How do you keep a stock tank pool clean?

A stock tank pool is a little bit of work, but in the end it is absolutely worth it! We just do a few things regularly to keep it all sparkly and clean.

Daily:

• Check chemical levels on the My Sutro app. Make suggested adjustments.

• Skim the water surface

• Cover when not in use

Twice per week:

• Scrub the pool sides with a pool brush

• Clean pool filter with hose

Once per week:

• Add chlorine tablets

• Soak pool filter overnight in Filter Clean

This post is part of a series about building and maintaining our stock tank pool. Read more here:

What Chemicals & Equipment Do I Need?

We have opted for chlorine for our pool, but you can use salt water or bromide — all will work. If you are going to keep your pool full for more than a day or two, however, you will want to treat the water. I consulted our local spa store, and they put together a great kit of pool chemicals to get us started.

A stock tank pool is somewhere between a spa and a kiddie pool. It is a strange size — containing more water than an average spa. Ours has about 550 gallons of water. So getting the water just right takes some time. You will need to calculate the number of gallons in your tank, and you’ll need to learn about the basics of your water chemistry. This varies depending on where you get your water.

Every city is slightly different, and if you are on a well your water will vary even more. My local spa store was really helpful here, too. The woman I spoke with knew just what to expect from our city water, and she was quite helpful! I encourage you to consult a local expert to help you get the water chemistry right from the start — and to keep it safe and clean.

Here’s what’s in our water care kit:

• Rendezvous Spa Specialties: pH Down

• Rendezvous Spa Specialties: pH Up

• Rendezvous Spa Specialties: Alkalinity Up

• Leisure Time Filter Clean for Spas and Hot Tubs

• Regal Pool Care System 1” Chlorinated Tablets

• SpaPure Hardness Increaser

• SpaPure Chlorinating Granules

We also got a float for the chlorine tablets. They come in fun and fancy versions, or cheaper plain versions. Either way gets the job done! And all of those chemicals are measured by the tablespoon and teaspoon for our pool, so I have a set of measuring spoons just for the pool chemicals. DO NOT use a measuring spoon for food once it has been used for pool chemicals. I have a dedicated set which I keep with the pool equipment.

We purchased a few other items to help keep the pool sparkling clean and comfortable.

• Pool brush: to keep the pool clean, it should be scrubbed once or twice per week. A good pool brush will do the trick. No need to get a long handle. Just do the brushing while you are in the pool.

• Pool Skimmer: skim your pool each day to keep larger debris out of the filter and out of the water. Again, we didn’t even get a handle — just use the skimmer and skim the water before you get in.

• Hot Tub Blanket: so this is basically a big sheet of heavy-duty bubble wrap, but it serves three purposes. First, once it is cut to fit, it will help to keep out debris making keeping your pool clean even easier. But it also helps keep the water warmer — important here in Colorado where we have cool spells and colder nights — and it keeps the water from evaporating as quickly which helps the water chemistry stay consistent.

This video is very helpful!

HOW TO MONITOR THE WATER IN A STOCK TANK POOL

When we had a swimming pool in Los Angeles, we also had a pool service. They came each week to check the water quality, added the necessary chemicals, and came out if we had a water quality issue. With our stock tank pool, however, that seems unnecessary. You might decide that’s the way to go for you, and if so: great! I know your local pool guy will be glad for the business.

We opted instead to try a high-tech solution to monitoring: pHin. This floating monitor stays in the pool and checks the water quality constantly. I get a notification on my phone if there is an issue as well as instructions for how to fix the issue. It’s great! If you are intimidated by the pool regulation process in any way, I highly recommend pHin. It makes everything super easy! Read my full product review of the pHin here.

Update: pHin is no longer available.

I replaced our pHin with My Sutro. Read more about it here!

If you don’t want a pHin or a service, you will need some pool and spa test strips and will need to monitor your water regularly per the instructions on the test strips. Either way, you need to check the water regularly for your family’s safety.

Pin it!