A few summers ago my dad got an idea in his mind and went immediately down to his local farm/ranch supply store and came home with a large round galvanized stock tank as a pool for all the granddaughters. I thought it was a super idea! It will last summer after summer (unlike the mildew prone, blow-up variety that last 1 summer at best) and it’s adorable. Here’s the idea:

{this one is from Sioux Steel, but you could find one at any local farm/ranch store in a variety of sizes}

The one my dad got is on the smallish size (although still way bigger/deeper than a blow-up pool), but it can be emptied and refilled fairly easily. This family took it a step further and turned a large one into a permanent back-yard pool. Brilliant!

{see how they did it in the original post at apartment therapy}

And, while we are on the subject of stock tanks, how about this clever idea of using the long, narrow variety for raised beds:

{originally found on thinkingoutsidetheboxwood}

Now that you have your pool all set, how about some outdoor seating options to compliment your adorable galvanized pool:

{zigzag outdoor beanbag from OneKingsLane}

{vintage-inspired set by crate and barrel}

{love this simple porch swing – directions for building found at the Ana White blog – If you don’t have a porch, I think it would be nice hanging from a simple pergola in your yard}

{modern take on a picnic table by Scout Regalia – it comes in 210 color options!}

——–

Now that you have a pool, garden and a nice place to sit. Here are a few outdoor extras to add to your summer fun:

{you can find this lovely at zgallerie & if you need some inspiration on how to fill it look here}

{multistripe hammock by crate and barrel}

{oversized, waterproof picnic blanket by PoBa}

{Turkish Bath Towel by TheAnatolian – which is claimed to dry 5x faster than a traditional towel}

{disc string lights by pigeon toe ceramics - these come in 15 color options; all her work is simple/beautiful, take a look}

{kerosene lantern by Red Hill General Store – for late night games, while sitting at your picnic table}

{charcoal table grill by Eva Solo – our housemates have convinced us anew of the superiority of charcoal grilling – worth the effort!}

{this cutey by Lodge -the cast iron pros- is a little more budget friendly. You could get 2 or 3 and let people grill their own portions at the table tapas style}

{this vintage ice chest is a charming alternative to an open bucket full of beverages swimming in melting ice – to find something similar check ebay, etsy or google “vintage ice chest” or “vintage cooler”}