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12 Stock Tank Pool Ideas That'll Bring Personality to Your Backyard

These ideas will definitely make a splash.

Headshot of Medgina Saint-ElienBy Medgina Saint-Elien
wood stock tank pool
Brandon Lajoie

Cue the nostalgia: Stock tank pools are officially in for all the right reasons. Originally intended as a water trough for livestock, the galvanized-steel tub transforms into a luxurious pool the moment you add a filter and chlorine. If your inflatable pool is showing signs of wear and tear or you think an above-ground pool will cramp your small backyard's style, these stock tank pool ideas are exactly what you need to cool off. They get the job done in a playful and stylish way and give you plenty of opportunities for you to express your personality, from the paint color for the exterior to the landscaping.

Stock tank pools, also known as cowboy pools, started out as relaxation zones for farmers seeking refuge after a long day of work in the sun. (Think a hot tub with no jets.) Today, they're part of unique pool designs in bohemian-style backyards and tiny house getaways all over the world. Stock tank pool ideas abound for small patios and other small spaces since they range in size from 3 to 10 feet wide and 2 to 3 feet high, but they're increasing in popularity everywhere since they're so affordable, easy to customize, and much less work to maintain than a full-size swimming pool.

To inspire your search for stock pool tank ideas that reflect your aesthetic, we gathered designs and layouts that will bring the fun and add value to your backyard. Just complete the scene with a few pool floats, chic lounge chairs, string lights, and a patio umbrella or two, and your family will never want to come back inside. Below, check out the stock tank pool inspiration you'll want to add to your Pinterest board. You're in for a memorable summer!

1

Adult Hangout

stock tank pool and bench
@carly_priestly/Instagram

If you've been longing for time to chat with your friends, hit this cove trellis that's designed for catching up. It's fully equipped with cushions, throw pillows, an awning for shade, string lights, and hooks for everyone's towels.

@carly_priestly

2

Rose Gold Drip

rose gold stock tank pool
dani.diy/Instagram

Painting on rose gold and white pinstripes puts a chic twist on a vintage stock tank pool. Place your favorite plants around the deck, and your space is Instagram ready.

@dani.diy

3

Sunset View

stock tank pool
@jenna.hazel/Instagram

If you'd rather not look at your neighbor's lawn, paint a beautiful sunset on the back of your garage to draw all eyes there instead. The sea foam blue coating on the outside of the pool blends right into the California beach day scene.

@jenna.hazel

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4

Upper Deck

stock tank pool
@harvey_house_austin/Instagram

If you're skilled at DIY projects, you can build a deck around your stock tank pool. Add a heater and float your cares away all year.

@harvey_house_austin

5

Surprise Tile

stock tank pool
@hannahcat10/Instagram

This pool proves to any naysayers that a stock tank pool can be whatever you want it to be! It puts the pool rules front and center with a cheeky message in hex tiles.


@hannahcat10

6

Serene Oasis

stock tank pool
@bacqyard.design/Instagram

A spa escape without leaving home? Sign us up! This wood-paneled stock tank pool is a slice of heaven from the firepit to the generous seating arrangements. You'll never want to go indoors.

@bacqyard

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7

Retro Rainbow

rainbow stock tank pools
@yourbirdcansing/Instagram

This petite sage green stock tank pool is the real treasure at the end of the rainbow. Throw in a fun swan float and candy-colored lawn chairs for a vibrant party setup.

@yourbirdcansing

8

Island Escape

stock tank pool
@theglamfarmlife/Instagram

Pave a gravel island from your back door straight to the watering hole. The glossy finish on this jet-black stock tank pool will make you look twice as cool lounging in it.

@theglamfarmlife

9

Rooftop Vibes

stock tank pool
@sunwoven/Instagram

Whether you moved from the city to the suburbs or are the hostess who commits to the theme, your outdoor setup can rival the fanciest rooftop party. Here, a black-and-white cabana and lounge chairs pop against the orange stock tank pool and accents, setting a Veuve Cliquot–inspired scene.

@sunwoven

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10

Built-In Playground

playground slide stock tank pool
@stocktankpool

Forget lawn sprinklers and inflatable pools. You'll win the Parent of the Year award by a landslide if you connect your child's playset to a stock tank pool like this.

@stocktankpool

11

Boho Paradise

stock tank pool ideas
@wanderplantpots/Instagram

Rattan, fringe, oversize plants, and a crisp white stock tank pool complete this free-spirited backyard retreat. Even if your outdoor space is small, landscaping like this can make it look grand.

@wanderpotplants

12

Daisy Dream

stock tank pool ideas
@stocktankpools/Instagram

A stock tank pool in a complementary color will fit right into your backyard. Here, the bright paint and flower decals coordinate with the existing tile and pop brightly against the blue house.

@stocktankpools

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