Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • A Ranch Tank pool is a galvanized steel stock tank that has been repurposed and upgraded into a premium, low-maintenance backyard swimming pool or cold plunge. We add a custom-fit poly liner to prevent rusting, provide comfortable seating, and allow for easy temperature control. It comes fully equipped with a filtration system, making it a luxurious and budget-friendly alternative to traditional in-ground pools.

  • 6-foot pool fits about 2–4 adults.
    Best for couples, families, small patios, cold plunge.

    8-foot pool fits about 4–6 adults.
    Best for families, medium yards.

    10-foot pool fits about 6–8+ adults.
    Best for Entertaining and larger backyards.

    All pools are approximately 2 feet (24 inches) deep — perfect for lounging, soaking, and letting kids splash safely.

  • Our premium poly liner prevents the steel from getting too hot to the touch. The water generally stays refreshing in Colorado's dry climate. We recommend placing your pool in a partially shaded spot (under a tree, pergola, or umbrella) for the best experience. You can also add fresh water or a few bags of ice for an instant chill.

  • Absolutely — and Colorado is perfect for this. The Northern Colorado cold plunge community is already thriving, with groups gathering at Horsetooth Reservoir year-round. With a heater/chiller add-on, you can maintain your ideal plunge temperature (typically 45°F–55°F) or flip it into a warm soak when it's snowing outside. Cold plunging has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and build mental resilience.

  • In most cases, no.
    Because our pools are above-ground and not permanently installed, they typically do not require a building permit in the Fort Collins area. We always recommend checking your local HOA guidelines just in case.

Installation and Preparation

  • There are three things to have ready:

    1. Solid, level ground. Your filled pool will weigh several thousand pounds. It must sit on a perfectly level, compacted surface. We recommend a 3-inch compacted decomposed granite or crushed stone pad, about 6in to 1 foot wider than your pool diameter. Do not use sand, and do not place the pool on an elevated deck unless it has been structurally engineered to support the weight.

    2. Clear delivery pathway. Ensure a clear path from the street to your backyard that is at least 2.5 feet wide and tall enough for the tank to roll through (6.5 to 10.5 feet high, depending on pool size).

    3. Outdoor electrical access. A standard 120V 15-amp GFCI outdoor outlet within 25 feet of the pool site is required for the filter pump.

  • Yes!
    We offer full delivery and installation throughout Fort Collins and the Northern Colorado area. Our team will deliver the pre-assembled pool, set up the pump and filtration system, and walk you through everything.

  • Yes, and it looks incredible! Install the pool first, then build the deck around it to ensure proper fit. Leave access panels to reach the pump, filter valve, and hose connections.

Heating, Chilling & Electrical

  • Yes!
    Our Heater/Chiller add-ons transform your pool into a true four-season backyard feature. Set it to 104°F for a hot tub experience during a Fort Collins snowstorm, or dial it down to 45°F for a cold plunge after a mountain bike ride on the Poudre Trail.

  • For the pool filter pump, there needs to be a GFCI 120v 15amp outlet within extension cord distance of your pool equipment. If your outdoor plug isn’t protected by a GFCI we can provide an adapter upon delivery.

    For the Standard Heater & Chiller you will need two outlets near the pool pump location. One dedicated 120v 15amp outlet for the pool pump and one dedicated 120v 15amp outlet within 15-20ft of the pool pump location for the heater/chiller.

    For a Premium Heater & Chiller you will still need the 120v 15amp outlet for the pool pump and a 240v junction box installed within 6ft of the pool pump location.

    For the Heater only you will need two outlets near the pool pump location. One dedicated 120v 15amp outlet for the pool pump and one dedicated 120v 15amp outlet within 15-20ft of the pool pump location for the heater.
    Note that our 6ft pool heater doesn’t require any outlet.

    We always recommend hiring a licensed electrician for any heater/chiller electrical work.

Maintenance and Care

  • Very easy — far simpler than a traditional pool. A quick weekly routine is all it takes:

    • Weekly: Add one 1-inch chlorine tablet to the floating dispenser, skim the surface for debris, and run the filter pump at least 8 hours per day.

    • Monthly: Remove and rinse the pump's filter cartridge with a garden hose (no pressure washer).

    • Winter: Reduce chlorine to one tablet every 2–4 weeks, or as little as one per month during the coldest stretches.

  • Because our pools feature a premium poly liner, always use a floating chlorine dispenser. Never drop chlorine tablets directly into the pool — they can bleach or damage the liner. Do not use powdered pool shock, muriatic acid, algaecide, or clarifiers, as these can damage the galvanized steel and equipment.

  • You have two great options:

    1. Keep it running year-round. With a heater, simply keep the water at your desired temperature. Without a heater, keep the pump running 24/7 during freezing temps to prevent pipes from freezing, and use an insulating cover.

    2. Drain and winterize. If you won't use the pool during winter, fully drain the tank, remove the pump and hoses, and store all equipment indoors to protect it from freeze damage.

  • Yes, a cover is essential in Colorado. Pine needles, cottonwood fluff, leaves, and wind-blown debris are a real consideration here. Our premium inflatable covers keep the water clean, provide excellent insulation to retain heat or cold, and significantly reduce energy costs on your heater/chiller.

Ordering, Delivery & Warranty

  • Typical delivery and installation in the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado area takes approximately 1-3 weeks from the time you place your order. Lead times may vary during peak summer season.

  • Every Ranch Tank Co. pool package includes:

    • Heavy duty galvanized stock tank

    • Rust-proof, insulating polyethylene liner

    • High-quality filter pump system to keep your water crystal clear

    • Skimmer net, chlorine floater, pool thermometer and a full user manual.

    • Heater & Chiller upgrade is an option (built for Colorado weather!)

    • Black solar heating cover is an option

  • All Ranch Tank Colorado pools come with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty on the pump and equipment, plus 1 year of dedicated local technical support from our Northern Colorado team. We stand behind every pool we deliver.

  • We offer a 14-Day Happiness Guarantee.
    You may fill and carefully use your Ranch Tank pool during the first 14 days after delivery.

    If you decide it is not the right fit, contact us within that 14-day period. To qualify for a refund, the pool and all included equipment must be returned clean, undamaged, unmodified, and in good working condition.

    A flat $250 return processing fee will be deducted from the refund.

    Once the pool and equipment have been inspected and approved, the remaining refund will be issued to the original payment method.