Okay, real talk: summer’s here, the sun’s acting like it wants to roast us alive, and you’re just tryna stay cool without selling a kidney for a fancy pool. 🥵
Good news, fam — you can have pool vibes without dropping thousands. Yup, these cheap homemade swimming pool ideas are budget-friendly, surprisingly fun, and totally DIY-able (even if your only tool is a butter knife 😅).
Let’s get you swimming without going broke, shall we?
🛢️ Stock Tank Pool AKA Farm Life but Make It Aesthetic
You’ve probably seen these all over Pinterest or TikTok — big metal tubs that were originally meant for cows, but now? They’re backyard royalty. 👑
Why They’re a Win:
- Cheap-ish (like $150–$300 depending on size)
- Super durable (built for animals, duh)
- They look kinda cute and rustic
Set it up on a flat spot, maybe slap on a small pump, and boom — farm pool party! Bonus points if you toss in some fairy lights and a floatie shaped like a donut 🍩
🔨 Pallet Pool That Screams “I Built This Myself”
Got a stack of wood pallets just chillin’? Time to turn ’em into a pool, baby.
What You’ll Need:
- A bunch of pallets
- Big ol’ tarp (the thicker, the better)
- Some strong straps or rope
- Pool noodles (because safety… and fun)
- A dream 🫶
You just stand those pallets up in a circle, strap them together like a hug, line the inside with tarp, and fill it up. That’s it. And honestly? It works. Plus, it looks way cooler than it has any right to.
“Check those pallets first though, splinters and rusted nails are a no from me dawg.” 🪵
🧺 Laundry Basket Kiddie Pool (Yes, This is Real)
This one’s for the babies. Or maybe your dog. Or maybe you when you’re over life and just wanna soak your feet with a glass of wine.
You need:
- One big plastic laundry basket or storage bin
- A towel for the bottom (nobody wants a bruised butt)
- Hose water
- Duck floaties if you’re feelin’ extra 🐤
Perfect for lil ones or a mini spa moment.
🧼 Hay Bale Pool aka Redneck Paradise
Got access to hay bales? You’re halfway there, cowboy 🤠
Stack ‘em up in a square or circle, line the inside with a strong tarp, and fill with water. Instant redneck hot tub. Big enough for the whole fam or just you and your weekend playlist.
Bring a cold drink, throw on some country music (or K-pop, we don’t judge), and vibe.
🚛 Shipping Container Pool if You Wanna Go Big
Okay okay… this one’s not cheap cheap, but compared to a real pool? Still a bargain.
Get a used shipping container, line it, add a pump, and boom — industrial pool goals.
| Stuff You’ll Need | Rough Cost |
|---|---|
| Used container | $1K–$3K |
| Liner | $300–$500 |
| Basic pump/filter kit | $200–$400 |
| Optional deck setup | $200+ |
You’ll def need tools and maybe a buddy who knows plumbing, but if you pull it off? Pool party level: legendary. 🔥
🌴 Kiddie Pool But Make It Fancy
Got a $20 inflatable pool? Cool. Now let’s glow it up ✨
Add:
- String lights
- Cute towels
- Snacks
- Your best playlist
- Some attitude
Suddenly it’s not just a kiddie pool — it’s a whole aesthetic. You’re not sweating, you’re “summering.”
🌿 Trick ‘Em with a “Fake” In-Ground Pool
Wanna look bougie without the bougie price tag? Dig a shallow pit, plop a plastic pool in it, and surround it with mulch or stones. Add plants. Maybe toss in a lawn chair.
Suddenly, your $60 kiddie pool looks like a spa resort in Tulum. Fake it till you make it, baby 💅
🪵 Above Ground Pool + DIY Deck = Backyard Heaven
Already got a cheap above-ground pool? Sweet. Now build a lil deck around it using scrap wood or pallets and you’ve just unlocked “rich in vibes” mode.
- Easier to get in/out
- Makes your backyard actually look put together
- Great excuse for an outdoor party
Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold your snack table 🧃
🌊 The “Dig a Hole” Method (No Joke)
This one’s for the diggers. Grab a shovel and channel your inner mole.
- Dig a hole (not too deep or your neighbors will panic).
- Line it with pond plastic.
- Fill it with water.
- Decorate around it with rocks and stuff.
Boom — natural-ish swimming hole for like 50 bucks and some sweat. Nature, but make it chill.
🛁 Bathtub Pool for the Minimalists
Got an old tub lying around or found one on Facebook Marketplace? Clean it, fill it, sit in it. Done. You’ve got yourself a vintage backyard soaking tub.
Perfect for small patios or if you live in an apartment with a balcony and absolutely zero shame 😌
🧼 Baby Pool Spa Mode Activated
If you’re not using a baby pool for self-care, you’re missing out.
- Warm water
- Some bubbles or bath salt
- A book
- Music
- Maybe a drink?
This isn’t just a pool. This is therapy. You’re not sweating, you’re healing. 💆♀️
🎁 Cute (and Cheap) Pool Extras That Make a Difference
Okay let’s be real — accessories make the pool. Here’s some affordable stuff that upgrades everything:
| Add-On | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Floating cup holders | $5–$10 |
| Solar lights | $15–$25 |
| Waterproof Bluetooth speaker | $20–$50 |
| Noodle party packs | $10 |
| Mini side tables | $10–$30 |
Cheap? Yes. Cheesy? Maybe. Fun? Absolutely.
Final Splash 🏁
Look, you don’t need to be rich to stay cool. Whether it’s a metal tub, a stack of hay, or your kid’s old pool — there’s always a way to beat the heat without breaking the bank. 💸
These cheap homemade swimming pool ideas are proof that summer fun doesn’t have to cost a fortune. So grab your hose, a tarp, maybe a pallet or two — and get to splashing. Your wallet (and your sweaty self) will thank you later.
Now go make a pool… or at least make your neighbors jealous 😎
