Choosing among the best stock tank pools starts with a practical question: how much room do you need, and how much of the listed information can you verify? The Behlen Country FarmFlex 8-foot round tank is my pick for buyers prioritizing a generous footprint, while the 6-foot FarmFlex offers a smaller round alternative. For a compact, shallow setup, the Rubbermaid Brute 50-gallon tank is the clearest fit, with structural foam construction and a stated 10-year limited warranty.
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These are livestock tanks, not purpose-built swimming pools, and the differences matter. The Rubbermaid is only 12 inches high and has no listed drain plug kit; the Behlen listings describe larger poly tanks but give less detail about pool-oriented features. I rank them by the usefulness of their stated dimensions and construction for a stock-tank-pool project, while treating missing details as unknown—not as proof that a feature is absent. The main tradeoff is compact, better-documented construction versus larger round bathing space.
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Key Takeaways
- The Rubbermaid Brute is 52 × 31 × 12 inches and holds 50 gallons, so it suits shallow, compact water use better than a conventional soaking setup.
- The 6-foot Behlen FarmFlex gives buyers a round 72 × 72 × 24-inch footprint, but its listed weight of 0.01 ounces is not credible enough to use for planning.
- The 8-foot Behlen FarmFlex is the largest listed option and the strongest fit when a broad round footprint matters more than detailed published specifications.
- Only the Rubbermaid listing states a warranty, material details beyond a general poly description, and specific reinforcement features.
- None of the three listings confirms pool-specific filtration, plumbing, or drain equipment, so buyers should verify compatibility and plan those needs separately.
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute 50-Gallon Stock Tank |  | Best for a compact, shallow setup | Capacity: 50 gallons | Dimensions: 52 × 31 × 12 inches | Material: Structural foam | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 6 ft x 2 ft |  | Best mid-size round option | Dimensions: 72 × 72 × 24 inches | Material: Poly | Model: 52113068 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 8 ft. x 2 ft. |  | Best for the most generous round footprint | Brand: Behlen Country | Model: 52113088 | Dimensions: 8 ft. × 2 ft. | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| stock tank pool | Dimensions | Material | Color | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products | 52 × 31 × 12 inches | Structural foam | Black | — |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | 72 × 72 × 24 inches | Poly | Variety listed; specific choices not supplied | 52113068 |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | 8 ft. × 2 ft. | Poly | — | 52113088 |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute 50-Gallon Stock Tank
The Rubbermaid Brute 50-gallon tank is the most clearly documented option here, but its compact proportions define its audience. At 52 × 31 × 12 inches, it is a shallow, narrow water container—not a roomy pool for several adults. That can work for a small patio or a quick cooling-off spot, but buyers seeking a deep soak should move to either round Behlen tank.
Its strongest advantage over the Behlen models is construction detail. The listing specifies structural foam, a ribbed base, and built-in stiffeners, features intended to resist deformation and weather exposure. A smooth surface without sharp edges is also a practical plus around people and pets. The stated 10-year limited warranty is another concrete point of differentiation; neither Behlen listing supplied here states a warranty.
The tradeoff is scale. A 50-gallon capacity and 12-inch height limit how much water it holds and how adults can use it. It also has no drain plug kit listed among the included components, so I would not assume it is ready for convenient pool-style draining. Compared with the 6-foot FarmFlex, it is far easier to fit into a small space but offers much less room; compared with the 8-foot model, it is a compact utility choice rather than a group-friendly basin.
Pros:- Structural foam, ribbed base, and stiffeners are specified to help resist deformation.
- Smooth finish and no sharp or rough edges are suited to frequent outdoor handling.
- Designed for year-round outdoor use and backed by a stated 10-year limited warranty.
- Compact footprint is more manageable than either large round Behlen tank.
Cons:- The 12-inch height and 50-gallon capacity are shallow and limited for adult pool use.
- No drain plug kit is listed among the included components.
- Its rectangular footprint offers less open, round bathing space than the Behlen options.
Best for: Buyers who want a shallow, compact water container for a small outdoor area, pet cooling, or limited-use personal splash space and value explicit construction and warranty details.
Not ideal for: Adults wanting a deep, roomy pool, multiple bathers, or a tank with a listed drain kit and pool-specific equipment.
- Capacity:50 gallons
- Dimensions:52 × 31 × 12 inches
- Material:Structural foam
- Color:Black
- Finish:Smooth
- Warranty:10-year limited warranty
- Made in:USA
- Included components:1 stock tank
- Model number:FG424300BLA
Our verdict“I recommend the Rubbermaid Brute when compact size and documented durability matter more than depth or swimming-room comfort.”
Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 6 ft x 2 ft
The 6-foot Behlen FarmFlex is a more pool-shaped choice than the Rubbermaid: its listed 72 × 72-inch footprint and 24-inch height create a round basin with more room to sit or cool off. It occupies the middle ground in this lineup. Compared with the compact Rubbermaid, it offers a much larger area; compared with the 8-foot Behlen, it asks for less space while giving up some capacity and elbow room.
The product is described as a durable poly stock tank for farm and ranch tasks, with possible uses that include livestock watering, dog bathing, and a wildlife pond. That broad utility can appeal to buyers who want a tank that may serve more than one purpose. A variety of colors are listed, though the supplied information does not identify specific color choices or promise a particular finish.
The published details are thinner than the Rubbermaid’s. The listed weight of 0.01 ounces appears erroneous, so I would not use it to estimate handling, shipping, or support needs. The listing also does not specify a warranty, drain, filtration compatibility, or other pool accessories. For a buyer who wants a clear structural case and warranty, the Rubbermaid is easier to evaluate; for a larger round basin, this Behlen has the stronger shape and dimensions. I would confirm the actual weight and tank details before arranging delivery or installation.
Pros:- The 72 × 72-inch round footprint offers substantially more room than the Rubbermaid.
- Listed 24-inch height is deeper than the Rubbermaid’s 12-inch profile.
- Poly construction is described for farm and ranch durability.
- The product is presented for varied uses, including pet bathing and wildlife ponds.
Cons:- The listed weight of 0.01 ounces is implausibly low and should be verified.
- No drain, filtration setup, or warranty is specified in the supplied details.
- It provides less space than the 8-foot Behlen tank.
Best for: Buyers who want a round, 6-foot poly tank for a modest soaking space and value a middle-size footprint over the Rubbermaid’s compact form.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who need dependable weight information, published pool fittings, a stated warranty, or the largest possible round footprint.
- Dimensions:72 × 72 × 24 inches
- Material:Poly
- Model:52113068
- Color:Variety listed; specific choices not supplied
- Shape:Round
- Listed weight:0.01 ounces; appears unusually low
- Suggested uses:Livestock watering, dog bath, or wildlife pond
Our verdict“I would choose the 6-foot FarmFlex for a round, mid-size basin only after confirming its weight and the fittings needed for the intended setup.”
Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 8 ft. x 2 ft.
For buyers who prioritize room, the 8-foot Behlen FarmFlex is the most compelling pool candidate in this group. Its stated 8-foot-by-2-foot size gives it a broader round footprint than the 6-foot model, which can make sitting and sharing the water more comfortable. It is a more natural pick for a larger yard than the Rubbermaid, whose 50-gallon capacity and 12-inch height suit shallow, limited use.
The tank is described as flexible poly construction intended for farm and ranch use, including livestock watering, with dog bathing and wildlife-pond use also mentioned. That versatility may appeal to owners who want a large utility tank beyond seasonal cooling. The supplied listing, however, does not provide a stated capacity, exact measured dimensions in inches, detailed reinforcement information, or a warranty. Its description supports the general use case, but it does not offer the same construction specifics as the Rubbermaid.
Its main drawback is not a stated flaw in the tank; it is the information gap. A large container can demand careful planning for a level base, filled weight, water changes, and access, yet the listing gives little detail to help buyers plan those tasks. Compared with the 6-foot Behlen, it offers more footprint but likely calls for more yard area and water. I would choose it for room first, but verify capacity, drain options, and installation requirements before treating it as a finished pool solution.
Pros:- The 8-foot round size gives it the largest stated footprint in this lineup.
- Poly construction is described as flexible and intended for farm and ranch use.
- The tank is presented for livestock, pet, and wildlife applications.
- Its round layout is better suited to shared water use than the narrow Rubbermaid.
Cons:- The supplied details do not state capacity or a warranty.
- No drain, filtration connection, or pool accessory is confirmed.
- Its larger footprint requires more outdoor space and careful support planning.
- Construction specifics are less complete than those provided for the Rubbermaid.
Best for: Buyers with enough outdoor space who want the broadest round stock-tank footprint in this comparison for shared cooling or a large utility basin.
Not ideal for: Small patios, buyers who need a compact and fully specified tank, or anyone unwilling to confirm capacity, drainage, and installation details before purchase.
- Brand:Behlen Country
- Model:52113088
- Dimensions:8 ft. × 2 ft.
- Shape:Round
- Material:Poly
- Item count:1
- UPC:017141001650
- Manufacturer part number:5211308809
Our verdict“I recommend the 8-foot FarmFlex to space-ready buyers who value a large round basin and can verify the missing setup details before filling it.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options for stock tank pool potential, not for livestock utility alone. That means I focused on the listed footprint, height or capacity, construction information, and how clearly each product’s strengths and limitations are described. A tank may be useful on a farm yet still be a poor match for a buyer seeking a deeper place to sit and cool off.
The Rubbermaid Brute earns the first spot for the strongest documented build details: structural foam, a ribbed base, built-in stiffeners, smooth edges, year-round outdoor-use positioning, and a stated limited warranty. Its modest 50-gallon capacity and 12-inch height sharply limit its role, so I treat it as the compact pick rather than a full-size pool. The Behlen tanks rank next because their round footprints make them more plausible for shared soaking, with the 8-foot model ahead of the 6-foot model for buyers who value room.
I did not infer unlisted features. The Behlen descriptions do not confirm a drain, filtration setup, wall thickness, or warranty, and the 6-foot listing’s weight is plainly suspect. The 8-foot listing does not provide a capacity or height measurement beyond its stated 2-foot size. Buyers should confirm installation details with the seller and account for water weight, a level support surface, drainage, and safe access before filling any large tank. These are livestock tanks adapted for water use, not products whose supplied descriptions establish a complete pool system.
| stock tank pool | Material | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Structural foam | Black |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Poly | Variety listed; specific choices not supplied |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Poly | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Stock Tank Pools
Stock tanks can make practical outdoor cooling basins, but choosing a tank is only one part of a pool setup. I would compare usable dimensions, material information, drainage, installation needs, and fit with the space before settling on a model. The three options here range from a shallow utility tank to two substantially larger round tanks, so their tradeoffs are not interchangeable.
Start with dimensions and intended use
Capacity alone does not tell you whether a tank will feel comfortable. The Rubbermaid lists both its 50-gallon capacity and 12-inch height, making its limits clear: it is a shallow option for limited water use, not a deep adult soaking pool. The Behlen listings describe 6-foot and 8-foot round tanks, each associated with a 2-foot size, which points to a more generous bathing footprint. Before buying, check the exact assembled dimensions and usable water depth for the specific listing.
Think about who will use the tank and how many people need room. A pet bath or personal cooling spot has different space requirements from a shared family basin. The larger 8-foot tank takes the lead on footprint, the 6-foot model sits between it and the compact Rubbermaid, and the Rubbermaid is the easiest fit when outdoor space is constrained.
Compare build details, not just material names
All three are described for agricultural or outdoor utility, but the amount of construction information varies. Rubbermaid names its structural foam, ribbed base, built-in stiffeners, and smooth finish. Those details give buyers more to evaluate than a general material label alone. Behlen describes both FarmFlex tanks as poly, and the 8-foot description calls its design flexible, but the supplied listings do not provide equivalent reinforcement or wall-construction specifics.
Do not treat missing information as a defect, but do not fill the gap with assumptions either. Ask the seller about wall design, outdoor exposure, and care instructions if those points affect your setup. The Rubbermaid also states a 10-year limited warranty; the provided Behlen information does not state one, so compare the actual warranty terms rather than assuming coverage is the same.
Plan drainage and water management
A tank used as a pool needs a practical way to empty and maintain it. The Rubbermaid listing does not include a drain plug kit, and neither Behlen description supplied here confirms a drain or filtration connection. Before buying, confirm whether a drain opening is present, whether compatible fittings are available, and how the outlet can be routed without flooding the yard or a neighboring property.
Water care also depends on how the tank will be used, the local climate, and the approach you choose for circulation and sanitation. These product descriptions do not establish that any tank comes with pool equipment. I would treat plumbing, water treatment, and safe disposal as separate planning tasks, not as included features.
Check the site and filled load
Large tanks need a stable, level support area. Water is heavy, and the filled load can be substantial even when a listing does not provide a capacity. Confirm the tank’s actual capacity and filled weight with the manufacturer or seller, then choose a base that can support it. Avoid relying on the 6-foot Behlen listing’s stated weight of 0.01 ounces; that number appears to be a data error and is not useful for planning.
Also account for access around the tank, delivery clearance, drainage, and the distance to water or power if your planned setup needs either. The 8-foot Behlen’s larger footprint makes it the least suitable for a cramped site, while the Rubbermaid is easier to place but offers a much smaller water area.
Decide whether a stock tank fits your pool expectations
These are stock tanks, not complete pool kits. Their product information does not confirm ladders, covers, circulation systems, or pool-ready plumbing. If your priority is a compact outdoor water container with detailed construction information, the Rubbermaid has the clearest case. If a round basin matters more, compare the 6-foot and 8-foot Behlen models and verify the product details that are not listed.
I would also think through access and supervision, particularly when children or pets may be nearby. A tank’s height and shape influence how people get in and out, while water left outdoors can pose a hazard. Choose a location and use plan that suit the people and animals around it, and follow applicable local safety guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these stock tanks is best for a small outdoor area?
The Rubbermaid Brute 50-gallon tank is the most compact choice by listed footprint, measuring 52 × 31 × 12 inches. Its small size is useful where a 6- or 8-foot round tank would not fit, but it is also shallow and limited for adult pool use. I would choose it for a personal splash or pet-cooling setup, not as a roomy shared pool.
Which option gives me the most room?
The 8-foot Behlen FarmFlex has the largest stated round footprint in this comparison. That makes it the strongest starting point for buyers who have enough yard space and want room to share. Its listing gives fewer planning details than the Rubbermaid, so confirm capacity, exact dimensions, drain options, and support requirements before purchase.
Is the 6-foot Behlen tank a better choice than the 8-foot model?
It can be the better fit when a 6-foot round basin suits your site and you do not need the widest footprint. The 8-foot model offers more room but demands more space and likely more water. The 6-foot listing also reports a weight of 0.01 ounces, which appears implausible, so I would verify the actual product weight and other specifications before deciding.
Do these stock tanks include pool drains or filtration?
The supplied product details do not confirm pool filtration for any of the three. The Rubbermaid listing specifically does not list a drain plug kit among the included components, while the Behlen descriptions do not establish that a drain or filtration connection is included. I would contact the seller about fittings and plan water management separately rather than assuming these tanks arrive pool-ready.
What should I check before filling a stock tank with water?
Confirm the tank’s actual capacity, drain arrangement, and installation requirements, then place it on a stable, level surface that can support the filled load. Plan where water will go when you empty or clean the tank, and leave enough room for access and safe use. For the Behlen listings, ask for missing weight and capacity details; for the Rubbermaid, remember that its 12-inch height makes it a shallow-use option.
Conclusion
My picks depend on the space and kind of water use you have in mind. Choose the Rubbermaid Brute for a compact, shallow setup where stated construction details and its 10-year limited warranty carry more weight than bathing depth. Choose the 6-foot Behlen FarmFlex if you want a moderate round footprint and are willing to verify the suspect weight and missing installation details. For the most generous round space, the 8-foot Behlen FarmFlex is the better match, provided your yard and support plan can accommodate it.
None of these listings establishes a complete pool system. Before buying, confirm dimensions, water capacity, drainage, and support needs with the seller. That check is especially useful for the larger Behlen tanks, while buyers considering the Rubbermaid should decide whether its shallow 12-inch profile meets their expectations.
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