How Much Does It Cost to Install a Stock Tank Pool? [2026 Data]

In 2026, installing a stock tank pool costs $945 on average nationwide. Most homeowners spend $610 to $1,360. Working with professionals or choosing a larger tank can push costs up to $2,500, depending on tank size, labor, and site preparation.

Stock Tank Pool Costs: What Determines the Price?

Setting up a stock tank pool requires just a handful of materials, and costs vary based on the size of the tank, the materials you choose, and how much site preparation your yard needs. You can also hire professionals to help level your yard or set up the pool properly, which adds to the overall budget.

Size

Stock tank size is the primary cost driver, with prices ranging from $200 to $400 for a 7-foot model up to $800 to $1,200 for an 11-foot model. One important note if you plan to order online: many retailers will not ship an individual tank because they are large and heavy, so you may end up receiving a stack of three or more tanks nested together.

Purchasing from a local retailer instead can help you avoid bulk shipping requirements and extra costs. Explore stock tank pool costs by size in the table below:

Materials

The total cost of your stock tank pool will vary depending on the materials you choose. Essential components range from basic supplies, like $10 for water, to larger investments, such as $200 to $1,200 for the stock tank itself. The table below shows what you can expect to pay for each of these components related to stock tank pools:

Site Prep

Site preparation costs for a stock tank pool range from minimal leveling work at $40 to $180 per hour for contractor labor up to $3,000 to $12,000 if you decide to build a pool deck. If the ground is already fairly level, prep work will be quick and inexpensive; if you want a deck, the final cost depends on the size and type of decking you choose, which you can explore further through the pool deck cost guide.

Labor

Hiring a local swimming pool installation professional runs about $55 per hour and typically takes three or four hours to complete. If your yard needs grading, you can also hire a local landscaping company for $50 to $150 per hour to level the area before installation.

Stock Tank Pool Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

A stock tank pool comes with ongoing pool maintenance costs, though they are generally lower than what you would spend on an in-ground or larger above-ground pool.

Maintenance

Keeping a stock tank pool clean requires regular chemical treatment, water testing, and surface cleaning throughout the season. Chlorine runs $25 to $50 per year, and a water testing kit costs $15 to $25 and can include up to a hundred tests, so plan to replace it annually if you test every one to two weeks.

For exterior cleaning, you can rent a pressure washer for about $30 or buy one for $75 to $700 if you expect to use it often. A hand skimmer for daily debris removal costs $15 to $30 and is a one-time purchase.

Repairs

Rust is the primary repair concern for stock tank pools, and it can be addressed without professional help by scrubbing the affected area with vinegar and a wire brush, then applying a naval jelly or rust dissolver per the manufacturer's instructions. Once the rust is gone, clean the area thoroughly and seal it with a zinc-rich paint to prevent recurrence.

Stock Tank Pool Costs: What DIY Setup Includes

A stock tank pool costs $475 to $1,580 for materials and professional installation, but you can bring that down to $310 to $1,360 by handling the setup yourself. Choosing a smaller tank, around seven feet in diameter rather than eleven feet, is the most effective way to reduce your total spend. Tools including a hole saw, drill, and silicone fittings run about $50, while the stock tank, water, filter, and pump account for $260 to $1,310 of the DIY budget.

Cost to DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor

Installing a stock tank pool yourself can save about $150 to $200 in labor costs and is manageable for DIYers with intermediate experience. Beginners, however, should hire a pool installation professional to ensure the setup is done correctly and to prevent leaking or flooding.

Stock Tank Pool Additional Costs: What Else to Budget For

• Pool skimmer: $15 to $30

• Chlorine float: $10 to $20

• Chlorine tablets: $25 to $50

• Water testing kit: $15 to $25

• Vacuum: $20 to $150

• Pool cover: $30 to $200

• Pool lights: $40 to $70

How to Save Money When Installing a Stock Tank Pool

Instead of ordering a stock tank online, where you might actually end up buying three or more for bulk shipping requirements, you can save money by purchasing a stock tank from a local retailer. If you have a truck or other vehicle able to haul the stock tank, you may also skip delivery fees.

Another way to save money on this project is to choose the smallest stock tank size that you can sit or float in comfortably, as these are less expensive. Opting for an oval stock tank instead of round can also save money, and plastic stock tanks are about 35% less expensive than metal. Consider looking at local auctions or resale websites and retailers to find a used stock tank in good condition.