Create an oasis in your backyard with a stock tank pool

Surrounding a pool with pea gravel or smooth stones gives water a way to drain away without making the ground slippy and soggy.

Depending on the volume of your pool, a waterfall filter might not be effective—but a decorative waterfall pump is just the thing for a little added Zen appeal.

There’s a certain rustic appeal to a galvanized stock tank, but if you want to amp up the elegance, burying the pool, surrounding it with flagstones and adding a pond-like feature works well.

You don’t want to be right under trees, but a tarp or umbrella will help you stay in the shade. Of course, if you want the sun to heat your pool water, take the cover down a few hours before you go swimming.

OK, you may not have a dramatic forest as a backdrop—but a deck is still a great way to class up your stock tank.

If the bugs are bad in your area, mosquito netting is a dreamy, romantic way to stop the little beggars from biting.

Set your pool among plants, rocks, and trees for a truly back-to-nature experience.

Adding a pool ladder will make getting in and out of the pool easier for little legs.

Is there anything pool noodles can’t do? Put them on the edge of the pool for more comfortable leaning.