The Best Way To Paint Your Stock Tank Pool

The number one comment and question we get about our stock tank pool always revolves around the pool rusting. Without question over time water + chlorine + metal = rust. With modifications a stock tank pool can last you for a very long time.

**Update May 2020** Before we get started, I want to tell you that Leak Seal is not recommended for use in areas where it will come in prolonged contact with water. We do not recommend your painting the inside of your pool with Leak Seal or any paint product at this time.

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This was our 3rd summer using the stock tank pool and we started the season with a little rust. You will see this in the video. We knew it was time to deal with this before the problem progressed. We've heard from several people that you can use rubberized sealant to combat this problem. So we coated the pool with Rustoleum Leak Seal in white. We used 21 spray cans. Which sounds crazy, I know. We went back and forth about using the kind where you can paint it on vs spraying it on and after a lot of research we decide to use the spray cans. Do yourself a favor and use one these whenever you are using a spray can. They make a HUGE difference and make using a spray paint can more comfortable.

The process was easy, but it did take A LOT of coats. However, if you used the clear you wouldn't have to use as many. We had to use that many cans because it was hard to get an even coat. Other things to note about this product- wear a mask when using this. It aint no joke. The fumes are intense- way more than spray paint. Also, it's really important to follow the directions and pay attention to cure times. There was an unexpected rain shower that caused our pool to get wet before it cured for a solid 24 hours. We are really hoping this doesn't become a problem. We are really pleased with the end result and somehow painting the inside white really makes it look more like a real pool.
To see the full process watch the video below!
And if you are wondering how we drain the pool, here is a quick little video for you about that.
If you found any of this info helpful, we'd love for you to pin the image below!

xo, Casey and Savannah
*This post contains affiliate links.

21 comments

  1. have ya'll had any issue with the rubber spray peeling?

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    1. Yes we have! Rolled and brushed 2 good coats of flex seal clear. Have had water in pool now for 2 months and that crappy flex seal is peeling. Very disappointed with flex seal. Before painting I cleaned pool very well with automotive wax any grease remover.

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    2. We've had ours now for 7 months and we've had no peeling. But we used a different brand. I don't know if that matters.

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  3. I read that you should wipe the whole pool down with white vinegar prior to painting. Did you use that technic?

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    1. No we didn't. And we definitely would mention that step if we had.

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  4. I'm beginning a similar build. You used rustoleum to seal it? Have you had any peeling or cracking? Thanks

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  5. Looks awesome! Thanks for the painting tip! I did not see any info that you used a filter. If so, could you give us some help with that? thanks!

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  6. How many cans did you need to cover your pool in three coats? Ours is an 8 foot pool. Thanks!

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  7. Hey y’all! Do you recommend not painting the interior at all then? Last question- have you ever tried a salt treated pool instead of chlorine? Just wondering. Thank you!

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  8. Hey, we just got a stock tank - I was thinking about painting it with epoxy pool paint. Any concerns? I used to paint tractor-trailer automatic washes with epoxy paint. It's tough.

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    1. Did you end up doing this? Or got an answer?

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  9. Why do you not recommend painting the interior of the pool at all now? Would love to know what happened/what you've learned. Thanks!

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  10. Please do not paint....fails like 95% of the time@@

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  11. Is VOCs a concern? How often do you change the water to prevent chemical leeching?

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  12. Gotta love it!... "Here's how you do something"... "Nevermind, don't do that, it sucks" ... "Bye bye then, good luck with your questions!"

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  13. I cleaned my tank, sprayed it with Rustoleum metal primer and now I have rubberized pool paint or epoxy paint to try. Anyone tried either of these?

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  14. What i can tell you is, Don't try painting expensive rubberized pool paint over your old flex seal coating, even after cleaning. Didn't last more than a week.

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