Stock Tank Pool DIY! Easy Backyard Plunge Pool | How To Build
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Find PLANS for the pool deck here: bit.ly/3wvoqVd
DIY stock tank pool! This video gives you the supplies and steps to DIY your own Stock Tank Pool for your backyard. Once you have your ground leveled and ready, you can knock out this project in an afternoon and be enjoying that cool water. Due to popularity, the supplies can be hard to find. So I recommend that you start to find all of the supplies ahead of time so you are ready for the next pool season.
The pool in this video is a 6' tank. We have since upgraded to an 8' tank (see it here: • DIY POOL DECK with a S... )
Check out how I built a DECK for my stock tank pool here! • DIY POOL DECK with a S...
Find all my build plans here: bit.ly/3BQhp4X
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Things I Used:
Stock Tank Pool (typically found at a feed/farm supply store)
Pool Filter Pump: rivr.link/MRG-... (this one is slightly bigger and better than the one I used in the video)
Even better filter/pump (that I now use): Waterway TWM 30-s sand filter pump: bit.ly/44HVYCs
Pump timer: rivr.link/MRG-...
Pre-Fill Water Filter: rivr.link/MRG-...
Hydrogen Peroxide: bit.ly/3ERnlxW
Plunge Valves: rivr.link/MRG-...
Inlet: you need this part bit.ly/3lztenG and this part bit.ly/3nN87QK
Inlet Nut: bit.ly/36TKXCi
Hole Saw: rivr.link/MRG-...
Glass Filter Media: rivr.link/MRG-...
H202 Test Strips: rivr.link/MRG-...
Marine Sealant: rivr.link/MRG-...
Plumbing Tape: rivr.link/MRG-...
Pool Skimmer: rivr.link/MRG-...
Pool Cover: rivr.link/MRG-...
Pool Vacuum: amzn.to/3I4vHms
Cantilevered Pool Umbrella: rstyle.me/+wIS...
Another Cantilevered Umbrella: rstyle.me/+9dl...
Another Cantilevered Umbrella: amzn.to/3NCn5Fy
More links here: bit.ly/47ot1Lz
Thanks so much to Stock Tank Love for the guidance! Find them here: bit.ly/3jQiEIl
Watch more videos!
House Projects: bit.ly/3h6bml2
Outdoor Projects: bit.ly/3ttNBqI
Most Popular: bit.ly/3hne3NV
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Website: www.makergray.com
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Thanks for watching!
Erin Longfellow
www.makergray.com
I'm Erin Longfellow and I'm a maker, DIYer, builder, designer and content creator. My goal is to help you learn that you too can build or DIY what I make, or anything you need, with easily acessible tools and materials. On this channel you're going to find different builds and designs with a modern emphasis that are DIY friendly, mostly through woodworking, metalworking, construction and home renovations. Be sure to subscribe and enable all notifications! And thanks for watching!
#stocktankpool #diy #makergray
I also built a cool wooden DECK for our pool! Check out that video here: th-cam.com/video/PKUS77duDqk/w-d-xo.html Thanks so much for watching!
Many, many years ago we also used the stock tank pool, the kids really enjoyed the experience. It was supplied by a Dempster Windmill and the water was very cold, you think the kids cared, I guess not. Many hours of enjoyment for very hot afternoons. 👍👍👍. 5-6-2023
Wife was perusing facebook as usual. I thought it a waste of time or, at best, lightly entertaining. Then! She showed me your pool set-up.
Pool, deck, and umbrella. Love It! So I watched the brief vid. It's just what we need so I looked the link up on YT. I am impressed with your ability to instruct with detail and simplicity. It demonstrates experience and thinking ability.
Thanks so much. Keep up your instructional videos. Not all who have them can do so with you skillful speaking ability.
Thanks again. 👍😄
This is so kind and I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you so much :) Really appreciate it and much more to come!
@@MakerGray I've subscribed. No easy task as I am critical of details and NOT interested in people who love to hear themselves talk. Not so with you. Glad to see a Real woman. One who is willing And able to get right in there and "git'er dun." Taunt my daughter power tool usage and safety. We had fun cutting up a $1500 dining room table that I couldn't sell.
Surprised that you responded, especially so quickly. Oh! Btw, clamps? For me, genius. I am healthy so i level midway and Muscle first couple of lag bolts with a reach. It works, but Boy! It's break time right after. No more work. Clamps from now on. Keep up the good work. Anyone would be blessed to know you. Toodles for now. I WILL be following you channel.
40 yrs ago, when our kids were young, my husband used pvc, painted black, ran heated water into the pool. The sun heated the black pvc, which heated the water. Worked like a charm
I love smart solutions!
Wow! I’ve watched a ton of stock tank pool how-tos and yours is the most instructional and comprehensive I’ve seen. Thank you for always producing great content, thinking of your audience and giving us pretty pictures to zoom into! Deck is outstanding too! 👏
That is so nice of you to say! Thank you so much! And thank you for watching :) I greatly appreciate it!
I've watched them ALL. This one is best :)
This channel is severely underrated. I can't wait to see you blow up!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that 🙏🏼✨
I used your video to put mine together today and it was sooo simple! Can't wait to start on the deck!
Yay that’s so great to hear! Enjoy the pool! And you’ll love the deck upgrade 😄 Thanks!
Total promoting friend comment 🙂
WoW! I watched your outdoor shower build video then this one and hit the subscribe button. You are a natural born teacher! I hate videos that just can't get to the point with waaaay too much yapping! LoL. Your editing is excellent and the camera is always in the right spot. Much thanks from Louisiana! Please keep sharing your knowledge with us.
Thank you very much! Really appreciate it :)
@@MakerGray You're welcome! ⚜️
Super great project and I really appreciate the natural approach to water cleansing. Camplux propane water heaters seem like a solid way to go for heating the water.
Thanks so much! And yep, that's the direction I'm going (as of now) if I ever turn it into a hot tub.
Hello, i'm french and i want to tell you "thank you" for this vidéo. This summer a install my pool tank and i follow yours advices. I'm so happy of the result. Now, i'm looking for a solution to warm up my pool but it's an another subject. Your channel is really really amazing. Take care. Goodbye
This is wonderful!! Thank you for your comment and for watching! Enjoy the pool :)
This is pretty cool, and a project I've thought about doing myself. It'd be cool if you made a video about the maintenance over the two years since you made this video.
I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!
Love what you have done with this. Great ideas for me and many others . I am getting rid of my big pool so down sizing to this with everything you have added to it is the best way to go.
Great idea never heard of anyone building a pool out of this!! My hot tube is starting to be very high maintenance. I know this is not the same. But a great alternative for alot cheaper. I'm sure I could ad a heater and custom cover.
Lots of insulation for the winter. But probably not for you in Texas. In Canada we run hot tubs all year. But there very well insulated!! Nothing better than sitting in your tub at negative 20c ,your hair freezes but your nice in warm!
I want to do this. I'm thinking a smaller tank for ice baths. I'm glad I found your video. Great job.
Thank you very much!
Glad I found you. That’s so neat of idea saw on ur fence project. I think I could even do this. Might could find a pillow type thing for rounds of metal so wont be so hot. Keep the project’s coming 😊
Welcome! And thanks so much for watching! Lots to come :)
Wooohoooooo!!! Love this and love seeing ladies build! Now time to build mine. Thank you for sharing your gifts and info!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for watching!
Great work and ideas, I love it. Can I suggest on the inlet add a pipe with a sprinkler with 6 hole or a small waterjet, to send water up over the air and back in the pool. This will cool the pool down and also help with bacteria control.
Great idea! I saw something like this that was solar powered. Might implement this this year. Thanks!
Loved your tank. Had once when I "was" married. Now wanna get another one and enjoy as you are. Put something up about doubling the pool as a hot tubby.. Thank You for sharing. Respectfully; Robert.
Thanks Robert!
Enjoyed your video. Looks like I could handle all the things required to build one.
Thank you! I hope you do it!
This is awesome! I'm in the middle of researching how people do their piping because I know NOTHING about it. I know how to dig.. or fill up water.. Cutting holes sure... but when it comes to pumps I am slumped! Your video is really comprehensive though and helps me understand the process a lot more! I'm going to be building a hottub/spa onsen in my backyard cause.....why not!
This is great to hear! Thanks so much for watching and enjoy the spa!!
Such a chill spot😊
Love this. I've been looking for easy instructions. Thank you
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
Hi! We just bought our stock tank for the summer!! Have wanted to do this for awhile!! Thanks for the great how to video! I really appreciated the comments about the sand filter and the hydrogen peroxide! Thanks for those! Cheers to cool dips in the pool this summer!
Wahoo great news! You're going to love it! So glad my video was helpful :) Cheers back!
The pool turned out great Erin, that's a sweet deck too! 😍👌🏻 Awesome work! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
Thanks so much Fred! I love it!
What a great idea, Erin! We bought an eight foot round tank for our kids to use as a pool when they were young, since we hated throwing away those silly plastic pools every year (they never seemed to last much longer). It was strictly country, not nearly as nice as you have made yours, but they loved it and we sold it about fifteen years later for the same price we paid for it!
Oh wow Tim! I love that story!
This will be a great idea when I get my small house 🏠 built in the future, of course the state that I live in goes through seasons including winter ❄️ so I might have to incorporate it into my backyard deck that will be a sun room or something like that.
Wow I want one, I have a huge patio I could put it on but I doubt my husband would go for it then I'd need the HOA to go for it. No one would see it in my back yard, so maybe if I put in as a hot tub they would.
Best video around TH-cam ! I'm about to start drilling my holes but wasn't sure if I had the exact amount of pieces now I do know I need to buy extra!
So glad it helped! Thanks for watching and enjoy your pool!
Hi, I was going to buy one but I chickened out because I read that the zinc in galvanized steel is bad for you. What do you think?
I grew up on a ranch in Runnels County, TX. We had 10 stock ponds on our property and each had a windmill and a galvanized steel stock tank that the windmill pumped into. The overflow went out into the ponds which were made by bulldozing a dam across a natural gully. The metal tanks were always brim full of cold, clear well water. I skinny dipped in those tanks MANY times on hot Texas days after working in the pastures.
The horses and cows didn't mind. 😜
Enjoy it!
I love this story! Sounds so refreshing and natural :) Thanks!!
Now, this is fabulously done! You did an amazing job on that pool. I purchased one 4 years ago for ducks to play in. I think that I will follow your lead and turn mine into this one! Thanks!! 😊👏
Thanks so much! I hope you do it!
Cool that looks refreshing
It is! It's the only way we beat the heat down here in the south
Wow I’m impressed that was so informative,thanks for the video.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Oregon USA here 💜..yaaay to girl power....nice vid...I just set up a Poly tank...like ur tip about using glass, instead of sand...now I know what to do with all my Vino, Crown Royal, n Patron bottles💯👍bwahaha...Nan in PDX 🙃
Hey from Texas, Oregan Nan! Thanks for watching! Enjoy the pool :)
Where is the link for the outlet in minute 1:17?
Gorgeous, wish I had these skills 😢
Very well done. Kudos! Gary
Thanks so much Gary!
Thanks so much for the help! Turned out shading. Wondering if the timer you put in the list is necessary since the filter runs on a 24 hour cycle?
Good question. The timer lets you get more defined with your on/off times. We can have ours turn on and off twice at different times throughout the day. Hope this helps and thanks!!
Hey There, This is an excellent video. What you forgot was a proper GFI electrical connection. And would it not have been more efficient if the inlet and outflow were almost 180 degrees seperate? Overall, very neat work.
Thanks for the comment! Great point about the GFCI. I have it plugged into a GFCI connection (not shown - several things have changed since this video). 180 degree separate flows would be just fine. However, the hoses are not long enough for that reach. Also, the way I have it now works great! This setup really creates the movement needed and especially helps that the inlet is slightly lower. Cool water from the bottom flows in and then back out the outlet on the top. Thanks again!
@@MakerGray do you think running the pump off an extension cord is a bad idea? We just bought a stock tank and I want to get it set up for a heat wave coming our way! it's too far from any outlets though, so I'd need to use an ext. cord.
Your very talented, thank you for the great idea!
Yes!! Stocktanks have also reached the Netherlands (they're not used for livestock here so they don't produce them in Europe). We bought one last year imported from the U.S. and we are very happy with it. It looks so great in our garden, much better than a plastic swimming pool. We wanted to install a pump but I was a little bit scared to drill holes into it because we also have the one with the ribs and I was afraid for leakage. Thanks to your instructions I'm going to give it a try. Great video, very well explained! I'm going to follow you on Instagram. Looking forward to you turning it into a hot tub (because that's what I also have in mind for the winter) :)
Thanks Ria! I'm so glad to hear they have made it out your way! You can totally do it. The sealant really does help. I've never had a leak. Good luck, and hope to see you on Instagram!
Woman, you rock!!! I wonder if I can do all this.
Thanks! you totally can!!
Thanks for this thorough overview. Appreciate. I few questions. 1) Why is the inlet above the outlet? I would think the opposite would be needed to fully drain the pool. 2) Can the pump be located remotely and you bury PVC up to the tank, making the final connections with the flexible hoses you show in the video?
Hi there, the inlet valve is *lower* than the outlet. I did this because particles in the water tend to sink and having the inlet lower gives it the ability to clean more water. Then it pumps fresh out on top. I don't use the inlet to drain the pool but instead I use the threaded drain hole in the bottom side. I can thread on a hose and let it go. I'm not sure about locating the pump remotely but I'm thinking no. the closer it is to the pool, the stronger it is. Thanks!
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching!
So flippin' cool Erin! I hope you do turn it into a hot tub...that would be extra cool!
Thanks so much, Ethan!! I think we will!
@@MakerGray Awesome, can't wait!
Well done and concise video!
Thanks so much!
This was our pool when I was in grade school (minus the filter) in the 60s...
That is so awesome, now I am going to make one of these for my wife and I! Thank you
Great! You're going to love it!
Good job!
That looks amazing!!
Thank you!
Nice job!
Thank you!
You did a great job thanks for sharing God bless you always
Thanks so much!
Turned out great! Enjoy!!
Thanks for watching!
Love it!! I can’t wait to sit in that pool!!
Thanks so much buddy! Can’t wait to have you!
I am with everyone else, your videos are so easy to follow. Now I have the confidence to build my own. But man of man, I am struggling to find the intake valve. I purchased the Intex SX 1500 pump. I love the idea of using the Hydrogen Peroxide instead of chorine, hoping it will hope up to these Florida summers.
Thank you for the kind words and for watching! Re: the intake valve, did you check out the links I have in the description? I'm hoping those might help you find what you need
I’m using chlorine with my stock tank. What are the disadvantages that you mentioned. I’m curious and open to the product that you showed.
You didn't put the black basket on? Does the Marine sealant just replace that?
I grew up swimming in stock tanks although we called them water troughs and most the time the cows would come drink while we were swimming in them.
Bonus cows!
love this idea.... but does this stock tank rust?
Nope! Especially if you use the hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner. Chlorine (when not used properly) can lead to rust. This is our 4th summer and zero rust.
I’m here because of April. Excellent video
Oh that's wonderful to hear! Thank you and welcome!
Yessssss, hot tub ❤
Yes!
Can you make a pool enclosure for it? Maybe one of those 10x10 gazebos or a greenhouse?
I thought it was great I neeed to get a stock tank when I move down south in Florida and Texas.
Thanks! Yes I highly recommend it!
Could you stack 2 tanks on top of each other to make a deeper pool?
Is the outlet valve that comes with the waterway filter compatible with the inlet valves for Intex (Or do I need to get separate parts if we go with that pump)
Hi, great video! Question about the links for the intake, it's 1 strainer grid, 1 threaded strainer connector, and 1 strainer nut? What about the outtake?
I can't seem to find the outlet alone, but if you purchase this kit (and use what you need from it) it is included here: amzn.to/3MjhjKK Thanks!
Thank you! Everything is installed and working great! The only question I have is how much hydrogen peroxide did you have to put in? I ended up putting in the whole bottle across several days and it still isn't testing where it's supposed to on the test strip (google says around .3-.5 ppm?) Is this normal? I feel like i'm doing something wrong. It's an 8 ft stock tank. TIA!
This is so thorough. Thank you very much 😊.
Yay! I appreciate you watching! Thank you
Awesome pool diy.
Thanks!
Awesome job
Thanks!
I am interested in hearing about the hot tub conversion.
so does that metal get really really hot ... and what about lightening ?
Just ordered my 6 foot stock tank..really excited and motivated thanks to your video. Just wondering if you find the 6 foot a little small? Just looking to cool off with the wife. We do have 2 small kids but don't have the space for an 8 foot. Thanks for posting this video, very helpful ✌
Yay! You're going to love it! The 6' will be fine for you. Of course, bigger is always better, but we have found the 6' to be great and way better than nothing. Definitely gets the job done for floating around for one or sitting and chilling for a few adults (or a family). Excited for you guys!
Did you make it into a hot tub? If so id love to see how you did it.
I just installed a heater on our outdoor shower, which is the same heater I would use for the pool. So I'm contemplating heating the pool next! th-cam.com/video/0PdFhpyDOpw/w-d-xo.html
Great job, Maker Gray! Love it!
Thanks!!
Do you put a spigot at the very bottom in order to completely drain it at times?
The tanks come with a drain hole near the bottom on the side. You can just open the drain and let it go. Or, the drain has threads that fits a water hose so you can also attach a hose and drain the water in a location you choose. Super convenient when you need to drain the water.
This is a great video.
Thank you! I appreciate it
This is excellent! Maybe this is a silly question, but what would be the top recommendation for covering this when not in use? A tarp? Some sort of lid?
Thank you! Great question. We usually leave ours uncovered with no issues at all. They like to be uncovered and breathe. I've see a lot of different options, but this is what we use when we need it! amzn.to/3mKRvsz
Ive seen people use simple square tarp that is secured on all four corners. Keeps a lot of debris out.
That's awesome~! Maybe I'll fill in my pool with concrete and replace it with this. ;-)
What do you do with the grounding rod?
Great job, looks so inviting too 😎😎😎😎👊
Thank you for watching Iain!
Love it❤
Wow I love it 🥰 Looks great 👍
Thank you so much!
Hey!! Any issues with rust using no liner and hydrogen peroxide? If not this definitely the route I want to go.
EDIT: Just read through and saw you had no rust issues. Going this route. Thanks so much!! (There are SO many opinions on stock tank set-ups. Good Lort)
Haha yeah so many! And yep, still rust free and clean water! Thanks!
Hi hope u get this. Going to give this a try but I can't find where u got your tank and pump. Its not showing me the links to find it. I looked on the Market Place but they did not pop up.
Hello.. Was that first stock tank you used, a six ft Dia. one ? I am wanting to do the exact same thing. A six ft Dia is just the right size and buget for me.
Yep! The first one was 6'. The second is an 8'. Thanks for watching!
Does the metal get too hot to lean against on the hottest days?
Not really a problem! The rim can get hot, but one splash of water instantly cools it down. Some people install pool noodles around the edges to combat this. Easy :)
Can you turn it into a salt water pool?
Looks great, please keep an eye on very young children who are drawn to water and may get into trouble.
For sure. Thanks!
Love it! It’s a perfect temp pool while we dig and build our natural recreation pond. I’m wondering if Tesla purple plates would kill enough of the bacteria which could be hidden inside the pump. Great job.! 👍🇦🇺
Thanks! And natural recreation ponds are so cool!
@@MakerGray they are. I’m building yr wood store today. Great design for my little shed.💕🙏🇦🇺
Hi! Wonderful instructions! I think I’m going to see if I can do it. One quick question though, I see you didn’t use a liner. How is the stock tank holding up after having hydrogen peroxide and water in it?
Really well! The hydrogen peroxide doesn't have any effect on the tank or have the potential to cause rust. Third season in and it's holding up great and super clean. Thank you!
Love this idea!
Thanks!
Most of the diy instructions I have seen discuss painting the inside. Is this necessary to prevent rusting or an unnecessary step?
In my experience (and from what I've learned from my professional installer friends) it's unnecessary. This year will be our third summer with the pool and not a speck of rust. Using hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning agent like we do helps. Chlorine is fine to use (rust wise) as long as it stays contained in the distributor container and never comes directly into contact with the metal. If we ever do see rust begin, I'll treat it and then look into the epoxy painting.
I’ve been wanting to make a hot tub
What beer do you recommend to go along with this pool?
Cold :)
You video is awesome, thank you.
Thank you for watching :)
Smart going without chlorine.
more holes more pumps insulate outside wall add heater and hot tub!
Hey, Erin! I think I saw in the comments that you have your pool in the shade. I'm curious though if your pool gets any direct sunlight (or if you've heard from others) how hot the steel lip gets. Thinking about building one of these, but I'm worried about that steel heating up in direct sunlight and being super hot to the touch. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Hi! In hot weather and in full sun, the metal lip does get hot. I usually just splash some water on it and it cools off right away. But I've also seen people cut pool noodles down the center, lengthwise, and attach them to the rim all the way around. Definitely an easy fix :)
@@MakerGray Awesome. Thanks for the info and tip! :)
That deck 😍😍😍
Right?! The deck is a game changer!