Transform The Look Of Your DIY Cowboy Pool With These Ideas And Tips

Cheap, versatile, and available in all shapes and sizes, a stock tank or "cowboy pool" is an easy way to enjoy a pool in your backyard without breaking the bank to have one installed: To make it happen, all you need is a metal stock tank and a pool pump. Since the idea has gone viral online, there have been thousands of online videos published that show you how to create your own stock tank pool in just a few hours. You can even use a stock tank to DIY a wood-fired hot tub just in time for summer nights. However, compared to a "real" pool, these oversized cattle troughs aren't the most glamourous backyard feature, especially if you prefer a vibe that's more fresh and chic than country rustic. Luckily, incorporating a few extra touches into your cowboy pool can make a major difference, such as a pretty pool liner, a simple stained deck, or some clever landscaping techniques.

So, don't give up. If you're eager to take a splash in a cheap backyard pool this summer, you don't have to put up with a bare galvanized steel stock tank and call yourself lucky. There are plenty of easy DIY tip and tricks to make this summertime necessity feel more aesthetically pleasing — or even turn it into a beautiful oasis, both inside and out. 

A pool liner is one of the first things you can do to improve the look of your stock tank pool. A pool liner won't just add a splash of color and a more comfortable feel underfoot; it can also prevent your steel tank from rusting over time. Pick up a thick vinyl pool liner that is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of your stock tank, such as the 12 foot round overlap liner from Walmart. After installing the liner, hold it in place with liner clamps and hide the edges by slicing pool noodles lengthwise and slipping them on all around the rim of the stock tank. Doing this will also make it more comfortable to sit on the edge of the pool! Of course, remember that adding a pool liner means you shouldn't drain your pool in winter, as a dry liner can develop chips and cracks. 

When it comes to disguising the exterior of your pool, don't be afraid to choose a fun paint color like pink or yellow, or even opt for a summery neutral like cool navy or sandy beige. A high-performance epoxy paint will be best to jazz up the exterior metal without peeling or chipping, but you may need to prepare the metal surface with a rubber spray to give it some grip. Alternatively, you can wrap the outside in wood planks or bamboo for a natural look.

Even if you don't change anything about the stock tank itself, you can still dramatically enhance the look by paying attention to the pool's surroundings. Firstly, if your pool is just sitting on bare, soggy grass, it won't look like a tempting place to swim. Instead, consider spreading gravel around your pool to help with aesthetics and drainage, then add paver stones so swimmers can easily enter and exit the pool without dragging excess dirt or rocks on their feet. From there, decorate the area with some splash-friendly, perfect plants to landscape with in your pool area. Palm trees, succulents, and ferns are just a few options that can beautify your pool area without making a mess. 

For an even more charming stock tank pool area, consider building a raised deck. Building a pretty stained deck at pool-height will help the pool blend into its surroundings and look more permanent. If you add a set of stairs, you can even provide some convenient hidden storage. A deck can also make it easy to sit on the edge and soak your feet, set down drinks, our sunbathe between dips in the pool. Just don't forget to include a shade umbrella or pavilion!