FIRST-HAND PROJECT · OUTDOOR LIVING

My 8-Foot Stock Tank Pool Setup

I wanted a compact backyard pool without taking on a traditional in-ground pool project. I bought an 8-foot setup from Ranch Pools and paid $4,750 at the time. Here is what came with it, how setup went, what I added and whether I would make the same choice again.

Finished 8-foot galvanized stock tank pool installed on a backyard paver patio in Florida — My finished 8-foot stock tank pool setup. This is the actual pool discussed in this guide.

What came with my setup

My package included the 8-foot pool, pump, filter, plumbing, skimmer net, chlorine float and 1-inch chlorine tablets. That meant the main circulation and basic pool-care pieces were already accounted for instead of requiring me to piece together the system separately.

Price note: $4,750 is what I paid for my package. Prices, packages and promotions can change, so this should not be treated as the current Ranch Pools price.

How long did setup take?

I followed the company's setup video. The equipment was hooked up in roughly 30 minutes, and the pool was ready to use in about an hour and a half. My experience was straightforward and substantially easier than taking on a custom pool build.

Pump filter hoses valves and plumbing connected to an 8-foot stock tank pool — The actual pump, filter and plumbing installation on my pool.

The cover and accessories I added

I purchased an inflatable hard cover separately from Ranch Pools. At the time they were running a special with a discount code that effectively made the cover free. I also bought the fountain and floating solar lights separately; those were not part of the original pool package.

Would I do anything differently?

No. Based on my experience so far, there isn't anything I would change about the setup. I would highly recommend the setup to someone looking for this type of backyard pool.

What I like about the package approach

The biggest advantage for me was simplicity. Instead of starting with a tank and researching every fitting, pump and filter component independently, the core system arrived as a package. For a homeowner who values a clean installation and minimal hassle, that has real value.

What to consider before buying

Measure the intended location carefully, make sure you have a suitable level base, think through electrical access for the pump, and decide how you plan to cover and maintain the pool. Also compare the convenience of a packaged system against sourcing the individual components yourself; the right answer depends on how much you value time and simplicity.

My bottom line

For my backyard and priorities, the 8-foot setup has done exactly what I wanted. The installation was quick, the core equipment was included, and I haven't found something I wish I had done differently.

This article describes my personal purchase and experience. Florida Home Lab may later use affiliate links on this page. If affiliate links are added, they will be identified and purchases may earn the site a commission at no additional cost to the buyer.