Stock tank pools—those shiny, round, and shallow galvanized steel beauties flooding Instagram and Pinterest—are quickly becoming the trendy alternative to traditional in-ground swimming pools.
Originally, these tanks served as massive water bowls for livestock on farms and ranches.
Back in the early 20th century, rural folks without plumbing would use them as makeshift bathtubs, heating pots of water on the stove for the weekly “Saturday night bath.”
Today, stock tank pools are the epitome of farmhouse chic, industrial style, desert boho vibes, and a DIY enthusiast’s dream.
Also known as cowboy pools or trough pools, you can spot them everywhere—from urban rooftops to Texas backyards and glamping spots in the California desert.
Available in round or oval shapes and various sizes, these pools can be crafted from polyethylene or galvanized steel.
DIY fans are getting creative by adding decks, sinking them into the ground, and personalizing their pools to fit their outdoor spaces and lifestyles perfectly.
Dive into our favorite cowboy pool designs, packed with tips and how-tos, and get ready to be inspired!
1. Add Whimsy
When you think of a galvanized stock tank pool, you might picture a rustic farm setting. However, you can easily transform this budget-friendly, above-ground pool to match your style.
Take a cue from Kelli and Kristi of Lolly Jane Blog: they spray-painted their stock tank a chic metallic champagne color, instantly elevating its look.
The addition of a stand-alone umbrella, an inflatable swan, and stenciled concrete brings a perfect blend of fun and elegance, creating a relaxing oasis for all ages.
2. Add a Deck
In Arizona, a stock tank pool offers a refreshing retreat at this canine rescue facility, where it’s the perfect spot to relax while watching the dogs play in the yard.
The surrounding deck gives the stock tank the feel of an in-ground pool, and a pergola provides much-needed shade for the dogs on lifeguard duty.
It’s a cool and inviting space for both humans and pets to enjoy.
3. Bring It To Life
Crystal Capps Cole had a dream for her backyard, and with a bit of help, she made it a reality.
The spacious deck offers plenty of room for lounging, while a wood slat back wall provides the perfect spot for plants and hanging towels.
The highlight, however, is the stock tank pool, which boasts dual sets of steps on either side for easy access.
Don’t miss the clever touch of blue pool noodles covering the rim, adding extra padding for a more comfortable and relaxing experience.
4. Keep It Simple
Stock tanks aren’t just for summer—they can be a year-round oasis.
Take inspiration from Harvey House, where a stock tank is elegantly concealed within a garapa wood deck, creating a polished and sleek backyard retreat.
This setup isn’t just for cooling off on a hot day; with a pool heater, the stock tank transforms into a cozy hot tub, perfect for enjoying in any season.
5. Decorate the Bottom
When designing your stock tank pool, don’t forget about the interior! Cool liner ideas can make a big impact.
Hannah Reesor took a creative approach by stenciling a message at the bottom of her pool using a flex seal.
The result is not only visually appealing but also serves as a gentle reminder that these pools are for relaxing, not diving. It’s a fun and practical way to personalize your pool!
6. Add Midcentury Style
Stock tanks aren’t limited to farmhouse-style decor. In California, Suburban Pop seamlessly integrated a stock tank pool into a 1960s ranch-style home.
The thoughtfully landscaped yard, complete with a fire area and butterfly chair seating, makes this DIY pool a standout feature that perfectly complements the retro aesthetic.
7. Build a Custom Bench
When Nashville-based best friends and bloggers Savannah and Casey of Hey Wanderer set up a stock tank pool last year, they envisioned a cozy spot to dangle their feet in the water.
To bring this idea to life, they built a DIY bench, creating the perfect place to relax and enjoy their pool.
8. Add Tropical Vibes
Andrew and Mallory Hunter crafted the ultimate backyard retreat at their Airstream Island in Atlanta.
Their stock tank pool, nestled among lush greenery and enclosed by a high fence, creates a serene space for relaxation.
The half-moon deck around the pool provides room for lounge chairs shaded by towering plant fronds.
For added convenience, an outdoor shower was installed for a refreshing rinse after a day of lounging. The result? A subtropical paradise right in their own backyard.
9. Paint It Black
Not every stock tank needs to be metallic or white—there are plenty of other options to consider.
Carrie Divin from Life My Style Carrie showcases a setup with dramatic flair and relaxation. Her corner features all the essentials for a perfect summer evening: a table with stool seating, lush greenery, a built-in firepit, and an elegant all-black stock tank.
The black fence adorned with string lights creates a cozy ambiance, making it tempting to linger in the pool even after the sun sets.
10. Add an Elevated Deck
The owners of this stock tank pool have turned it into a standout feature of their yard, calling it the Stoneway Swim Club.
With an elevated deck and matching loungers, this swim club is definitely worth the membership fees.
The half-deck design not only showcases the pool beautifully but also provides a stylish space to relax and unwind once you’re ready to get out of the water.
11. Add Bamboo Walls
With bamboo walls and water-patterned lining, this stock tank pool seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings.
Cuckoo4Design cleverly placed it along the side of the yard, adding a rock feature that curves around the pool, providing a perfect spot to sit and dip your legs into the water.
Solar lights extend the enjoyment of this oasis from day to night, while the combination of stone and bamboo creates a serene, spa-like atmosphere that invites relaxation.
12. Make It Kid-Friendly
Looking to amp up the fun factor of your stock tank pool? Take a cue from Nat Davis. What was already a charming treehouse and slide for the kids gets even better with a stock tank positioned at the bottom of the slide.
This addition turns a playful setup into an exhilarating splash zone for the whole family (just be sure to supervise the excitement).
13. Add Shade
Carolina Stovall of Denver eXp Realty has mastered the art of stylish relaxation with her stock tank setup.
The galvanized stock tank is strategically placed at just the right distance from the fire pit and seating area, preventing any splash interference while still keeping the space inviting for conversation.
To top it off, the entire area is shaded by a flowing white tarp, providing a cool escape from the sun’s harsh rays.
14. Bring the Pool Party Vibes
Fiber artist and textile designer Erin Barrett of Sunwoven has transformed her stock tank pool into a stunning centerpiece for her backyard, perfect for summer gatherings.
With vibrant yellow siding and a playful swan float, it radiates festive charm. To achieve a similar vibe, consider adding outdoor string lights, a set of lounge chairs, and a shade-providing umbrella or shelter.
These elements will help create a welcoming and stylish space for any occasion.
15. Customize With Wood
Customizing a stock tank pool to fit your style can be done in many creative ways. Take Chloe Elgar’s setup, for example.
The surrounding deck with stairs ensures easy access for both people and pets. The wood panels around the tank create a spa-like ambiance, while positioning the pool against the house keeps it conveniently close for a quick cool-down.
16. Add Privacy
Melissa Wyckstandt took her stock tank pool to the next level by creating a covered deck around it.
The built-in bench provides ample seating, while four posts support a tarp that covers the entire area, offering shade and protection.
Over time, Melissa has added more plants around the pool, enhancing both the privacy and aesthetic appeal of the space.
17. Incorporate Hidden Plumbing
When owning a stock tank pool, it’s important to consider how to store pool filters and accessories like hoses, brushes, and cleaning supplies.
The duo behind Real Sisters Fixer Uppers tackled this challenge by creating a clever bench-deck combo that hides the plumbing and keeps everything organized.
It’s a stylish solution that combines functionality with a neat appearance.
18. Build a Backyard Beach
Digging into the ground, placing your stock tank, and adding a wood platform with a layer of sand can transform your backyard into a beach-inspired retreat.
White Cactus House demonstrates this perfectly, turning their stock tank pool into a desert oasis with a few rolled towels and a spa-worthy tray of water and snacks.
It’s a simple yet effective way to create a relaxing, vacation-like atmosphere right at home.
19. Add a DIY Bamboo Border
Looking to give your stock tank a stylish upgrade? Consider covering it with bamboo rods, as demonstrated by Home by Hiliary.
The bamboo, secured with zip ties, not only adds a natural, textured look but the darker stain deepens the aesthetic.
Positioned at the corner of the patio, the stock tank blends seamlessly with the rest of the outdoor space and remains level, enhancing both its function and appearance.
20. Light Things Up
Just follow the twinkling lights to discover a charming stock tank hideaway at The Yellow Door House.
The square concrete stepping stones and strands of string lights create a whimsical path leading right to the pool. Enclosed by a high fence and shaded by a large outdoor umbrella, this setup offers plenty of privacy.
Surrounding the pool, a few smaller stock tanks with small trees demonstrate that these versatile tanks can serve purposes beyond just swimming.
21. Create Easy Access
Placing a stock tank on a bed of smaller rocks is a popular choice, but it can make getting in and out a bit tricky.
The Sommer Home has a clever solution: they installed concrete slab stepping stones all around the pool, providing easy access from every angle.
22. Include a Lounge Space
Lisa Martinez has transformed her stock tank pool into the ultimate transitional space. Take a refreshing dip, grab a towel from the basket, and then dry off on the patio.
Relax in a butterfly chair with your feet up on a pouf, and enjoy the convenience of a side table for your drink and book. It’s a perfect setup for a leisurely summer day.
23. Hardscape It
When dealing with a non-grassy or non-decked area, creativity is key. Willa DiTaranto’s stock tank setup shows how to navigate gravel with style.
She laid concrete patio slabs in neat rows, creating a smooth path that makes it easy to cross the gravel and enjoy a dip in the pool whenever you wish.
Why Cowboy Pools?
- Affordable Luxury: One of the biggest draws of cowboy pools is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional in-ground pools, stock tank pools are significantly cheaper. They offer a refreshing dip without breaking the bank, making them a great option for budget-conscious homeowners.
- DIY-Friendly: Building a cowboy pool is a straightforward DIY project. With a bit of planning and basic tools, you can transform a stock tank into a cozy, inviting oasis. This hands-on approach adds a personal touch and satisfaction to your backyard upgrade.
- Low Maintenance: Stock tank pools are relatively easy to maintain. Their simple design means fewer components and less hassle. With regular water treatment and some basic upkeep, your cowboy pool will remain a clean and enjoyable spot throughout the season.
- Versatility: Cowboy pools can fit into various backyard settings. Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a modest patio, these pools can be customized to suit your space. Add some vibrant design elements, like outdoor rugs or string lights, to enhance the ambiance.
- Rustic Appeal: The vintage aesthetic of a galvanized stock tank brings a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor space. It’s a nod to old-fashioned practicality with a modern twist, making it a conversation piece and a unique addition to your garden.
Tips for Creating Your Cowboy Pool
- Choose the Right Size: Stock tanks come in various sizes, so pick one that fits your space and meets your needs. Consider how many people will use it and the overall area available in your yard.
- Prepare the Site: Ensure the ground is level and free of debris before placing your tank. A sturdy base will help prevent the tank from shifting or sinking over time.
- Add Comfort: Enhance the pool experience with comfortable seating, such as lounge chairs or built-in benches. A poolside bar or small table can also add a touch of luxury.
- Water Care: Invest in a good filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. Regular maintenance will help ensure that your cowboy pool remains a refreshing retreat all season long.
Cowboy pools are more than just a trend; they’re a practical and charming way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly splash zone or a rustic statement piece, a stock tank pool offers a delightful blend of function and flair.
