What Are Stock Tank Pools & Are They Worth Buying?

When summer rolls around and the temperature rises, a refreshing dip in some cool water is a popular way to beat the heat. Unfortunately, having easy access to a pool or living near the beach is not guaranteed for everyone. It's no secret that having your own personal oasis is ideal, but the cost of installing an in-ground pool, plus the ongoing maintenance, can be a major obstacle for many homeowners. If you are currently deciding if you should install a pool in your backyard or what the best above ground pools are, allow us to offer another option you might want to consider: stock tank pools.

Stock tank pools have made a big splash in the last few years due to their affordability and easy installation process. So what are they exactly? They are repurposed metal containers that farmers use for giving water to livestock. Stock tank pools make a perfect backyard addition for a number of reasons — they are large enough to sit eight or more adults at a time, and they look better and last longer than some alternative above-ground options. 

While they fit in naturally with a rustic or bohemian-inspired backyard aesthetic, repurposed stock tanks remain incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit into most decor styles. If you don't want your backyard to look like a farm, you can easily fit it into your outdoor decor by painting the outside, building a deck or bench around the perimeter, or even placing it into the ground to make it look more like a traditional pool.

Stock tank pools function much like a traditional pool once you add a pump and some chlorine and can last up to 10 years if they are properly cared for. But are they worth it in the long run? Let's look at the numbers. The recommended size for a stock tank pool range from 8 to 10 feet wide and 24 inches deep. A typical 8-foot unit will cost you anywhere from $350 to $1,200 for the initial tank and delivery. The rest of the installation and set up is relatively easy for a DIYer, since all you need to purchase is a pool pump and a hole saw (if you don't already have one) — that will get your pool up and running.

While these pools are easier to maintain than alternatives, they still have to be kept up. You will need typical pool maintenance supplies like chlorine tablets, a floater, a hand skimmer, a pool cover, water test kits, and a vacuum. All of these items can run you anywhere from $650 to $2,250 total (including the stock tank) depending on which brand and model of products you purchase. That is quite the bargain considering an in-ground pool costs anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000 for installation and can run you up to $4,000 a year to maintain. 

While you won't get nearly as much space in a stock tank pool as you would in an in-ground pool, it's a fun, casual way to cool off in the summer at a significantly lower price. There are several companies that will offer full delivery and installation starting at $3,450. The way we see it, stock tank pools are a great way to keep your backyard pool ideas on-budget if you're looking for a small place to cool off.