How We DIY’d a Backyard Soaking Pool for Under $5K
If you’ve ever felt consumed by an idea that won’t leave you alone until it’s brought to life, you’re not alone. That’s exactly how our backyard soaking pool project began—equal parts vision, delusion, and vengeance (more on that later). What started as a dream to create a Mediterranean-inspired escape turned into a deeply satisfying DIY adventure involving a 10-foot hole, five tons of pea gravel, and some chaotic footwear. Spoiler alert: we did it ourselves for under $5,000.
This is your full guide to how we built our own poly stock tank soaking pool, from materials and mistakes to laughter and learning curves.
Why a DIY Soaking Pool?
I’ve always loved the idea of having a quiet backyard retreat—something a little rustic, a little romantic, and not totally reliant on a traditional in-ground pool budget. Enter the soaking tub, a stock tank pool alternative that’s been making waves (pun intended) on social media. But I wanted something deeper, more grounded, and more permanent—so we went underground, literally.
Planning Our DIY Pool
From the start, I knew I wanted to dig the pool into the ground instead of just plopping it on top of gravel. That meant we needed:
A 9-foot poly stock tank (chosen over galvanized for durability and sustainability)
Landscape fabric to prevent weed growth
Pea gravel and sand for drainage and leveling
A sand filter and electric wiring for pool cleanliness
Thrifted and budget-friendly furniture to style the space
I ordered the poly tank after some serious research—while galvanized tubs are popular, I chose poly for several reasons: it’s more affordable, better for long-term water containment, and doesn’t rust. And yes, I did try to fit the 9-foot tank on top of my car. (It did not fit. Learn from me.)
Step 1: The Digging Begins
This was hands-down the most labor-intensive part of the entire build. We dug out a 10-foot diameter hole by hand. I lovingly refer to it as our “Holes” era (yes, like the movie). My fiancé Dustin—sweet, strong, and mildly horrified—jumped in with me despite not knowing he’d be spending his week this way.
We leveled the area and tamped the dirt to get it ready for drainage layers. I highly recommend renting a backhoe or skid steer. We didn’t, and my back has not forgiven me.
Step 2: Creating the Drainage Base
We laid down landscape fabric to block weeds, followed by sand and several layers of pea gravel. This helps with water runoff and supports the tank evenly. Leveling it was actually harder than digging.
Pro tip: Use a long board and level to get it just right—or it’ll haunt you later.
Step 3: Installing the Pool
The poly tank went in like a glove. We backfilled around the edges with more gravel to keep it in place and insulated. The thrill of finally seeing it in the ground? Unmatched.
We also ordered five tons of pea gravel. (Was that more than we needed? Absolutely. But it’s an improvement over the ten tons of wood chips I once accidentally ordered. Growth.)
Step 4: Trenching for Electrical
We dug a 30-foot trench to run power to our sand filter. It had to be at least 16 inches deep—which we didn’t quite hit the first time. Cue another digging session. We eventually had an electrician come to safely install everything.
We added a sand filter pump setup for circulation and cleanliness. It’s a game changer. Without one, you’ll be hand-skimming leaves daily.
Step 5: Styling the Space
This is where the magic came together. I styled the area using thrifted loungers, a few Wayfair finds (linked in my Shop My Home), and layered textures like terracotta planters, linen throws, and vintage stools. It gives French cottage meets cowboy spa.
Also: champagne. Always.
Our Mistakes & What We’d Do Differently
Rent a backhoe. Or find a friend to help.
Don’t guess on measurements. Five tons of gravel is… a lot.
Expect the unexpected. Biblical rain, trench re-digs, and mud will test your will.
But I’d do it all again. Because now? I get to soak in something we built with our hands, our sweat, and a little spite (after a certain brand mocked my pitch… who’s laughing now?).
Total Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk numbers—and how we saved nearly $10,000 by going the DIY route instead of hiring it out.
We did our research, got scrappy, and made it happen. Here’s what a professional quote would have looked like:
Excavation + labor: $1,000–$1,500
Excavator rental: $300–$600/day
Dumpster rental: $300–$500
Pool + delivery: $500–$600
Electrical: $700–$1,200
Landscaping labor: $1,000–$2,000
Filter + setup: $150–$250
Furniture + styling: Easily $1,000–$2,000
Estimated professional install cost: $10,000+ 😅
What we actually spent:
Poly stock tank: $450
Delivery: $50
Gravel (5 tons): $250
Electrical (licensed electrician): $720
Filter (Intex sand filter): $125
Filter sand: $25
Chlorine tablets: $42
Grass seed + topsoil: $200
Trenching machine rental: $150
Tools (garage sale finds): $50
Outdoor seating (thrifted): $300
Umbrella: $75
Loungers: gifted by Wayfair 💛
Total DIY cost: Just under $3,000
Savings: Around $7,000–$10,000 (and a few chiropractor visits, probably 😅)
So no—it’s not that we “can’t afford it.” It’s that we chose to invest our time, energy, and love instead of outsourcing. That’s what DIY means to us. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about intentional creation.
I’ll update this post as we add landscaping and finishing touches, but we’re thrilled with what we created. A dreamy escape, built by hand (and a bit of spite).
Stay tuned for a full post detailing every dollar spent, from tools to gravel to electrician fees. But spoiler: we came in just under $5K.
So, Should You DIY a Soaking Pool?
Absolutely—if you’re ready to dig deep (literally and emotionally), laugh through the setbacks, and create something beautifully your own. This is more than a backyard feature. It’s a lifestyle.
I’ll be updating this space all summer, so stay tuned for more tips, styling updates, and garden expansion.
Let me know what questions you have. I’ve got more poly tank pool wisdom than I ever thought I’d need.
xo, Medina ✨
