As a landscape architect, I’ve seen water trough pools spark serious backyard envy and endless summer fun. Let me share some of my favorite ways to turn a humble farm tank into the ultimate garden retreat—no sprawling lawn or huge budget required.
Light Up Your Nights with Magical String Lights
After installing a trough pool for a couple last summer, I suggested draping string lights overhead—the way they glow against the water at dusk feels downright enchanting. Now, their backyard is everyone’s favorite evening hangout spot.
These may be of interest:
- Outdoor waterproof string lights: Create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for evening swims by hanging waterproof string lights above your pool area.
- Heavy-duty string light poles for backyard: Easily hang your lights anywhere with sturdy light poles designed for patios, gardens, or poolside setups.
- Outdoor solar-powered lanterns: Enhance your poolside glow with energy-efficient solar lanterns—no wiring required for versatile lighting.
Create a Chill Zone with Decking Around Your Pool
One of my clients in Portland wanted a place to lounge and dip her toes, so we built a simple wooden deck that hugs her water trough pool—now it feels like a boutique spa right at home. The smooth planks stay cool underfoot and make every sunset soak a moment to savor.
Some relevant options:
- Outdoor Chaise Lounge Chairs: Relax poolside in comfort—add adjustable lounge chairs for ultimate afternoons basking in the sun or shade.
- Weather-Resistant Patio Umbrella: Create cool, shaded retreats next to your pool with a sturdy patio umbrella that’s easy to position.
- Tall Outdoor Planters: Enhance your deck’s spa-like vibe—arrange lush greenery in stylish, durable tall outdoor planters.
Can You Turn a Corner Into a Pool Paradise?
One project taught me that a forgotten patio corner can become a showstopper if you tuck a stock tank pool there and frame it with potted greenery and an umbrella. Suddenly, it’s the coziest spot in the yard—proof you don’t need acres to make a splash.
Products that may fit:
- Galvanized Stock Tank Pool: Create a cozy backyard retreat by adding a durable stock tank pool to your outdoor corner.
- Outdoor Patio Umbrella: Shade your pool paradise and stay cool with an adjustable umbrella designed for outdoor use.
- Decorative Outdoor Planter Pots: Bring life and privacy to your corner pool space by surrounding it with potted green plants.
Add a Rustic Bench for Feet-Dangling Fun
When I designed a pool for a family with kids, we built a circular wooden bench around the tank so everyone could dangle their feet and chat without getting soaked. It’s still one of my favorite functional upgrades for any garden pool.
Options that might work:
- Curved Outdoor Wooden Bench: Create a cozy gathering spot by adding a curved wooden bench around your pool for relaxed socializing.
- Weatherproof Wood Sealant: Protect your wooden bench from rain and sun by applying a weatherproof sealant for lasting beauty.
- Non-Slip Outdoor Bench Cushion: Add comfort and style to your wooden bench with non-slip outdoor cushions perfect for poolside lounging.
Bold Claim: Shade Turns Any Pool Into a Luxe Hideaway
I always recommend adding a pergola or shade sail above the pool, especially after a client’s first sunburn reminded us how intense afternoon rays can be. A little filtered shade makes midday dips possible and gives the pool a high-end resort vibe.
You might like:
- Outdoor Pergola Kit: Upgrade your pool area with an easy-to-assemble pergola kit. Enjoy shade and a luxurious look instantly.
- Retractable Shade Canopy for Pergola: Add adjustable shade over your pool with a retractable canopy. Stay cool and comfortable all summer.
- Weatherproof Outdoor Chaise Lounges: Relax in style by your pool with weather-resistant chaise lounges. Create a resort-inspired lounging spot.
Surround with Lush Plants for a Secret Garden Feel
I’ve learned that even a plain trough pool feels special when you plant tall grasses, hydrangeas, or leafy ferns all around—it’s like swimming in your own hidden oasis. Clients always rave about how wildlife starts to visit, too.
Consider these options:
- Tall Ornamental Grass Live Plants: Add texture and privacy to your pool area—plant tall ornamental grasses for a truly secluded retreat.
- Hydrangea Shrub Starter Plants: Create lush, colorful borders around your pool by planting hydrangea shrubs for stunning summer blooms.
- Shade-Loving Ferns for Outdoors: Enhance your secret garden look by adding shade-loving ferns for rich green foliage around the pool.
Unexpected: Use Stone Borders for Seamless Integration
One of my more inventive clients wanted their stock tank pool to look like a natural spring, so we built a low stone wall around it and let creeping thyme spill over the edges. Now, the transition from lawn to pool is so smooth it surprises everyone who visits.
Items that might be helpful:
- Stackable Natural Stone Edging Blocks: Enhance your pool area easily by building a durable, beautiful stone border for natural visual appeal.
- Creeping Thyme Ground Cover Plants: Soften stone edges and achieve lush, natural transitions by planting hardy creeping thyme ground cover.
- Galvanized Steel Stock Tank Pool: Create a rustic spring-inspired water feature by installing a sturdy galvanized steel stock tank pool.
Action Step: Add a Poolside Rug and Outdoor Cushions
I once underestimated how much a colorful outdoor rug and a few cushions could elevate a pool area until I tried it in my own garden. The textures invite bare feet and the colors brighten every splash session.
Make it happen with these:
- Colorful Outdoor Rug: Brighten your poolside area and create a cozy, barefoot-friendly space with a vibrant, weather-resistant outdoor rug.
- Water-Resistant Outdoor Throw Pillows: Add inviting softness and a splash of color to your pool lounge area with weather-resistant throw pillows.
- Sectional Outdoor Lounger with Cushions: Create a relaxing poolside seating area with a modular outdoor lounger, perfect for stretching out in comfort.
How About a Privacy Wall for Your Pool Retreat?
After a client worried about nosy neighbors, we built a slatted privacy screen with climbing jasmine behind her trough pool—now she enjoys peaceful swims with nothing but birdsong and the scent of flowers. Sometimes, a little enclosure makes all the difference.
The toolkit for this idea:
- Outdoor Wooden Privacy Screen Panels: Add style and seclusion to your pool space with easy-to-install wooden privacy screen panels.
- Climbing Plant Trellis for Outdoor Fences: Support your favorite jasmine or climbing flowers with a durable trellis, perfect for vertical gardening.
- Outdoor Decorative String Lights: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere for evening swims by adding weatherproof decorative string lights.
Go Retro: Add a Flamingo Float and Vintage Vibes
When I styled a pool for a summer party, I tossed in a classic flamingo float and set up retro metal chairs for a playful, nostalgic look. Guests couldn’t resist snapping photos and lounging for hours.
Helpful items for this idea:
- Inflatable Pink Flamingo Pool Float: Make your pool party pop! Add a fun, eye-catching flamingo float for great photos and memories.
- Retro Metal Outdoor Chairs: Create a charming vintage vibe with colorful retro metal chairs, perfect for stylish poolside lounging.
- Galvanized Steel Water Trough: Transform your backyard with a sturdy galvanized trough, ideal for a unique and affordable DIY pool.
Client Spotlight: From Farm Tank to Summer Sanctuary
A couple I worked with transformed an old livestock trough into a gleaming soaking pool with a fresh liner and a few tropical plants—they say it’s their favorite escape after work. Sometimes, the simplest materials lead to the most magical results.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Flexible Pool Liner: Upgrade your trough pool’s comfort and durability with an easy-to-install flexible pool liner for a watertight seal.
- Outdoor String Lights: Enhance your pool area’s atmosphere by adding warm, weather-resistant outdoor string lights for magical evening relaxation.
- Tropical Potted Plants: Create a resort-style getaway with a selection of low-maintenance tropical potted plants for poolside decor.
Unexpected: Install a Pool in the Middle of a Wildflower Meadow
I once convinced a client to place her trough pool at the edge of a blooming wildflower patch—now, every swim is like wading through a painting. The mix of buzzing bees and drifting petals is pure summer magic.
Possibly handy products:
- Galvanized Steel Stock Tank Pool: Create a charming outdoor oasis by choosing a durable galvanized trough pool for your wildflower-filled retreat.
- Wildflower Seed Mix for Meadows: Transform any patch of land by sowing a blend of colorful wildflower seeds around your pool area.
- Solar Floating Pool Lights: Brighten evening swims and add atmosphere by floating eco-friendly solar lights in your trough pool.
Unexpected: Try a Trough Pool as a Nighttime Plunge Bath
One adventurous client uses her tank pool exclusively at night, with candles and lanterns casting reflections on the water—it’s her favorite way to unwind after a long day. Sometimes, the moonlight brings out the magic in the simplest setups.
Might be a good match:
- Outdoor LED Candle Set: Create a calming and safe nighttime vibe around your pool using outdoor LED candles for soft lighting.
- Decorative Outdoor Lanterns: Enhance your poolside ambiance by placing decorative outdoor lanterns for a welcoming, relaxing glow.
- String Lights for Gardens: String lights add magical illumination, making your nighttime trough pool experience even more enchanting outdoors.
Lesson Learned: Don’t Forget to Dress Up the Exterior
In my early days, I left the tank’s metal sides bare, but now I wrap them in bamboo, reclaimed wood, or even stone veneer for a custom look. Clients are always amazed by how this little detail elevates their entire outdoor space.
To help you get the job done:
- Rollable bamboo fence panels: Add instant tropical charm to your water trough pool by easily attaching natural bamboo fence panels.
- Peel and stick stone veneer sheets: Effortlessly create a custom stone look on your pool exterior with easy-to-apply stone veneer sheets.
- Reclaimed wood slat paneling: Transform your pool’s appearance by wrapping it with eco-friendly reclaimed wood slat paneling for warmth.
Question: Could a Water Feature Take Your Pool Over the Top?
Once, I added a small fountain spout to a client’s trough pool, and the sound of bubbling water instantly turned it into a tranquil retreat. It’s a surprisingly easy upgrade that delivers big on relaxation.
These products might help:
- Outdoor fountain spout kit for pools or troughs: Enhance your trough pool with a simple fountain spout kit to add gentle sounds and ambiance easily.
- Small submersible water pump for garden water features: Install a submersible water pump to keep water flowing for a soothing and lively atmosphere.
- Bubbler aerator for backyard pools: Add a bubbler aerator to your water trough to bring soft, relaxing bubbles for backyard enjoyment.
