There is a special type of magic that exists in the American Southwest in the mid-July late afternoons. The air is transitions from that dry heat to a heavy warmth that sets over the cacti and limestone. It is the kind of heat that makes you desire the feeling of being immersed in water.

For many years that desire was met with two extremely different solutions. You either had the concrete lagoon that was as expensive as a luxury SUV and required an army of contractors to handle the upkeep, or, you had the blue plastic and ladder sets that felt like a lawsuit just waiting to happen. Though they served a purpose they didn’t really scream ‘oasis’.

Something changed, people started looking at the zinc coated steel tanks that were used on ranches and saw it as something else, they saw its potential. What had originally begun as a smart DIY hack by ranchers who were looking to cool off after being in the sun all day developed into a full-blown design movement. Taking charge is Ranch Pools, a company that saw the potential in just a stock tank and completely changed the game, making it a practical piece of backyard art.

The Philosophy of the “Third Option”

At their core is a simple revelation that pools of the past were just too complex.

In-ground pools are undoubtedly stunning, but they are a forever commitment. They not only involve digging up your whole yard but also dealing with permits as well as a continuous chemical battle that feels like a second job. On the completely opposite side, your average above the ground pools many times feel like an eyesore, something you hide behind the fence when friends arrive, turns out the kids are the only reason you tolerate it.

The company offers what is known as the ‘Third Option’. It is chic and surprisingly affordable. By making use of the industrial-cool aesthetic stock tanks, they have created something that feels natural to a backyard, not just for swimming and cooling but it has become a conversation piece.

From Corporate Finance to the Texas Sun: Meet Maggie Meurer

Behind the concept of is Maggie Meurer, the creative genius and company’s CEO. If you had a look at her resume a decade ago, you never would have guessed she would be completely transforming backyard relaxation. As a graduate of Loyola University in Maryland, Maggie’s career started in the bustling world of New York City. She started her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and later transitioned into corporate finance at HBO.

The years she was in NYC were much more than her career debut, they were a workshop in business development, operational excellence and strategy. However, as one would imagine, the corporate ladder in Manhattan is so far away from the relaxed lifestyle one can find in Austin, Texas. When Maggie made the big move to Austin, she brought with her that East Coast spirit and financial intelligence and she paired with a recently discovered gratitude for the outdoor culture of the South.

As a female founder, Maggie has managed to mix her background in finance with a sharp eye for creative direction. She did not just want to be selling tanks; she wanted to solve the complexity of the current pool situation. Her leadership is outlined by a promise to quality, making sure that each tank is sourced to withstand rust from inside out, and of course and obsession with the customer experience. When she is not working you will most likely find her at the local Pilates studio, exploring Austin’s legendary restaurant and bar scene, and keeping up with what’s going on in fashion. That very lifestyle is exactly what can be found in the DNA of this brand.

Why Steel Tanks? (And Why Now?)

You might be wondering why a steel tank that was initially designed for thirsty livestock has become the sought after item for homeowners. The answer to that question lies in the crossroads of minimalism and durability.

• The aesthetic adaptability: These tank pools have a very industrial chic energy that matches most landscapes. Whether you have a rustic looking yard with gravel and succulents or a vibrant green lawn, the silver sparkle makes it look intentional.
• Durability: These tanks are built to defy the elements. Ranch Pools specifically search for high-quality tanks that won’t rust on the inside, which ensures that it lasts for many seasons to come.
• The perfect size: Not everyone requires an Olympic sized pool. Many times, you just want to sit in shallow water with a cold drink and a few buddies. The perfect manageable size.

The DIY Movement

The nudge towards empowerment is one the most exciting developments. They have a belief that you really shouldn’t need an engineering degree to set up this backyard retreat.

Presently the brand is offering a substantial incentive for the DIY community: $500 off their ‘Build Your Own Stock Tank Pool’ kits! This is not only about saving money, but also about the sense of accomplishment you get when you create. These kits take the guessing out of the process. Instead of running around from hardware store to hardware store searching for the right pump or filters, they have curated a system that is designed to work perfectly with the tank. It is essentially a plug and play for homeowners. You get the dependability of the tank with the advanced filtration of a high-end-pool.

The Inflatable Cover

If you have ever owned a pool, you know that its biggest enemy is not the sun, it’s the leaves, the dust, and the ever so occasional bug that can very quickly turn your stunning clear blue pool into a chore. Keeping the water at a decent temperature is a challenge in itself.

To resolve these issues, Ranch Pools developed their Stock Tank Pool Inflatable Cover which is currently $200 off!

This is not your usual heavy, large tarp. It is designed to fit the precise dimensions of the stock tank, offering a cozy seal that not only keeps the dirt out but the heat in.  Due to it being inflatable, it is super easy to take on and off- gone are the days of wrestling with bungee cord or heavy weights. This addition makes a great difference in the daily enjoyment of the pool!

Fostering Your “Little Piece of Land”

There is a very deep truth to the tagline, it mentions making your land the most relaxing place for miles around and in a world that is constantly becoming more and more fast paced and digital, there is something almost spiritual about relaxing in a pool under the vast open sky.

It is about claiming your outdoor space, for far too long backyards have been demoted to the place where the dog goes. But by installing a stock tank pool outside you are creating a purpose, you are in fact providing yourself a reason to put that phone down and actually live in your home.

The Austin Connection

Living in Austin, Texas, gives the Ranch Pool team and Maggie a direct experience of the culture that they are serving. Austin is a city that jubilates the quirkiness, the creativity and the outdoors. It is the place where high-end designs meet utility daily.

That sway is visible in how the company operates. There is an importance on innovation and integrity. They are not interested in being a retailer that ships average products. Instead, they run more like a boutique studio, making sure that every project regardless of if it’s a DIY kit or a fully outfitted set up, transcends whatever the customer imagined.

Making the Leap

If you have been staring at that empty corner of your veranda or that patch of grass that never grows properly, it is probably time to stop daydreaming and start building. The banisters to entry have never been this low. With the current discounts of $500 off the DIY kits and $200 off the inflatable covers, this is truly a third option bargain!

You do not need a massive budget or a construction crew, you just need a vision, a high-quality tank from a team that is well aware of what they are doing and an incessant need to transform your backyard into a sanctuary.

The pools of the future are simple, silver and waiting for you at Ranch Pools.