7 Supplies for Converting a Stock Tank Into a Pool

There’s a point in mid-July when the heat settles in for good, and the idea of a cool dip becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. For those with a bit of space and a DIY spirit, the stock tank pool offers a durable, stylish, and affordable alternative to a traditional above-ground pool. But turning a piece of farm equipment into a backyard oasis requires more than just a tank and a hose; it demands the right set of supplies to ensure it’s clean, safe, and built to last.

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Choosing the Right Stock Tank for Your Space

Before you buy a single part, the most critical decision is the tank itself. The right choice depends entirely on your available space, how many people will use it, and your budget. Measure your intended location carefully, accounting for at least two to three feet of clearance around the entire perimeter for the pump, access, and general movement. A level spot is non-negotiable; a tank full of water is incredibly heavy, and an uneven base will put immense stress on one side of the structure.

Round, galvanized steel tanks are the classic choice for a reason—they offer the most usable space for their footprint and have a timeless aesthetic. An eight-foot diameter tank is a popular size, comfortably fitting a few adults, while a six-foot tank is better for smaller yards or couples. Consider the depth as well. Most stock tanks are two feet deep, which is perfect for cooling off and lounging, but not for actual swimming. This shallow depth is also a key feature for families with younger children, offering a safer environment than a deeper pool.

Stock Tank – Tarter Galvanized Steel Round Tank

The foundation of the entire project is, of course, the stock tank. This isn’t the place to compromise on quality, as the tank’s integrity determines the longevity of your pool. The Tarter Galvanized Steel Round Tank is a workhorse, trusted on farms for decades to withstand animals and weather, which means it can easily handle a few seasons as a backyard pool. Its G90 galvanized coating provides excellent rust resistance, and the rounded design has no sharp corners, making it safer for this new purpose.

What makes the Tarter tank a solid pick is its straightforward, rugged construction. The corrugated sides add immense structural strength, preventing bowing when filled with thousands of pounds of water. It also features a heavy-duty, rounded top rim that’s comfortable to lean on. Before purchasing, confirm the exact dimensions—an 8-foot tank is a common and versatile choice—and have a plan for delivery. These are bulky items, so ensure your drop-off location is close to the final setup spot to minimize the struggle of moving it into place.

Pool Pump – Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Pump

A stock tank filled with stagnant water will quickly become a murky, algae-filled pond. A pool pump is not an optional accessory; it’s the heart of your system, responsible for circulating water and filtering out debris, dirt, and bacteria. For a project of this scale, you don’t need a massive, commercial-grade pump. The Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is the go-to choice for stock tank conversions for its reliability, affordability, and simple operation.

This pump is designed for smaller above-ground pools, making its flow rate a perfect match for the water volume of a typical 6- or 8-foot stock tank. It uses easy-to-replace filter cartridges, which simplifies maintenance compared to a more complex sand filter system. Just remember to have a few extra Type A/C filter cartridges on hand; they need to be rinsed every week and replaced every two to three weeks, depending on use. This pump is ideal for anyone who wants an effective, set-it-and-forget-it filtration solution without a steep learning curve.

Inlet & Outlet Parts – Intex Plunger Valve Set

Connecting the pump to the tank requires creating two holes—one for water to exit (outlet) and one for clean water to return (inlet). The Intex Plunger Valve Set provides the essential hardware to make these connections secure and functional. These parts are specifically designed to work with the Intex pump hoses, ensuring a perfect, leak-free fit without any jury-rigged adapters.

The key feature of these plunger valves is the ability to stop the flow of water from the pool to the pump. This is incredibly useful for maintenance. When you need to clean the pump basket or change the filter cartridge, you can simply close the valves instead of having to drain a significant amount of water or frantically plug the holes. This set is a must-have for a professional-feeling setup and is not the place to try and piece together random plumbing parts from the hardware store.

Metal Hole Saw – DEWALT Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit

To install the inlet and outlet valves, you have to cut two clean, perfectly sized holes through the side of your brand-new galvanized steel tank. This is the most nerve-wracking step of the process, and using the wrong tool will result in a jagged, oversized hole that’s impossible to seal. A DEWALT Bi-Metal Hole Saw is the right tool for this job. Its hardened steel teeth are designed to cut smoothly through metal, leaving a clean edge that the valve gaskets can seal against tightly.

Before you buy, double-check the required hole size for your Intex plunger valves—it’s typically 2.75 inches, but always verify with your specific parts. The DEWALT kit often includes multiple sizes, which is useful for other projects, but you can also buy a single saw if needed. Use a powerful drill, apply firm, steady pressure, and use cutting oil to keep the saw cool and sharp. This is a one-shot deal; a high-quality hole saw ensures you get it right the first time.

Waterproof Sealant – Gorilla Patch & Seal Liquid

Even with perfectly cut holes and tight-fitting gaskets, an extra layer of waterproofing is essential for long-term peace of mind. The connection points for the pump are the most likely failure points for leaks. Gorilla Patch & Seal Liquid is a thick, rubberized sealant that you paint on around the exterior of the inlet and outlet fittings after they are installed. It creates a flexible, 100% waterproof barrier that fills any microscopic gaps.

Apply a generous coat around the entire base of each fitting where it meets the metal tank wall. The sealant self-levels to create a smooth, durable membrane that can withstand the constant water pressure and temperature fluctuations. One can is more than enough for this project. Don’t skip this step; a slow, persistent leak can undermine the ground beneath your pool and become a major headache to fix later.

Chlorine Dispenser – U.S. Pool Supply Floater

Keeping your pool water sanitary is crucial for health and safety. The easiest and most consistent way to chlorinate a small body of water like a stock tank is with a floating dispenser. The U.S. Pool Supply Floating Chlorine Dispenser is a simple, effective tool for the job. You simply fill it with chlorine tablets, adjust the flow rate at the base, and let it float around, slowly and evenly dissolving the chlorine.

For stock tank pools, it’s important to use 1-inch chlorine tablets, not the larger 3-inch tablets common for full-sized pools. The smaller water volume means you can easily over-chlorinate with larger tablets, leading to skin and eye irritation. This floater is perfectly sized for the 1-inch tablets and allows you to fine-tune the amount of chlorine being released. It’s a low-effort, high-impact tool for maintaining clean water.

Ground Cover – Intex Round Pool Ground Cloth

While a stock tank is tough, its galvanized bottom can still be punctured by a sharp rock or root left behind during site prep. A ground cover provides a crucial layer of protection between the ground and the tank. The Intex Round Pool Ground Cloth is an inexpensive and practical solution. Made from a durable, tarp-like material, it helps prevent abrasions and punctures that could lead to rust and leaks over time.

Placing this cloth down on your leveled ground before setting the tank in place also provides a small barrier against moisture from the ground, further protecting the tank’s underside. Choose a size that is slightly larger than the diameter of your tank. It’s a simple, preventative measure that can significantly extend the life of your pool for a very small investment.

Keeping Your Stock Tank Pool Water Clean

Once your pool is built, the work shifts to maintenance. Keeping the water clear and safe is an ongoing task, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is a consistent, simple routine. First, use a small pool skimmer daily to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris before they sink and decay. This single action dramatically reduces the workload on your filter.

Second, get a basic water testing kit and check the chlorine and pH levels at least twice a week, or more often after heavy use or a rainstorm. Adjust the chemicals as needed to keep them in the safe range. Finally, make a habit of checking your pump’s filter cartridge. A clogged filter can’t do its job, so rinse it with a hose weekly and have a replacement ready to swap in every few weeks to ensure your water stays in constant, clean circulation.

Pool Cover – Blue Wave Round Above Ground Cover

A pool cover is one of the most valuable accessories you can buy. It does more than just keep leaves and dirt out of the water; it also reduces water evaporation and helps retain heat overnight. The Blue Wave Round Above Ground Pool Cover is an excellent fit for a stock tank. Unlike a simple tarp, this cover is designed for pools and comes with a heavy-duty cable and winch system to cinch it tightly below the tank’s rim.

This secure fit is crucial—it prevents the cover from blowing off in the wind and ensures a tight seal against debris. The material is treated to resist UV damage, so it won’t break down after one season in the sun. By keeping your pool covered when not in use, you’ll spend far less time skimming and more time enjoying the clean water.

Pool Ladder – Bestway Flowclear 30-Inch Ladder

A two-foot-high metal wall can be awkward to climb over, especially for kids or less mobile adults. A ladder adds a necessary element of safety and convenience. The Bestway Flowclear 30-Inch Ladder is a great choice for a standard stock tank pool. Its height is a perfect match for the 24-inch depth of most tanks, providing just enough clearance without being excessively tall.

This ladder is designed for outdoor use with a corrosion-resistant metal frame and heavy-duty plastic steps. It’s a simple A-frame design that requires no permanent installation—you just set it over the side of the pool. For anyone with children, or for those who simply want an easier way in and out, a properly sized ladder is not a luxury, but a core component of a safe and user-friendly setup.

Final Steps for Your New Backyard Oasis

With all the components purchased and the tank in its final, level position, the assembly can begin. After cutting the holes and installing the pump fittings with a generous application of sealant, let the sealant cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually 24 hours. This requires patience, but it’s critical for a watertight seal.

Once cured, you can begin filling the tank. As the water level rises past the outlet fitting, check carefully for any signs of leaks. When the tank is full, prime the pump by following the Intex manual’s instructions to remove air from the system, then turn it on. With the water circulating and the chlorine floater deployed, your stock tank is officially a pool, ready for that first refreshing plunge on a hot afternoon.

Building a stock tank pool is a satisfying project that transforms a simple piece of agricultural equipment into the centerpiece of your backyard. By selecting the right, durable components from the start, you create a low-maintenance retreat that will last for many seasons to come. It’s a practical, achievable way to bring the simple joy of cool water to your own corner of the world.