’ve spent even five minutes on Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen these round metal pools popping up everywhere. And there’s a good reason for the hype:
- Affordable: You can pull this off without spending thousands.
- Small-yard friendly: They fit where traditional pools just can’t.
- Stylish potential: With the right setup, they can look ridiculously chic.
They’ve basically become the go-to backyard upgrade for anyone who wants a pool without the headache of construction or a sky-high water bill.
1. Deck It Out (Literally)
Hands down, the biggest upgrade you can make is adding a deck around your stock tank pool. Even a small one makes a huge difference.
A few easy ideas:
- Partial wrap deck: Add a small platform on one or two sides with enough space for chairs or a lounge spot.
- Flush-fit deck: If you’re handy, build the deck so it’s level with the top of the pool. This gives it a “built-in” look.
- Simple step-up: Just a few wide stairs up to the pool can make it feel intentional and polished.
When we added a narrow deck around ours, it instantly looked less like a farm fixture and more like a boutique hotel pool. Bonus: It makes getting in and out way easier (especially if you’ve got kids or pets).
2. Add Landscaping for Instant Resort Vibes
You’d be amazed what a few plants can do.
Try this mix for a lush, low-maintenance setup:
- Ornamental grasses: Think fountain grass or feather reed grass—tall, breezy, and easy to grow.
- Tropical pots: Palm trees in big planters? Yes, please.
- Climbers & vines: A trellis with jasmine or wisteria adds softness and privacy.
- Gravel base: Surround the pool with pea gravel or river rocks to keep mud and grass away.
We went with a mix of grasses and potted banana plants around ours—and now it feels like we’re on vacation, even on Tuesday evenings.
3. Give It a Fresh Coat of Paint
Not everyone loves the raw galvanized metal look (I sure didn’t). Luckily, it’s super easy to change that with paint.
Color ideas that work:
- Matte black: Clean, modern, and perfect for minimalists.
- Soft white: Ideal for boho or beachy vibes.
- Sage green: Earthy and gorgeous with wood or stone accents.
Just make sure you clean and prime the surface first, and use paint that’s made for metal and outdoor use. We painted ours a soft charcoal color—and I still get compliments on how “fancy” it looks.
4. Add Accessories That Make It Feel Like a Space, Not Just a Pool
Treat your stock tank pool area like you would any other “room” in your house. That means layering in accessories that are both cute and functional.
Here’s what we added that made a difference:
- A small outdoor rug to define the entry area
- String lights draped across the yard for evening swims
- A couple of poufs or loungers
- A side table for drinks (and let’s be honest, snacks)
- A big umbrella for shade—game changer on hot days
You don’t need to go overboard. Just a few thoughtful touches can make the space feel pulled together.
5. Lean Into a Modern Backyard Aesthetic
If your style leans more clean lines than cottage core, there are tons of ways to keep things looking modern.
Here’s what helps:
- Stick to neutral tones: Think black, gray, tan, white.
- Use geometric planters and minimal furniture.
- Incorporate concrete pavers or large stepping stones around the pool.
- Add a shade sail or pergola for structure.
We sectioned off our backyard into “zones”—one corner for the pool, one for the grill, one for lounging. Even though the space isn’t huge, that layout trick made it feel more intentional.
6. Keep It Practical (Because You’ll Actually Use It)
Style is great, but function matters too. Here’s what we learned the hard way:
- Get a pump and filter: Trust me, it’ll keep the water clean and clear without constant scrubbing.
- Buy a pool cover: Keeps out bugs, dirt, and the occasional falling leaf tornado.
- Add steps or a small ladder: Especially helpful for little ones (and dogs, if yours are anything like mine).
- Check your city rules: Some areas require fencing or permits even for small pools.
Ours has been running for three summers now, and those basics are what keep it low-stress and fun to use.
FAQs: Stock Tank Pool Questions You’ve Probably Googled
Can I leave it out all year?
Yes, but drain it if you get freezing temps. We clean and cover ours in the fall, and sometimes even turn it into a planter in the off-season.
What size should I get?
The 8-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep size is the most popular—and for good reason. It fits a few adults or a bunch of splashing kids comfortably.
Do they rust?
Eventually, yes—but with a good sealant and paint job, you can slow that way down. Ours is three years in and still going strong.
Styling stock tank pool does not have to expensive and tiring, with some very little tweaks you can make the space as attractive and cozy as you want so much that you will start loving the place.
We spend our weekends in our backyard, and we just love to be there and spend time there. Just with simple touches, you can also style the space beautifully.,
If you’re thinking about setting one up, do it. And if you already have one, give it a little styling love. You’ll be amazed at how much it changes the feel of your outdoor space.
Got a favorite stock tank pool hack? Drop it in the comments or tag me—I love seeing what everyone’s doing with theirs! 🌿💦