DIY Stock Tank Pool & Backyard Update

Our backyard started as a large space cluttered with trees. One of the trees looked like a giant Christmas Tree that was just waiting to be chopped. So, when I saw Ashley of Arrows & Bow do her DIY Stock Tank, I knew I finally had a reason to chop it down. 

Living in FL, summer is all year round and the Stock Tank Pool seemed like the perfect space to bring my friends together, relax in the pool and enjoy some rosé. But, in true Tiffany fashion, I couldn’t just do a little ol’ DIY. I had to turn it into something elaborate… sorry Jose. After all, the space has to be worthy of blog & IG photos.

The plan to put the stock tank pool in the backyard quickly escalated to ripping out two trees, all the grass, many hours of leveling (and then RE-LEVELING) and bringing in over 50 20 x 20 pavers. With the help of Jose, my dad, my friend Jenn and the internet I finally have a dream backyard.

Inspiration and helpful sources: Arrows & Bow DIY Stock Tank + Hey Wanderer YouTube videos

The Backyard:

The whole space feels completely “done” because we decided to add more of an area for seating. My goal for this area is going to be to bring in lounge chaise’s for tanning, a fire pit & some type of outdoor sofa situation for guests.

Materials:

We started by chopping down the trees, killing the grass (to make it easier to dig up) and marking off the area we wanted the new patio to go. Shovels came in handy when we dug up the grass, moved around the dirt and leveled the area. It took me two tries and a call to my dad to finally get the area leveled. Our yard dips down and in order to make the area level we have to remove a lot of dirt from the highest point to make it meet the lowest. Also, we lined the area with garden liner to keep the rocks in the designated area.

Once the area was leveled we moved to laying down each brick. The biggest piece of advice I can give when it comes to laying the bricks/making them straight is to use 2 2×4 pieces of wood. Line the bricks up with the edge of your home and continue on from there. I like to think I’m a great eye-baller, but this saved my life. 

Once we got each of the bricks level and laid, we filled in the remaining area with mountain granite rocks from Home Depot. I wanted the grey to off set the white of the 20×20 pavers. Plus, our home is tan so I felt like it was a really good contrast. 

The DIY Stock Tank Pool:

Now for the fun part!

Materials:

1. Started by calling our local Tractor Supply to have them order us the 8Ft Stock Tank. We learned that they don’t keep these in inventory because they are not in high demand. So, it takes about 2 weeks to get this in and then you have to pick it up. 
2. OPTIONAL: Paint it. I used Behr Oil Based paint in white with a brush
3. Make sure the area is level
4. Drill two holes in the stock tank using the hole saw. We made ours directly above one another.
5. Clean the threaded area of each item you’ll be using with PVC Cleaner 
6. Apply thread sealant to the threaded area of each item
7. The extra washers are to go between the strainer and the plunger valves. This helps prevent leaking. 
8. Place the output valve in the top hole, connecting the plunger valve to the outside of it and connecting the hose from the pump to the plunger valve. 
9. Place the strainer pieces in the bottom hole of the stock tank, connect the plunger valve to the outside and connect the other hose from the pump to the plunger valve. 
10. Check for leaks by filling the pool up with water
11. If there are not leaks, turn that pump on & enjoy!! 

• We were able to get away with not using caulking because we used the thread sealant. 

FAQ’S

What what the cost?

This cost about $575 to do. I opted to paint the outside of mine white, which added a little extra to the cost, but it’s optional. I used oil-base paint by Behr and painted it on with a paint brush! The entire process is showcased on my IG highlights under “backyard’

Would you do it again?

YES. In a heartbeat. I love quirky things like this that not many people have.

Does it get hot?

I have not experienced the exposed metal get too hot to touch. However, if you’re worried you can always cut pool noodles and place them around the edges. The water stays a pretty nice temp, almost like bath water, but still refreshing.