As summer temperatures begin to sweep the nation, people coast-to-coast will be looking for ways to keep cool. Beaches are a season favorite, but they are a luxury only coastal dwellers can enjoy. Taking a trip to a pool can hit the spot, but rounding up the kids can be a hassle. Let’s face it. We’ve all always wanted a pool we can enjoy in our own backyard.
Unfortunately, there’s a small catch to the dream of a personal swimming pool. More specifically, there’s a hefty price tag attached. Between digging, delivery, plumbing, installation, and maintenance, an inground home pool costs anywhere from $6,000 to $115,000. (1, 2) Even with a range that wide, the average cost is closer to $45,000.
While dropping enough cash to fill our new pool isn’t a viable option for most of us, this new trend may be the answer we are looking for!
This Summer’s Superstar: Stock Tank Pools
You may be familiar with the sight of a stock tank. They are a common accessory of farms and ranches, which typically serve as massive troughs for livestock and horses. You may be less familiar with their nickname, though. Lovingly titled “hillbilly hot tubs,” these galvanized steel basins have another function that is rising in popularity. As it turns out, stock tanks make incredible swimming pools!
Stock tank pools are inexpensive and easy to buy online. Instead of the thousands, you would spend on pool construction, a good sized stock tank is priced in the hundreds. (3) They come in all shapes and sizes and are more durable than other plastic backyard pool options. Better yet, they are incredibly easy to install. All you need is a flat patch of backyard and a clean water source. The garden hose will do just fine!
Maintenance is even easier. Keeping your stock tank pool clean keeps very close to your regular ideas of pool/spa care. Treat the water with balanced chlorine levels, or regularly drain and refill with ease! Annie McCreary of Instagram says she and her family use an above-ground pump filter for their stock tank pool. (4) Pumps are also relatively inexpensive, which keeps your whole pool setup within a modest budget.
Rustic Style to the Rescue
Your yard won’t suffer for style once your stock tank pool joins the scene. The versatile appearance of the tank itself leaves endless possibilities when integrating it into your space. The galvanized steel looks amazing with rock, wood, or raw nature as a backdrop.
Let your creativity shape your new pool area to your heart’s content! You could make this pool a cornerstone of your backyard some landscaping or let it stand alone for a rustic flair for your deck. For a family, you can pick a larger, round pool for the kids to splash in. You can also put together a personal jacuzzi corner with a narrower design for you and your spouse. No matter where your imagination takes you, your new pool area will elevate your summer days to a whole new level of cool.
