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arizona

Build Your Own Stock Tank Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jul 07 2020

Stock tank pools are surging in popularity right now, and it’s easy to see why! They’re an affordable, attractive, and low maintenance way to stay cool on those sweltering summer days.

Living in Phoenix, the summers can be brutally hot. In fact, as I write this, it’s 110 degrees Fahrenheit/43 degrees Celsius outside! Our stock tank pool has been the perfect way to beat the heat. My husband and I have spent many afternoons floating around in it, cold beer in hand, and it only took us a weekend to complete the entire project.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what a stock tank is, step-by-step instructions about how to build your own pool, the supplies you’ll need, maintenance tips, and answer my most frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in (to the post, not the pool! ? )

My backyard oasis.

What IS a Stock Tank, exactly?

A stock tank is a large round or oval-shaped tub traditionally designed to hold drinking water for livestock. Gardeners often use them as large, raised planter beds too. Made from galvanized steel, they are rust-resistant, keep the water cool, and are built to last a long time.

Why Do They Make Good Pools?

  • Cost: At around $500-600 USD, they are a very cost-effective way to have a pool in your yard.
  • Versatility: Did you know that you can convert your tank into a hot tub? We plan to do it this upcoming winter and will update you on how it turns out! Otherwise, you can easily drain and store it at the end of each season until it’s warm enough to use again.
  • Durability: When properly taken care of, a stock tank pool should last you well over 10 years.
  • Aesthetic: Creative imaginations can run wild with a stock tank pool! With a coat of paint, cute pool toys, string lights, and an umbrella, you can truly make it your own masterpiece. For some inspiration, take a look at my Backyard Inspo Pinterest board to see all the amazing different ways people have styled theirs!
  • Size: They don’t take up much space at all, unlike a traditional or above-ground pool.
  • Low Maintenance: The filter pump will do all the hard work for you. Just get a hand net, chlorine tablets and floater and you’re good to go!

What You’ll Need

  • Stock Tank – My recommendation would be to contact your local feed store(s) to browse their selection. If you don’t have any near you, the Tractor Supply Co site is another good option. They offer lots of different shapes and sizes so you can choose one that best suits what you’re looking for!
  • Intex Filter Pump (1500 GPH) – Having a pump will keep the water circulating and clean of debris. I’ve found that the 1500 GPH option is often out-of-stock, so you can also use the 1000 GPH or 2500 GPH if needed. Another more affordable option is to head to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. People frequently list them on both platforms.
  • 2 3/4” Hole Saw w/ Arbor – This is to drill the holes where you’ll place the inlet and outlet for the filter pump.
  • Strainer Connector Kit
  • Intex Plunger Valve
  • Silicone Caulk (optional)
  • Spray Paint (optional)

Step 1 – Get the stock tank to your house.

First things first, you need to get the stock tank to your home. Many feed stores are happy to offer delivery services for an additional fee. Alternatively, if you (or a friend) have a large pickup truck, you could strap the tank securely into the bed and drive slowly.

Step 2 – Prepare the ground.

Wherever you choose to place your pool, make sure that the ground is level. You’ll want to do a visual inspection and remove any rocks or debris. It may help to use a shovel and some leveling sand to even the surface out.

Step 3 – Prime and paint the exterior.

This step is optional, but a pop of color can add a really nice visual touch! We went with a seafoam green and loved how it turned out. Tip: Let it dry overnight before proceeding to Step 4.

Please also note that you should NOT coat or paint the inside of a stock tank.

Step 4 – Install the filter pump.

Since installing the pump involved drilling and quite a bit of precision, I let my husband handle this part. He used this how-to video for guidance; It’s only 10 minutes long and does a great job of clearly explaining how to complete this vital step.

The entire Stock Tank Pools Youtube channel is a great resource for stock tank pool owners, so be sure to check their other videos out too!

Step 5 – Fill up and enjoy!

Using our garden hose, it took about 1.5 hours to fill up the entire tank. We were inside cooling off in no time at all, and have been enjoying the addition to our backyard ever since! It is, by far, one of my favorite features of our home.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How deep is it? 2 feet – Perfect for soaking and floating.
  2. Does the water get hot? Since its’ purpose is to hold drinking water for animals, it stays relatively cool. In the event that it does get too warm for your liking, you can easily run cool hose water into it. Solar covers and large outdoor umbrellas will help with this, too.
  3. How many people can fit inside? This will depend on the size of your stock tank. Our 8-footer comfortably holds 4-5 adults. We could squeeze 6 in there if we really wanted to.
  4. What type of maintenance does it require? As with any pool, you will need to treat the water with chlorine tablets. Be sure to use a floater, as placing tablets directly into the pool could result in rusting/degradation of the steel. You’ll also want to keep a hand net (also known as a skimmer) nearby to easily scoop out any debris such as leaves or insects. With these two items, our water has stayed crystal clear.

So there you have it! A creative, inexpensive way to stay cool in the summertime for years to come. If you decide to build your own stock tank pool, be sure to tag me in your Instagram photos so I can see your beautiful creations and get inspired all over again!

Tagged: arizona, backyard, backyard projects, diy projects, pool, stock tank, stock tank pool, summer, summertime, swim Categorized: Uncategorized

7 Must-Have Essential Oils for Travel

Jul 03 2019

Over the course of the last year, I’ve been using dōTERRA essential oils to support myself both physically and emotionally while traveling. The benefits are truly endless – From easing motion sickness and soothing anxious feelings to boosting energy and strengthening the immune system, there is an oil for everything. And let me tell you…they are powerful. 
I’m often asked by friends what my favorite oils are to bring along on trips so I thought I’d take that info over to the blog for everyone to see! These are the ones that I never ever leave at home when traveling…

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is one of those powerhouse oils – SO good for SO many things! It’s the first I always reach for when packing my carry-on because of its’ versatility.

Feel a headache coming on? Rub a little bit on your temples and back of neck.

Experiencing some digestive discomfort? Put two drops in your water.

Motion sickness when flying? Apply topically to wrists and inhale.

Forgot your mouthwash at home? Add a drop to water and swish!

ONGUARD  – PROTECTIVE  BLEND

Nothing ruins a trip faster than coming down sick in the middle of it. Been there, done that and it is the WORST. I wish I’d had OnGuard on previous trips because it’s a total game changer as far as supporting the body’s natural defenses and providing a nice dose of immune support.

When I have a trip coming up, I load up on the stuff before, during and after because planes, trains, taxis, and yes – even hotels – are LOADED with foreign germs. It’s an amazing, effective preventative maintenance. Plus, it smells like fall which is always a bonus!

Some of my favorite ways to use it are to:

  1. Roll the blend onto the bottoms of my feet before I go to bed at night.
  2. Diffuse as soon as I check into a hotel room to purify the air.
  3. Soak apple slices in water + OnGuard and bring it on the airplane as a simple, delicious and immune boosting snack.
  4. Use the Throat Drops – These are a perfect alternative to chewing gum for those who need some help popping their ears on flights. They’re delicious, too!

BALANCE – GROUNDING BLEND

This is my absolute favorite when it comes to easing anxiousness. It’s such a little blessing to have this during stressful times, when you just need to take a moment for yourself.

When I’m feeling anxious, I like to roll it onto my palms, take a deep breath in to inhale, and let its’ earthy, grounding, delicious aroma do its’ thing. I also love to diffuse this with Serenity at night time on my nightstand after a long day.

FRANKINCENSE

Ah, good old Frank. This one is affectionately known as the “King of Oils” in the EO Community because it is POWERFUL stuff. I’ve suffered from debilitating migraines my entire life; the kind that lasts for days and leaves you in bed with nausea, sensitivity to light, the whole nine yards.

I tried everything, you guys. The only thing that took away the pain was Excedrin Migraines. And you know where that left me? With horribly painful stomach ulcers. I just couldn’t win!

Until, I was introduced to Frankincense, that is.

When I feel that oh-so-familiar pain coming on, I immediately reach for the bottle and put two drops sublingually under my tongue. Then, every half hour or so, I will take two drops on my thumb, press into the roof of my mouth, and massage it in.

Sounds funny, right? I thought so too! But it WORKS. Magic in a tiny glass bottle, I tell ya. If you’re like me and enjoy understanding the science behind why this is so effective, it’s because Frankincense has the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier. Once it does so, it goes right to work, bringing down the levels of inflammation in the body and easing the pain in return.

The last thing I want when vacationing in a beautiful new city is a migraine hitting me, so if you suffer from them as well, Frankincense should be an absolute must. Aside from the pain-relieving benefits, it’s also incredible for promoting relaxation and overall well-being.

LAVENDER

Would this really be a must-have essential oil list if lavender wasn’t on it? Chances are, you’ve experienced the magic of it before – Most people have! It’s probably the most widely used and known oil, and for good reason. Like peppermint, it is incredibly versatile and comes in handy for many scenarios. While traveling, I like to:

  • Roll it across my heart and on my wrist pulse points for its’ calming properties.
  • Apply it topically to any skin irritations and/or insect bites that arise.
  • Place a drop on my pillow before bed for a restful night’s sleep.

DEEP BLUE – SOOTHING BLEND

A massage in a tube. That’s the best way I can describe how Deep Blue rub feels.

This topical, essential oil-infused muscle rub is like the all-natural, holistic and non-toxic version of Icy Hot. Tyler and I can’t get enough of it!

If your travels are more on the active side and will entail walking, hiking, biking or anything else of the sort, you’re going to want the Deep Blue lotion in your suitcase. It’s got all the cooling, soothing goodness you need for those tired, achy legs.

DIGESTZEN – DIGESTION BLEND

Who else is in the sensitive tummy club? *raises hand*

Often times, even if you don’t have a stomach that gets upset particularly easily, traveling can do the trick – especially in locations where the water is unsanitary, heavily chlorinated or unsafe to drink.

DigestZen is best applied directly to the stomach to ease bloating, gas, and all of the inevitable discomfort that comes along with it. If I’m feeling extremely down, I’ll also put a drop or two in my water.

(Important to note: dōTERRA’s oils are the ONLY essential oil that I would recommend ingesting. You can read more on which ones are safe to ingest here.)

So, there you have it! My top 7 oils for traveling with. They’re my favorite because they’re versatile, powerful and they WORK.
Always having these handy helps give me an extra peace of mind during trips because I know that they’ll help me be that much more prepared when the unexpected happens – and it always does! That’s part of the fun of travel, though. 😉
Just in case you don’t already know, I am a proud Wellness Advocate of dōTERRA, meaning that you can order oils directly through me at wholesale prices of 25% off! I teach educational online classes and host an informational Facebook group in order to help spread the word about all of the incredible things these oils can be used for and do.
If you’d like more information about how to get started on your oily journey, there’s always a seat at my table! You can browse, shop and learn through my personal dōTERRA website here or join my Facebook Community here! 
Tell me – Have you ever traveled with oils before? What’s been your favorite one, and why? Let me know in the comments below!

Tagged: arizona, doterra, healthyliving, holistichealth, nontoxicliving, phoenix, travelinspiration, traveltips, wellness Categorized: Uncategorized

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