If you spent some time on social media during the quarantine you would have noticed a mix of toilet paper memes and stock tank pools. In little then 4-6 weeks stock tanks, generally used by farmers to provide water for their cattle, have been THE summer hit of 2020.
Companies like Tractor Supply Company, CountyLine and Behlen along with local farmers supplier stores were slam with orders leaving people in waiting lists all the way to spring of 2021. In general, Behlen makes usually 20K tanks a year. Just this summer they got orders up to 80K! I followed closely the mass hysteria on those tanks and it was interesting to see so many stores managers confused.. “Are you going to do what with the stock tank? A pool…? A hot tub…? Oh… hummm.. okay….???”
Stock Tank Pools are not a new concept. It has been a laid back outdoor kitty pool for children to play and cool off during the summer in many places like Nashville and Texas, but not exclusively.
In the last couple of years, the hipsters of California took the stock tank concept to transform their backyards into a hippie-chic paradise.
The movement grew bigger and now you can find Facebook and Instagram groups. The idea is to use the tank and built in a filter system using Intex pool products. Some folks were even further and experimented with propane tanks to heat the water and extend the season. The social media is flooded with amazing ideas of what people do around the tank. That’s probably what the hype is about. You can have an oasis on your backyard for a fraction of the money and time it takes to build a pool. That sounds very appealing in quarantine times.
What do you need to know to get a stock tank pool?
- StockTankPool.net is the best site out there with instructions on how to set up a stock tank pool, filtering system and heating system included. It also contains the do’s and DON’Ts. The DON’ts are extremely important, e.g. – painting the pool in the inside. People have experimented with everything so take their word when something does not work and save yourself a headache later.
- Get your tank from the manufacturing company or reputable stores like TSC or farmers stores. Some folks are taking advantage of the demand and short supply and are charging more to get you a tank that they will order from the manufacture. Just think about the headache it would be if your tank arrives damaged.
- Consider getting the tank deliver. A lot of folks are venturing themselves into transporting the tank. I even thought the same myself, but then for $70 dollars in delivery fee, I realized was not worth the trouble.
- Consider carefully the material and size of the tank. The tanks can be galvanized or poly. The galvanize will rust, but the look is very slick. Poly can last 20+ years without fading the natural pool blue color but the outside look might not be appealing as the galvanized one and it cannot be painted.
- Not required but I would recommend to join the Stock Tank Pool Lovers Facebook group for more information. They have a lot of lessons learn from people that tried everything and great ideas for decoration around the tank. *** Just remember that all these decisions are personal to your family and what you want to experience.
- The tank cost can range from $300-$500 dollars depending on the size. The intex pump and accessories could go up to $150 dollars. This is the minimum you will spend. Be prepared for dropping in more cash if you need to level, build a deck, accessorize etc etc. The good news is. All of this can wait and be done slowly. It takes less than 1.5h to set up the tank and start enjoying it!
- Safety first – these tanks can hold up to 700 gallons of water or more depending on the size, and be 28inches deep. This is enough to be a safety hazard for little children. Be smart, be kind, be considerate. Make sure the tank is fenced and secured. Even if you don’t have little ones at home anymore, remember your neighbors might. Better safe than sorry.
Sounds like a lot but this is a really fun project. A nice way to be able to enjoy the outdoors of your home. Nothing like a little spot where you can read your favorite book, with a little music in the background and a drink near by while loading up on vitamin D!
xoxo,
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