How to Set Up
Your Cowboy Pool

• Pre-assembled Cowboy Pool
• Waterway TWM-30 Cartridge Filter System with 3/4 HP Pump (to be placed within 8' of your pool)
• Flexible PVC pipes pre-assembled with color-coded threaded fittings
• Additional O-ring gaskets
• Maintenance Kit: skimmer, floating chlorine dispenser
• Pre-set Automatic Timer
• Cowboy Pools Decal Sticker
• 110v Heater (Optional)
• Pool Cover (Optional)
• Thorough Video Tutorials
• Customer Support via Phone and Email

Please note, the look of The Cowboy Pool will vary depending on size (6ft, 8ft, 10ft sizes available).

• The 10' Cowboy Pool is deeper, 28" tall, as the poly tank sticks out a few inches from the steel tank and can have a piece of trim attached to cover the gap created.
• Sometimes the wide lip of the poly liner will fit into the steel tank, and not stick out above it. This happens when the steel tank used is wider than the width of the lip. Either look will not effect the functionality of the pool.
• Imperfections can occur during the manufacturing and transport process to our warehouse that is out of our control. Occasionally there are scratches and dents that are unavoidable.
• Because galvanized steel stock tanks come nested in threes for transporting, the exact size of each tank can vary 2–6 inches.

• GFCI Outlet or GFCI Outlet Adapter
• Extension Cord

In most cities you do not need a permit to install a stock tank pool but you will want to refer to your local building code and HOA rules to be sure.

Refer to the Cover Instructions before completing your Cowboy Pool installation. If you'd like to use the side straps to help keep your cover in place, make sure you place the bottom webbed straps below your tank with the D-rings sticking out from underneath the tank before filling your pool with water.

The setup process should only take 20–30 minutes* to finish the assembly of the pool. The assembly process is easy, and we'll provide video instructions to assist your installation!

*This does not include the time needed to prepare your space or fill the pool with water.

Do I need an electrician?

• TempTamer (110v): Usually no electrician required if outlets meet load requirements. Draws ~8.5 amps. A dedicated outlet is recommended.
• Crosswind & 11kW Electric Heaters (240v): Yes, these require professional wiring. Expect electrician costs to start at $1,000 and increase with trenching or wiring upgrades.
• Natural Gas/Propane Heaters: Require a 120v/15amp dedicated outlet (in addition to your pump outlet). Cannot use extension cords. A plumber must connect the gas line.

Placement requirements

• Heater must be within 10ft of the pool pump.
• Pump can be up to 50ft from the pool (requires upgraded pump).
• For gas/propane heaters, the outlet must be within 3ft of the unit.

Who can help locally in Austin?

• Electrician: Albert at 512-766-3828
• Plumber (gas line): Ryan Waits at 512-965-4524

Electric heater / chiller specs

Please read the following maintenance instructions. These pools should be properly maintained to ensure proper sanitation measures are taking place. If you're looking for a worry-free option, we're now offering a weekly or bi-weekly service package (Austin area only).

Circulation

• Your pool comes with a high-performance above ground filter pump. We recommend that you run the filter pump 8 hours during the daytime.
• Backwash or clean filter if pressure is above 10–15 psi.
• Clean the skimmer & pump basket.
• Keep jets facing circular and downward.
• Fill your pool using a hose connected to a municipal water source. Keep your water level above the suction and return, especially when your pump is on an automatic timer, as the pump should not suck in air. You'll need to backwash the air bubbles out if your pump has accidentally pumped in air.

Cleaning

• Skim the surface daily.
• Cleaning the Cartridge Filter: Remove and clean off cartridge every few weeks, or when you notice your water flow is weaker than normal, or when the pressure gauge is 5–10psi higher than normal. Use a garden hose with spray nozzle to spray down the cartridge from top to bottom. You may purchase a curved cartridge cleaning tool that attaches to your hose. Do not use a pressure washer!
• Every so often, you may need to scrub your tank with a soft, non-abrasive brush or sponge to ensure that your Cowboy Pool is clean of algae and any slimy stuff.
• Vacuum as needed.
• Cleaning the pump basket regularly is important to the overall maintenance of your swimming pool. Clogged baskets make your pump have to work harder to try to cycle the water. This can decrease the life and stress the seals in your pump. Follow these steps: unplug the pump → push and turn the filter valve to closed → insert the supplied plugs into the two suction fittings → remove pump lid → use a garden hose to wash the basket → install pump basket lid and o-ring (do not over-tighten) → make sure filter valve is in the "filter" position → plug pump back in to power.

Chemistry

• During the summer months, use 1½ to 2½ cups of liquid chlorine weekly and 1–2 chlorine tablets every other week. Add the liquid chlorine directly into your pool while the pump is running, and keep it running for at least an hour afterward.
• In the cooler months, you will use much less chlorine. We recommend about one chlorine tab every two weeks to as little as one tab per month. Supplement with liquid chlorine as needed (1–2 cups every other week), especially if your pool will be used in the colder months.
• DO NOT put your chlorine tablets directly in the pool! Place them in a chlorine floater and keep it all the way closed to release the chlorine slowly through the holes in the bottom.
• To activate your filter pump, switch your timer to the ON position, then return it to TIMER mode when done. This process helps prevent or clear up murkiness and green water. Always place chlorine tablets in a floater to avoid tabs falling to the bottom of the tank.
• For best results, chlorinate in the morning or evening when the pool is out of direct sunlight. If you have a sand filter, backwash weekly; if you use a cartridge filter, clean it every other week or as needed.
• HERE is a link for the recommended chlorine tablets for our pools and HERE is the liquid chlorine we recommend.
• DO NOT use powdered pool shock, muriatic acid, algaecide, or clarifiers on your Cowboy Pool. These can damage the galvanized steel coating and lead to corrosion in your equipment. Powdered shock, in particular, is too strong for small pools like these and contains calcium, which can cause scale buildup. Shock is intended for larger in-ground plaster pools, so stick with liquid chlorine and 1" chlorine tablets without added chemicals.
• When adding chemicals to your pool, always start with the lightest amount. Remember, Cowboy Pools are small bodies of water, so it's better to add less initially — you can always adjust later if needed.
• DO NOT mix chlorine and bromine in water. This can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. If you're going to switch from one to the other at any point, you'll need to drain and clean your tank, and do a line flush.
• Backwashing: After a period of time, dirt accumulates in the sand filter which causes resistance to flow and which makes it necessary to backwash the filter (only for sand filters).

Troubleshooting

• If your pool starts looking a little cloudy or green, it may mean but doesn't necessarily mean you don't have enough chlorine. Too many chlorine tablets can harm your tank and doesn't always help your water. Here are some maintenance steps to keep your pool clear in such a situation: if you have a sand filter, backwash your pool; add fresh water to your pool; you may need to add between 1–2 cups of liquid chlorine to a cloudy pool and about ¼ a gallon to a green or brown pool when the pump is running. Liquid chlorine reacts differently with the water than chlorine tablets do, and will help clear up your pool.

Draining

• We recommend draining and refilling your pool once or twice per year to get a fresh start to your pool water. To drain your pool, unplug your drain using pliers to unscrew the drain plug. Use a shop-vac, a sump pump or siphon water with a garden hose to get any remaining water out. We do not recommend draining your pool and leaving your tank vulnerable to rain and debris, as oxidation can occur.

Winterizing

• We recommend keeping your pool filled with water and having the water pumping throughout the year in warmer climates. Surprisingly, keeping water in the pool at all times minimizes the chance of rust. This is unless a freeze lasting over 48 hours is expected and then you may follow the instructions in our Winterizing section.
• When the temperature drops below freezing, or when there is a freeze warning, switch your timer to "On" so that the pool is programmed to circulate until the temperature rises. For added freeze protection, cover your hoses and filter pump with a blanket. See freeze instructions with your filter pump and Camplux heater handout.
• Changing the sand in your sand filter is recommended about every 4–5 years, or when your sand has worn out and fails to capture contaminants from your pool. You'll need to replace with 40 lbs of filter sand (about $20).

If this sounds like more than you want to handle on your own, we offer Bi-Weekly Pool Service to service your pool water and equipment every other week. Sign up for pool service here.

Will my pool rust?

Cowboy Pools are designed to greatly reduce the risk of rust. Traditional stock tank pools are made from galvanized steel, which means the metal is in direct contact with the water. Over time, certain pool chemicals, and high chlorine levels can break down that galvanized coating, which eventually allows rust to form. That's where the Cowboy Pool is different.

Why Cowboy Pools are different

Cowboy Pools use a custom-fit polyethylene liner that sits inside the steel tank. This liner:

• Separates the pool water from the steel
• Protects the tank from chemical exposure
• Helps prevent corrosion from forming
• Adds insulation and softness underfoot

Because the water inside the pool is no longer touching the steel, the primary cause of rust in stock tank pools is dramatically reduced.

What causes rust in stock tank pools?

Rust typically forms when water becomes chemically aggressive. This is most often caused by:

• Overuse of chlorine tablets
• High CYA (stabilizer) buildup
• Copper-based algaecides
• Low or unstable pH
• Skipping drain and refills

These conditions slowly wear down the galvanized coating until bare steel is exposed.

Why our Cowboy Pool is the long-term solution

The Cowboy Pool liner creates a protective barrier between the water and the steel tank. This makes the pool far more durable and forgiving, especially for rentals, heavy use, or anyone who wants a lower-maintenance, longer-lasting pool. It's why we've made this liner design our standard offering.

Please review the information on this page thoroughly before contacting our customer service team. Our team is small but mighty, and we are happy to help walk you through any questions or troubleshooting.