32 Clever Stock Tank Pool Designs and Ideas (2024)

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

Affordable, Stylish Alternatives to Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools

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  Add Whimsy

  

  While the idea of a galvanized stock tank pool may bring images of a rustic scene to mind, there are ways to turn this affordable above-ground pool type into something that suits your preferences. This outdoor space by Kelli and Kristi of Lolly Jane Blog is a perfect example—they spray-painted their stock tank a metallic champagne color that brought instant transformation. The stand-alone umbrella, inflatable swan, and stenciled concrete all add equal mixes of fun and elegance that create a relaxing space for all ages.

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• 02 of 32

  Add a Deck

  

  In Arizona, a stock tank serves as a cool spot to watch all the dogs running around the yard of this canine rescue facility. The surrounding deck makes the stock tank feel more like an in-ground pool, and the pergola provides some shade to the dogs on lifeguard duty. It can be a refreshing spot for both humans and pets alike.

  How much does a stock tank pool cost?

  According to Angi, the cost of installing a stock tank pool depends on its size. Most homeowners spend between $610 and $1,360, with an average cost of $945.

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• 03 of 32

  Step It Up

  

  Crystal Capps Cole had a vision of the kind of backyard space she wanted, and with some help, she was able to bring it to life. The large deck has plenty of room for lounging and relaxation, and the wood slat back wall is a perfect addition to add plants and hang towels. The stock tank pool, though, takes center stage here—with dual sets of steps surrounding either side for easy access. Take note of the blue pool noodles covering the rim—they add some extra padding for relaxation purposes instead of the usually exposed metal.

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  See Also

  You'll Want to Read This Before Buying That Stock Tank PoolHow to Transform Your Intex Inflatable Pool into a DIY Hot Tub in 2023 - ZealuxCowboy Hot Tubs - MoabBest Ways to Keep Your Pool Cool

• 04 of 32

  Keep It Neutral

  

  Stock tanks aren't meant just for the summer months—or at least, they don't have to be. This stock tank from Harvey House is perfectly hiding inside a garapa wood deck, giving a polished and sleek look to the backyard space. As a bonus, this stock tank isn't just for a cool refreshing dip on a hot day—a pool heater helps transform the stock tank into a hot tub so it can be enjoyed year-round.

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• 05 of 32

  Decorate the Bottom

  

  There are plenty of ways to design your stock tank pool, though we typically focus on the outside. We love what Hannah Reesor did by changing things up and having a message imprinted at the bottom using a stencil painted with a flex seal. Not only does the result look great, but it serves as a reminder that these pools are for relaxing, not diving in headfirst.

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• 06 of 32

  Add Midcentury Style

  

  Stock tanks aren't just for those who lean into a farmhouse style for their decor. In California, Suburban Pop made a stock tank pool fit perfectly with the rest of a 1960s ranch-style home. A selectively landscaped yard adjacent to a fire area with butterfly chair seating makes this DIY pool a standout feature.

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• 07 of 32

  Build a Custom Bench

  

  When Nashville-based best friends and bloggers Savannah and Casey of Hey Wanderer set up a stock tank pool the previous year, they thought it might be nice to sit around the pool with their feet dangling in. They built a DIY bench to make it comfortable to do just that.

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• 08 of 32

  Add Tropical Vibes

  

  Andrew and Mallory Hunter created the ideal hideaway in the backyard space of their aptly named Airstream Island in Atlanta. The stock tank pool, flanked by greenery and a high fence, offers a dedicated space to relax.

  The half-moon deck surrounding the stock pool allows space for lounge chairs shaded by the giant plant fronds above. As an added feature, an outdoor shower was put in place for a quick rinse after a long day. The result is a subtropical paradise.

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• 09 of 32

  Paint It Black

  

  Not every stock tank has to be metallic or white–there are other options to choose from. This setup from Carrie Divin on Life My Style Carrie is the perfect dose of dramatic flair and relaxation.

  This corner has all the essentials for an ideal summer evening: a table with stool seating, lush greenery, a built-in firepit, and, of course, an all-black stock tank. The black fence with string lights as the backdrop sets the tone and invites you to stay in the pool even once the sun begins to set.

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• 10 of 32

  Add an Elevated Deck

  

  The owners of this stock tank pool have made it such a feature of their yard, they've given it its own establishment: the Stoneway Swim Club. With an elevated deck outfitted with matching loungers, this swim club is worth the membership fees. Incorporating the half-deck look, the style is an excellent way to show off your pool and still have a space to lay out and sit when you're ready to get out.

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• 11 of 32

  Add Bamboo Walls

  

  Bamboo walls and water-patterned lining make this stock tank pool look like a natural part of the environment. Cuckoo4Design positioned it in the side of the yard and built a rock feature to curve around the pool and serve as a spot to sit and dangle your legs into the water.

  The addition of solar lights allows this oasis to be accessible day or night, and the combination of stone and bamboo gives a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere anyone would love to relax in.

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• 12 of 32

  Make It Kid-Friendly

  

  Want to add a little extra fun to your stock tank pool? Feel free to take some creative notes from Nat Davis. The established treehouse and slide were already a delightful playground for the kids to run around, yet adding the stock tank at the bottom of the slide adds an extra dose of fun. The results can be fun for the whole family (with proper supervision, of course).

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• 13 of 32

  Add Shade

  

  This stock tank setup by Carolina Stovall of Denver eXp Realty is a perfect example of keeping cool and collected. The galvanized stock tank is the ideal distance away from the fire pit and seating area to ensure no giant splashes will affect other guests, but close enough to allow for conversation and interaction. The entire space is perfectly situated beneath a flowy white tarp to avoid the harsh sun's rays.

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• 14 of 32

  Bring the Pool Party Vibes

  

  Fiber artist and textile designer Erin Barrett of Sunwoven turned her stock tank pool into a feature of her ready-for-company backyard. With colorful yellow siding and a swan float, it's the perfect summer party centerpiece. You can obtain a similar vibe by adding outdoor string lights, a collection of lounge chairs, and an umbrella or other shelter to provide shade.

  See Also

  Cowboy Pools

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• 15 of 32

  Customize With Wood

  

  Customizing a stock tank pool to your preferences can work in a variety of ways. For this pool from Chloe Elgar, the surrounding deck with stairs make for easy access—whether you're human or pet. The wood panels surrounding the tank give the impression of a spa-like atmosphere and building the structure to rest against the house means the pool is never too far for a quick refresh.

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• 16 of 32

  Add Privacy

  

  Melissa Wyckstandt didn't stop at merely getting a stock tank pool for her backyard—she opted to build an entire deck surrounding it. The built-in bench at one end of the deck adds plenty of optimum seating, and the four posts at each corner allow for a tarp to cover the entire expanse. As time has gone on, she's continued to add more plants to the surrounding area, which functions both aesthetically and for privacy.

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• 17 of 32

  Incorporate Hidden Plumbing

  

  Something to keep in mind about owning a stock tank pool is how to store mechanisms like pool filters and other accessories such as hoses, pool brushes, and cleaning supplies. The duo behind Real Sisters Fixer Uppers built a nifty bench-deck combo to hide the unsightly plumbing.
  

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• 18 of 32

  Build a Backyard Beach

  

  Dig down into the ground, situate your stock tank accordingly, then add a wood platform and some sand: You've got yourself a backyard beach. A few rolled towels and a spa-worthy tray of water and snacks make this stock tank pool setup from White Cactus House into a desert oasis.

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• 19 of 32

  Add a DIY Bamboo Border

  

  Want to add an extra touch to your stock tank? Try covering it in bamboo rods like this one from Home by Hiliary. The bamboo was held together by zip ties to keep them in place, and the darker stain color adds a bit of extra depth to the decor. Placing the stock tank at the corner of the patio allows it to feel connected to the rest of the outdoor space, as well as keep it level.

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  Light Things Up

  

  All a person has to do is follow the sparkling lights to find this cute stock tank hideaway at The Yellow Door House. The square concrete stepping stones and the long strands of string lights create a perfect path that leads directly to the stock tank, which has plenty of privacy thanks to the high fence and sizeable outdoor umbrella. Additionally, a few smaller stock tanks surround the back part of the pool and boast small trees—proof that stock tanks can be for more than just swimming,

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  Create Easy Access

  

  Placing a stock tank on top of a bed of smaller rocks is a common sight; however, it can make it slightly difficult to get in and out. The Sommer Home has the perfect solution: placing concrete slab stepping stones all the way around for easy all-around access and egress.

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  Include a Lounge Space

  

  Lisa Martinez made her stock tank pool into a transitional space. Take a dip in the stock tank pool, grab a towel from the basket, drip dry on the patio, and then kick back in the butterfly chair with your feet up on a pouf. Adding a side table where you can place a drink and a book makes for the perfect summer day.

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  Hardscape It

  

  When working with an area that isn't grassy or an outright deck, some creativity has to come into play. This stock tank arrangement from Willa DiTaranto uses concrete patio slabs in neat rows to allow a person to move across the gravel and take a dip in the pool whenever they feel like it.

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• 24 of 32

  Add a Privacy Wall

  

  With privacy walls up, this stock tank pool from Kari Johnson is for you and your friends only. Adding personal signs and signature seating—like those adorable hammock chairs—are unique touches that make your backyard feel like an entirely different place. A nice added touch is to keep a stocked bar area nearby to create refreshing beverages while you're relaxing in the water.

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• 25 of 32

  Shield from the Sun

  

  If you live in an area surrounded by towering trees, an umbrella won't keep unwanted leaves from cluttering your oasis. The solid rooftop of this shelter keeps the swimmers cool and the pool clean of any falling debris. The wood planks on the siding make the pergola more of an architectural feature.

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  Paint a Colorful Backdrop

  

  Personalizing a stock tank pool can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint—or, matching it to your shed. This colorful backyard from Jenna Hazel boasts a serene blue for the pool, which already changes the feel. Yet, the back of the shed showcases a mountain sunrise mural that is whimsical and colorful, and the color palette is a perfect fit for the stock tank.

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  Create a Minimalist Feel

  

  You don't have to go all out when deciding how to decorate; sometimes, simple is best. The small privacy screen for the stock tank pool by Hannah Reesor may not be necessary for this fenced yard, but it's a great addition, providing a spa-like atmosphere and even offering swimmers some shade. Add a few hooks and you double its use as a spot to hang towels.

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  Decorate With Stripes

  

  Painting your pool only one color doesn't have to be your only option. This striped stock pool from Danielle Dunn was a DIY masterpiece boasting brown and white stripes all the way around. The neutral color scheme matches the rest of the deck space and truly ties everything together.

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  Add Stenciling Details

  

  This wooden panel stock tank is already inviting, especially with the surrounding hedges and "just keep swimming" catchphrase in the background. Holly Valdivia decided to add some stencil work onto her pathway that leads to the tank and is proof that the little details truly matter when creating an atmosphere.

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  Paint It a Bold Color

  

  Erin Barrett of Sunwoven shows us how versatile and stunning stock tank pools can be. We love this bright orange one that adds a vibrant dose of cheer to the backyard space. Barrett notes that she switches the paint color of her pool as a way to refresh her backyard every year.

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  Add Ambient Lighting

  

  This patio space from Belle of Designer Mum Etc. is incredibly cozy. The stock tank is nestled right into the patio, surrounded by plenty of candlelight and plant life. The pergola up above is covered in string lights that help illuminate the space in the evenings.

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  Add Landscaping

  

  While adding a stock tank to your yard, it's easy to focus solely on the tank. However, the landscaping surrounding it can make all the difference. Lisa Stephenson transformed her backyard space by not only including a 9-foot stock tank, but surrounding it with plants galore, as well as neatly streamlined patio stones amongst the pebble gravel.