Stock Tank Kiddie Pool

[rasilla]

Anyone use a stock tank for a kiddie pool? I don't know if I can manage going to the public pool with three little ones and I know my kids really enjoyed getting wet last year. Has anyone used a stock tank as a kiddie pool? We had a hard plastic kiddie pool and it broke when the kids jumped in it and my neighbor had a vinyl one and it was moldy/hard to clean... What are the downsides to using a stock tank? Am I crazy?

[freebs]

WE grew up with a stock tank pool. WE loved it. The metal ones are easy to clean and arent that deep. They also have a drain plug in the side for easy draining. We bought one for our kids as i dont like those plastic blow up ring ad water ready to swim pools. They never last very long. Good luck with what you decide but in no way are you crazy for looking into it!

[danni]

I've never even heard of a stock tank, but it sounds like a good idea. What is it and where would I get one?

[freebs]

A stock tank is a water tank for livestock. You can purchase them at feed stores. pic

[Grainlady]

I grew up out in the country and lots of people used a galvanized stock tank for a swimming pool, but the 8- or 9-foot blue poly-tanks would work great. Some concerns:

1. Covering it. Safety reasons... Covering it will also help prevent evaporation and keep some debris out.

2. Algae control. Dad always added barley bails (small burlap bags that contain barley straw) to help prevent algae growth in the open tanks (available at farm supply stores). Or the appropriate amount of pool chemicals or bleach (check with a pool supply place for more information).

You might find this web site helpful:

How to Build a Pool Filter
http://www.ehow.com/how_2251788_buil...all-pools.html

[jayneluvsmickey]

my best friend's dad put one in the backyard for the grandkids and it worked great for them

[Must-Stash]

Do you live in a rural area with lots of critters that might have access?
When we had one, it was visited by birds, ducks, raccoons and who knows what else. Even our cats quit using their water bowl and chose to perch on the rim to drink out of it.

As far as using pool chemicals for keeping the water clean, I'd be hesitant. I can't see them being compatible with galvanized steel. I'd check with a spa store first.

Will it be a deep enough tank to call for steps for ease of getting in and out? It would be a great safety feature because the stock tanks we've had were fairly deep.

You just won't know until you try. I'm sure the kids would love it!

[zakity]

I had one when I was really little. I loved it! What a good idea!

[Thevail]

We had a stock tank..the cows were mildly annoyed..but we used it as a swimming pool all the time..

I'm sure it's much better without cow drool though!

[rasilla]

Thanks FV!!! We found a stock tank and DH is planning to build a cover... and I researched how to sanitize it. We aren't super handy so I don't think we could build that filter, but we can dump it once a week and water our lawn... Hopefully, the kids will enjoy it for years to come!