5 of the biggest problems people have with stock tank pools—and how to prevent them
Don't let these common issues scare you away from the coolest trend of the summer
Don't let these common issues scare you away from the coolest trend of the summer
Don't let these common issues scare you away from the coolest trend of the summer
Stock tank pools have been , and it's easy to see why. The DIY hot tubs are a fun, rustic throwback to good ol' country living. The tubs look good or , and with a starting price of $50, they're pretty darn affordable, too. But as cool as the trend is, there are still concerns about the cons of using stock tanks for swimming purposes. Thankfully, it turns out there are pretty simple solutions to all of the most common issues.
1. "How do you keep 'slime' from building up around the edges?"
That "slime" is actually algae, and as points out, it can (and does) happen in any pool—even if you can't see it. Yes, "slime" is gross, and it can lead to other problems, like bacterial growth, slippery steps, and skin irritation, but it's totally preventable and treatable. You'll want to buy a and regularly skim the surface, plus maybe even a to remove build-up from the bottom.
"We definitely recommend getting a small pump and filter or aerator," Brettan Hawkins, social media manager at and seasoned , tells CountryLiving.com. "As they transfer and move the stock tank water, they keep the water from getting too hot, prevent algae and other buildup, and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. We sell and , or you can get a from a pool store. A small aerator is also a good option if you want to avoid lots of chemicals ... If the water starts to get mucky for whatever reason, just drain and refill. Our stock tanks come with spigots for easy drainage."
Of course, will also help keep the water clean. Depending on the levels of chlorine in your water, you may want to add a small amount and often.
2. "Won't they rust?"
Speaking of chemicals, they're to blame for this other issue: If you're using chlorine tablets, be sure to put them in a rather than dropping directly into the metal pool to avoid corrosion and rust, Hawkins says. You can also seal the inside of the tank (Tractor Supply Company customers have applied ) to prevent rusting.
3. "What about mosquitoes?"
As we all know, standing water can be . Again, a pump will keep the water moving, but if bugs are still, well, bugging you, Hawkins recommends installing around the tank or adding (which are safe for use around humans and animals) to a .
4. "Doesn't the pool get too hot?"
"If you're worried about the water getting too hot, you can create your stock tank pool in an area where there is some tree cover, or, use a '' or , like many of our customers," Hawkins explains. "However, even our customers in Arizona, California, and Nevada who use our stock tanks for pools report that they don't get too hot to use."
Take in Joshua Tree, whose pool sits in full sun all day. Remember, Hawkins says, "the metal conducts heat and cold, so the tank will cool down a lot overnight."
Still unsure about those metal edges? You can get a instead, or try this clever hack: Slice a pool noodle down the middle and wrap around the rim.
5. "Where do you store them during the winter?"
"Our tanks have coating to withstand harsh weather—after all, they are designed to be outside watering your animals year-round—but if your pool is free-standing, and not surrounded by any decking, you can flip over the tank in the off-season or store in a garage, shed, or barn," Hawkins says. Otherwise, drain and top with a .
Problems solved!