Last year we remodeled the back patio and deck. We poured plenty of concrete footers to make the deck extra strong to hold a pool. We can’t have an actual pool because our septic lateral lines run right through the backyard. A stock tank pool on the deck is our solution.

We bought a 10-foot stock tank from our local farm and home store. To start we filled it with a little water to see if there were any leaks. We did find a few so we caulked over the sealed lines with marine grade caulking on both the inside and underside to prevent any leaks. Then we followed these directions to purchase supplies and turn our stock tank into a pool.

And this is the back deck this year ready for summer.

I originally thought I wanted to coat the inside of the pool to hide the caulked lines and paint the outside black. However, after much research, I learned that, even with proper prepping, nothing successfully sticks to the galvanized steel over time. I’ll live with the silver over pealing sealant in the pool. And I have an idea up my sleeve to dress up the outside without painting the metal

You can see the caulked line here. I can live with it. As long as it holds water, I’ll be a happy camper when it’s 100 degrees outside.

The 10-foot pool is big enough for a full sized raft for sun bathing which makes my daughter happy, too.

The metal fence shelves allow for a place to hold drinks and sunscreen.

Metal fence hooks hold beach towels.

The fence planters are fun to fill for each season. I use all faux plants for convenience.

We’re ready for the 4th of July around here. This is where I’ll be until the fireworks.

We’ve still got the outdoor furniture from the old house on the other side of the deck. We’re planning to put a hot tub here eventually.

It’s pretty magical at night, too.

It may not be a big, fancy in-ground pool but I think it’s pretty cute and will work great for us.