A galvanized stock tank turns into a perfectly serviceable backyard pool, but only once the right accessories show up. The hose needs a strainer, the water needs a skimmer, and the metal sides need a liner that actually feels nice against skin. Stocking those basics is easier said than done, because most pool gear is sized for bigger in-ground setups. This roundup focuses on parts and accessories that work specifically with stock tank pools, from filter pump fittings to protective vinyl liners. Each pick earns its place by solving a real, daily problem a stock tank owner actually faces.
The Main Contenders
KSJED Threaded Inlet Strainer Kit (2 Pack)
JED Pool Tools Handheld Skimmer Net (2 ft)
Alphatool Threaded Inlet Strainer Kit
Stock Tank Pool Liner (6ft Round)
Stock Tank Pool Liner (8ft Round)
Stock Tank Pool Liner (10ft Round)
Hudson Valve 718H Tank Valve (Nylon)
Why These Options Stand Out
The KSJED kit is the kind of two-pack that quietly saves a stock tank owner from a frantic mid-summer replacement. It includes a rubber washer, a strainer nut, and the threaded strainer grid, all sized to fit Intex filter pumps running 1-1/2 inch hoses, which is the most common configuration for backyard stock tank setups. For anyone new to the category, the matching pieces are already bundled, so there’s no guessing about which washer pairs with which nut.
Compared with the Alphatool single-strainer option later in this list, the KSJED version doubles the hardware, which is helpful for households running more than one tank or simply wanting a spare on hand. It’s a low-fuss, beginner-friendly piece of plumbing gear.
Everyday Perks
- Two strainers per pack covers a primary tank and a backup, or a paired setup.
- Compatible with Intex filter pumps using 1-1/2 inch hoses, the most common stock tank plumbing size.
- Bundled rubber washer reduces the chance of a slow leak at the fitting.
- Threaded design allows the strainer to be removed and rinsed during routine maintenance.
Things To Consider
- Drilling the tank wall to fit the connector requires basic tools and a careful hand.
- Silicone caulk (not included) is typically needed around the washer to fully seal the fitting.
Who Should Grab It
First-time stock tank pool owners who want a complete, matched fitting set without hunting for separate parts.
Consider Something Else When
Households running a single, larger filter setup may prefer the Alphatool Threaded Inlet Strainer Kit for a one-piece replacement.
The JED Pool Tools skimmer is the small, no-fuss net that pairs naturally with any stock tank. At 2 feet long, it’s sized for shallow water and the tight diameter of a backyard tank, where a full-size pool pole would actually be overkill. The blue mesh catches leaves, bugs, and floating debris in a single pass, and the lightweight handle keeps hand fatigue to a minimum during weekend cleanup.
Where the strainer kits in this roundup deal with pump-side plumbing, this tool handles the everyday mess that lands on the surface. You may find it becomes the most-used accessory in the whole kit.
Key Advantages
- Compact 2-foot length suits a stock tank’s shallow depth and narrow rim.
- Fine mesh captures leaves, grass clippings, and floating debris quickly.
- Lightweight frame is comfortable to use one-handed for short sessions.
- Works equally well in stock tanks, hot tubs, and small kiddie pools.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Not designed for heavy algae or settled debris on the tank floor.
- Handle length is fixed, which may be short for taller owners.
Made For
Backyard owners who do quick surface skimming a few times a week rather than full deep cleans.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Anyone focused on filter-side maintenance should pair this skimmer with the KSJED Threaded Inlet Strainer Kit for full circulation coverage.
The Alphatool threaded strainer covers the same plumbing role as the KSJED two-pack, just in a single-strainer format. It’s built for stock tank owners who only need one replacement fitting or who are setting up a single tank from scratch. The ABS plastic body, where ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a tough and common pool-grade plastic, is rigid enough to handle repeated hose connections without cracking.
For shoppers who’d rather not pay for a second unit they won’t use, this single-piece build is the more economical path. It’s also a sensible replacement part for a worn-out fitting on an existing tank.
Bright Spots
- Single-strainer format suits one-tank setups and direct replacements.
- ABS plastic construction handles routine hose connection wear.
- Fits the same 1-1/2 inch hose interface as the KSJED kit.
- Threaded design simplifies removal for periodic cleaning.
Worth Noting
- No backup unit, so any future damage means another full purchase.
- Drilling and silicone work still required at install time.
Right Fit For
Single-tank households who only need one functional fitting and want a focused, low-cost replacement.
Not Your Match When
Owners with two tanks or a desire for a ready spare should look at the KSJED Threaded Inlet Strainer Kit instead.
The 6-foot vinyl liner is the smallest of the three liner sizes in this roundup, sized for compact stock tanks used in tight backyards or as a kid-friendly cool-down spot. The protective vinyl sits between bathers and the galvanized steel wall, which makes a real difference on hot days when bare metal would be uncomfortable to lean against. For most small patios, this 6ft option is the easiest fit.
Compared with the 8-foot and 10-foot liners further down the list, this version trades space for a quicker install and easier handling. The trade-off shows up when more than one adult wants to use the tank at the same time.
Well-Handled Touches
- 6-foot diameter fits standard small backyard stock tanks.
- Vinyl construction softens the galvanized wall against skin.
- Helps reduce direct contact with metal, which can get hot in summer sun.
Room For Improvement
- Limited interior space restricts the number of simultaneous bathers.
- Vinyl liners can be punctured by sharp tank edges if not carefully fitted.
Who Will Love This
Owners of a 6-foot stock tank in a small yard or anyone using the pool for solo soaking.
Swap It Out When
Families needing more room should move up to the Stock Tank Pool Liner (8ft Round) for a more comfortable shared fit.
The 8-foot liner is the middle ground of the three sizes here, and in our view, it’s where most family-sized stock tank pools land. It gives a parent and a couple of kids enough room to share the water without feeling cramped, and it still fits a typical suburban yard without dominating the lawn. The same protective vinyl construction as the 6ft version applies here.
For shoppers torn between the 6ft and 10ft options, this 8ft liner is often the practical compromise. It’s the size most commonly recommended for a true family pool setup.
Real-World Strengths
- 8-foot diameter balances interior space with manageable footprint.
- Vinyl barrier keeps bathers off hot galvanized walls during sunny afternoons.
- Sized for the most common family stock tank configuration.
Trade Offs
- More liner to handle and fit than the 6ft version during initial setup.
- Still smaller than a true swimming pool, so active swimmers may feel limited.
Best Suited To
Families with a standard backyard and a medium-sized stock tank who want a comfortable shared soak.
Look Elsewhere When
Owners wanting more room for group use should step up to the Stock Tank Pool Liner (10ft Round) for extra interior space.
The 10-foot liner is the largest of the three vinyl options in this roundup, sized for serious backyard pools where multiple adults want to cool off together. The “Ocean Blue Wave” pattern gives the water a more finished, pool-like appearance compared with bare metal, which can read more like a watering trough. This is the liner for shoppers treating the stock tank as the centerpiece of the yard rather than a novelty.
Where the 6ft and 8ft versions focus on compactness, the 10ft version leans into usable space. The trade-off is the footprint required, and a need for level ground to keep the tank wall from stressing the vinyl.
A Few Strong Suits
- 10-foot diameter provides the most interior room in this liner lineup.
- Ocean Blue Wave pattern delivers a more pool-like visual finish.
- Vinyl barrier covers a large galvanized surface area comfortably.
Honest Caveats
- Requires a level base to keep vinyl stress even across the wider tank.
- Larger footprint demands more yard space than smaller liner options.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Owners with a 10-foot stock tank and enough flat yard to host a true group-sized pool.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Shoppers with tighter yard dimensions should fall back to the Stock Tank Pool Liner (8ft Round) for a more manageable fit.
The Hudson Valve 718H is the one piece of gear on this list that quietly runs in the background. Originally designed for livestock tanks, the float valve uses a nylon resin body (a hard, corrosion-resistant plastic) and a 718H float mechanism, where the float is the part that rises and falls with the water level, to maintain a set water height automatically. Once plumbed into a stock tank, the valve opens when water drops and closes again when the tank refills, so splash-out and evaporation stop being a daily chore.
Versus the strainer kits earlier in this roundup, which focus on filtration, this valve is about water level, not water quality. It pairs naturally with a hose or a mounting bracket, and the nylon body is built to handle constant wet conditions without corroding.
Everyday Advantages
- Automatic float operation keeps the tank topped off without manual checks.
- Nylon resin body resists corrosion in continuous water contact.
- Works with standard garden hose fittings or a dedicated mounting bracket.
- Useful for both pool maintenance and traditional livestock tank use.
Practical Considerations
- Plumbing setup may require basic tools and an accessible water source.
- Float arm movement needs a small clearance area to operate freely.
Perfect Match For
Stock tank owners who want a set-and-forget fill solution rather than manual top-offs each day.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Shoppers focused only on filtration plumbing should prioritize the KSJED Threaded Inlet Strainer Kit for their primary install.
Picking Stock Tank Pool Supplies That Actually Fit Your Setup
Match Parts to Your Filter Pump First
Every strainer, hose, and valve has to mate up with whatever pump the tank is already running. Most stock tank pools use an Intex-style filter pump, which means 1-1/2 inch hose connections are the norm. Picking a strainer kit that already matches that diameter saves a trip back to the hardware store for adapters and keeps the install to a single afternoon.
Size the Liner to the Tank, Not the Yard Dream
Vinyl liners only work when the diameter matches the tank. A 6-foot liner in a 10-foot tank will float and bunch, while a 10-foot liner in a 6-foot tank will wrinkle into uncomfortable folds. Measure across the inside rim of the stock tank, then match the liner size exactly. A 1-foot gap either way can turn a relaxing soak into a balancing act.
Decide Between Manual and Automatic Fill Control
A skimmer net handles visible debris, but water level drops on its own through splash-out and sun exposure. Owners who don’t mind checking the tank every couple of days can skip a valve. Anyone traveling for the weekend or simply tired of dragging a hose back and forth will appreciate a float valve’s automatic top-off.
Think About Daily Use, Not First Install
The strainer and the skimmer will see use every week, while the liner mostly does its job in the background. Spending more attention on the parts that get handled often (the skimmer frame, the strainer threads) usually pays off more than chasing the thickest vinyl on the market.
Key Takeaways Before You Order
Common Shopping Slip Ups
The biggest mistake is buying a strainer kit without confirming the hose diameter on the existing pump. A 1-1/4 inch setup is rare but it does exist, and the standard 1-1/2 inch kit will not thread onto it. Another frequent issue is choosing a liner based on outside tank dimensions rather than inside rim measurements, which leads to a poor fit once the water is added.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier strainer kits tend to use thicker plastic bodies and more consistent threading, which translates to fewer cracks and leaks over a few seasons. A heavier liner in a larger size usually means more usable interior space, and that extra room genuinely changes how a family uses the pool. In both cases, the upgrade shows up in long-term durability and daily comfort, not in flashy features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a liner for a stock tank pool?
Galvanized metal gets hot in direct sun, and a vinyl liner keeps bathers comfortable while also protecting the tank wall from corrosion over time. It’s not strictly required, but for most backyard pools, a liner is a worthwhile add.
How often should a stock tank skimmer be used?
Light surface skimming every few days keeps leaves and debris from sinking and breaking down in the water. Owners near trees tend to skim daily during peak shedding seasons.
Can an automatic valve replace manual refilling?
A float valve maintains a set water level automatically as long as a hose or supply line stays connected. It’s a near-complete replacement for manual refills during normal use.
What size liner matches a typical 8-foot stock tank?
An 8-foot round liner is the standard match for an 8-foot stock tank, with the fit dependent on the inside rim measurement. Always measure the tank before ordering rather than trusting the listed nominal size.
Are strainer kits reusable after cleaning?
Yes, most threaded strainers can be unscrewed, rinsed, and reinstalled as part of routine maintenance. The rubber washer is the part that typically wears out first and may need occasional replacement.
