It’s times like these that I wish I would have gone on that Blue Bayou trip last year when I had the chance… In the wake of the pandemic, many public pools will remain closed over the summer. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to their own private pool… Above-ground pools are of course an option, but not always the most attractive, thus giving birth to a new trend… a cattle trough swimming pool!
No, I am not suggesting that you swim in a trough that is already being used by your grandpa’s cows on his farm, that would be unsanitary… The trend is actually to buy a large steel cattle trough and use it as a pool. It’s sort of like having an above-ground pool, but with a rustic, farmhouse aesthetic. People also refer to these as “hillbilly hot tubs.”
They’re not terribly expensive either, a cattle trough will cost you around $300 to $600. You can find tons of images online and on social media of these super-chic cattle trough pools in people’s backyards. It may be just the solution you’re looking for this summer, without having to settle for an “unattractive” plastic pool… Honestly, at this point, I’d just be happy to swim in any pool!
