Install a Spare Tank for a Cheap and Simple Backyard Pool
The pool is an upgrade of sorts that can’t help but sound tempting until you see the price tag. Throw in the necessary maintenance and your dreams of pool life can quickly fade. As water use issues are also on the rise, a smaller pool is an option that more people are considering. To make this upgrade affordable, standard tanks have taken center stage as an alternative to prefabricated containers. Since they are primarily designed to hold water, they are fairly easy to turn into a pool. Here’s what you need to know about installing a tank pool in your yard.
To install a tank pool, you will need a level area with no protruding rocks or tree roots. While some people will have a deck that is built to support the weight of a tank filled with water and people, most decks are rated at around 50 pounds per square foot. An 8-foot reserve tank holds about 700 gallons of water and weighs about 6,000 pounds, so it will exceed the weight limit on a medium deck by 10 pounds per square foot before people even enter it. Make sure the surface you choose can support the weight of your aquarium.
Tools needed to create a tank pool
Once you’ve chosen your spot, the next thing you’ll need is an external GFCI output to run the filter on. Even though a standard pool is smaller than a regular pool, the water still needs to be filtered. You will also need a drill, a 2-3/4″ hole saw, and some silicone caulk to seal around the filter. Make sure you can safely run the electricity from the outlet to the pool so you don’t trip.
To complement a pool with a storage tank, you will need a floating chlorine dispenser to keep the water clean and it is highly recommended to keep it covered . Keeping the water clean in a standard tank is easier than in a large pool, but this does not happen automatically – if it is closed, it will be much easier to maintain. Finally, don’t forget that while filling a stock tank is cheaper than filling a full size pool, it’s not free. Be sure to consider water use restrictions as well as the cost of water.
Other things to keep in mind
A plastic tank will not rust, but a metal tank will rust sooner or later. Using an aerosol sealant on the metal will help prevent rust, but eventually the chlorine in the water will cause rust. A white or light-colored lining inside the tank also slows down the absorption of solar heat, so adding sealant is an added benefit. A well-sealed tank will last you several seasons, but an uncoated metal tank will not be a permanent installation.
Adding any type of pool to your property may require a permit, so be sure to check your local regulations. Also, a shelter or other protective barrier is always a good idea to avoid accidental drowning, especially for young children. Many municipalities have specific requirements for fencing or barriers, but even if they don’t, you must ensure that children are kept at a safe distance unless they are supervised by an adult.