How to Set Up Your Stock Tank Pool
Follow our guide to get your Stock Tank Pool set up for success!
How to setup your Stock Tank Pool in one minute
Visit our shop to see the Stock Tank Pool Products complete DIY kit!
One click sets you up with all the needed fittings, valves, hoses, pump, sealant, and the proper hole-saw to complete your Stock Tank Pool! Note there are also more in depth instructions provided with the DIY kit.
After our DIY kit arrived, these five simple steps will get you on your way to years of summer fun!
1) Locate a stock tank, and buy it!
- Many feed stores carry stock tanks, we always recommend checking with your local companies to find a stock tank first. You can also find them at Tractor Supply.
- An empty tank may be rolled into place by one person, but it is advised to have a friend or two help out. Take 5 and plan for safety prior to moving.
2) Find a flat spot, or make one!
- Flat spots can be made by digging down 6", back filling with river rock, and smoothing out the rock with a landscaping rake or wood plank.
- A few string lines will help you establish how much you need to dig depending on your chosen location. Here is a tutorial on how to make a flat spot using string lines here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuK5d7zNRZw
- You'll need about 200 square-feet of outdoor space, or 14 feet x 14 feet square so it is easy to move around the outside of your stock tank pool.
- Think forward to the final version of your stock tank pool, some people like the simplicity of a stand alone tank in the corner of their yard... others build elaborate decking and kabanas and make their Stock Tank Pool a center piece.
3) Grab a drill and our "Everything but the pool" DIY Stock Tank Pool Kit, your with your 2.75" hole saw, with arbor and plan where you want to cut the hole.
SAFETY STOP! Before you cut, you need Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)!
- Protective eyewear / safety glasses: Our favorite here, but you can get a better deal on these
- Ear protection is recommended! The hole saw is LOUD when cutting metal but this means it is working. On average, you will be cutting for 90 seconds per hole, so be ready to get rowdy!
- The best places for the holes are placed about 3 feet from each other, this promotes good water circulation and lets your filter catch the maximum amount of debris. For tips on how to keep your Stock Tank Pool water crystal clear, visit our learning center.
- The inlet strainer (valve that sucks water to the pump) should be below the return (valve that pushes water from the pump back into the pool) but it really depends on your install and isn't very critical. Just consider, if the water level of your pool drops from evaporation, or splash, the inlet needs to remain be submerged in a minimum of six inches of water.
- Add the plunger valves and hook up the hose plumbing to the pump before you fill it. (read about our thoughts on different pumps HERE)
Inspiration Note: Don't fear the hole saw! It does not have to be a perfect cut.
4) Seal the plunger valves to the tank using Marine Silicone Sealant or similar below the waterline sealant, and when you're ready... fill the pool!
5) Last step... Enjoy! Get in that tank! You need time to bond with your new best friend. Then meet us back here so we can help you perfect your pool, and keep it looking Instagram famous.
Post your creation and tag us!
Instagram: @StockTankPoolProducts
Complete list of items Required!
Materials for the pool:
- Stock tank, various sizes but we like an 8ft size! Visit local Tractor Supply to see what is available in your area
- Pump
- Plunger Valves
- Inlet Assembly
- Safety Strainer Kit
- Marine Grade Silicone Sealant
- 2.75" Hole Saw
**Note that all the materials in the above list (except the stock tank) are available in our DIY Stock Tank Pool Kit
Tools required:
- Power Drill, our favorite is the Milwaukee (Note: Drills can be rented! Look up "Tool Rentals" near you and call them for day rates on rental drills if you do not own one)
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE):
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