STEP 8
PREP AND INSTALL THE PUMP
Converting your stock tank into a pool is as easy as installing a pump. However, to ensure a long and efficient pump life, you need to make a few modifications. Choose a spot on the side of the tank that’s closest to the electrical outlet. Use an appropriately-sized hole saw attachment for your power drill (most commonly 2 3/4”). Cut a circular hole in the upper part of the tank, below the top of the water level height and avoiding the biggest ridges in the side of the tank. It will sit about ⅓ of the way from the top lip. This is for your pump outlet, which is a two-part system that goes through the hole. Lower on the tank, drill a second hole for the pump intake. Place this off to one side of the upper hole. Use a file to smooth out any rough edges inside the holes. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any fragments of metal left behind.
To avoid leaks, wrap plumbing tape around the threads on the inlet and outlet valves. Then apply a thick thread of marine-grade sealant to the surface of each valve before installing them through the holes. The outlet valve goes in the upper hole while the inlet valve goes in the lower hole. Attach the nut tightly to the inside of the pool. Wipe away excess adhesive and smooth what’s left by running a wet finger around the edges of the valves. Next, attach a plunger valve to the outside of each valve so you can easily replace hoses and filters without water gushing out. Your pump is almost ready at this point. If you have an air jet valve, screw it into place on the top of the outlet valve. Fill your pump with sand or glass, or put your filter in place. Then attach the lines to the valves with the other end of the hose attached to the filter. Follow the directions associated with the pump you chose.
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