Building Our Stock Tank Pool (A Backyard Project I’d 100% Do Again)

Aubrey Booth
8 hours ago
2 min read

When we decided to add a little pool to our backyard, I didn’t want something huge or permanent - just something that felt fun, safe for the kids, and extremely durable. (I'm tired of cycling through kiddy-pools every summer 🤪). We landed on an 8-foot stock tank, and honestly… it’s been one of my favorite backyard upgrades.

Stock tanks are built to last (some are rated for up to 10 years), and I loved the idea of turning something really functional into one of our favorite hangout spots in the summer.

Supply List: [EVERYTHING LINKED HERE]

Pool + Pump Setup

8-ft galvanized stock tank
Pool pump + filter system
Hole saw / metal cutting bit (for pump install)
Drill
Silicone sealant (for watertight connections)

Questions about installing the pool pump? I have a tutorial saved in my Instagram highlights HERE

Prep + Prep

Degreaser (to remove the slick factory coating)
Sandpaper or sanding block (light scuff)
White vinegar (natural metal etch)
Metal primer
Exterior paint — Alabaster
Exterior paint — Leapfrog

Prep Work (Not the glamorous part… but important)

Before any paint went on, I focused on prep. The metal has a slick coating, so I started with a degreaser to break that down. After that, I gave the surface a light sand just to help everything grip better.

One step that made me feel more confident about longevity was wiping the tank down with white vinegar. It acts as a natural etch and helps open up the pores of the metal so primer has something to hold onto.

Once everything was clean and prepped, I used a metal primer to create a solid base.

Making It Custom

This is where the project gets FUN. Instead of keeping the tank neutral, I leaned into something more playful with green and white stripes.

I used exterior paint in Alabaster and Leapfrog, and it has held up great in the summer heat and through the winter months.

Landscaping + Finishing Touches

After the paint, I added some landscaping around the pool to make it feel more intentional in the yard. That little detail helped it blend into the space instead of looking like something dropped in temporarily.

The Scary Part: Cutting Into the Tank

Installing the pool pump was the step that had me the most nervous — cutting into a brand new tank feels very “no turning back.” But with the right tools, it ended up being way easier than I expected.

And once the pump was installed, it truly started functioning like a real little backyard pool!

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely! This project checked all the boxes for me: budget-friendly, kid-approved, pet-friendly, and something that added a ton of personality to our yard without taking over the whole space.

It’s one of those builds that proves you don’t need a huge yard or a permanent install to create something that feels special 😊

Let me know if you give this project a go!! I would love to hear how much you love it, too! 🥰

❤️ - Aubrey