For a simple backyard stock tank pool, the Behlen Country 8-foot round tank offers the most room in this group, while the 6-foot Behlen Country keeps the round format in a smaller footprint. The Rubbermaid BRUTE 50-gallon tank is a different kind of pick: its shallow, compact basin is easier to drain, but it offers far less swimming space. I ranked these options by how well their listed size, shape, construction, and drainage suit pool-style use. The main tradeoff is straightforward: more water and room take up more yard space, while the smaller Rubbermaid is easier to handle but works better for cooling off than swimming.
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Key Takeaways
- The Behlen Country 8-foot round tank is the roomiest option here, but its large footprint needs a suitable, level location.
- The 6-foot Behlen Country offers the round pool format at a more manageable scale, though it still needs a 6-foot-wide area plus access around it.
- The Rubbermaid BRUTE holds 50 gallons and is only 12 inches deep, making it more suitable for a shallow splash basin than a pool for swimming.
- Rubbermaid lists an oversized drain plug and a 10-year limited warranty; the supplied Behlen Country details do not specify either feature.
- The Behlen tanks are described as poly and flexible; Rubbermaid specifies structural foam plastic with body stiffeners and a ribbed base.
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 8 ft × 2 ft |  | Best Overall for a Spacious Backyard Setup | Dimensions: 8 ft × 2 ft | Shape: Round | Material: Poly | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 6 ft × 2 ft, Poly |  | Best Mid-Size Round Option | Dimensions in title: 6 ft × 2 ft | Dimensions in specifications: 72 × 72 × 24 inches | Shape: Round | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE 50-Gallon Stock Tank |  | Best Shallow Splash Basin with Easy Drainage | Capacity: 50 gallons | Dimensions: 52 × 31 × 12 inches | Material: Structural foam plastic | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| stock tank pool | Material | Dimensions | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Poly | 8 ft × 2 ft | Round |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Poly | — | Round |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Structural foam plastic | 52 × 31 × 12 inches | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 8 ft × 2 ft
The 8-foot round Behlen Country is the strongest fit in this group for someone who wants a stock tank to feel like a small backyard pool rather than a large wash basin. Its listed 8-foot by 2-foot size gives it the widest stated footprint among these picks, and the round shape can make the interior feel open without corners taking up space. The listing describes it as durable poly and suitable for livestock watering, dog baths, or a wildlife pond; those uses point to versatility, though the supplied details do not identify pool-specific equipment or accessories.
Compared with the 6-foot Behlen Country, this tank gives up more yard space in exchange for greater room. That difference matters if several people plan to cool off at once or if a dog needs room to move around. The tradeoff is placement: buyers need a broad, level area and should account for access around the tank for filling, cleaning, and getting in or out. Its product details also omit capacity, weight, and a drain specification, so I would verify those before planning a permanent setup.
Against the Rubbermaid BRUTE, the Behlen is the clear choice when usable pool area is the priority. Rubbermaid supplies more concrete maintenance details, including an oversized drain plug, but its 50-gallon capacity and 12-inch depth make it a shallow splash option by comparison. I rank the Behlen first for its stated scale and round form, while recognizing that its listing leaves more practical questions unanswered.
Pros:- Largest stated footprint in this lineup at 8 feet across and 2 feet high.
- Round shape offers an open interior without square corners.
- Poly construction is described as durable and versatile for multiple uses.
- Suitable for livestock watering, dog bathing, or a wildlife pond.
Cons:- Requires the most yard area of the three options.
- No capacity or drain details are provided in the supplied specifications.
- Pool-specific accessories and setup guidance are not listed.
Best for: Buyers with a roomy, level yard who want the largest round tank in this comparison for cooling off, pet bathing, or a small pond.
Not ideal for: People with tight patios, buyers who need a stated capacity or drain feature before purchase, or anyone seeking a documented pool-ready package.
- Dimensions:8 ft × 2 ft
- Shape:Round
- Material:Poly
- Brand:Behlen Country
- Manufacturer part number:5211308809
- Items included:1 stock tank
- Listed uses:Livestock watering, dog bathing, or wildlife pond
Our verdict“Choose the 8-foot Behlen when room is the deciding factor and you can confirm its capacity, drainage, and setup details before buying.”
Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 6 ft × 2 ft, Poly
The 6-foot Behlen Country keeps the round format and 2-foot height of its larger sibling while reducing the stated diameter by two feet. That makes it the more practical Behlen choice when an 8-foot tank would dominate the yard. It is described as flexible poly and intended for farm and ranch use, with suggested uses including livestock watering, dog baths, and a small wildlife pond. For a pool-style setup, its appeal is the compromise: more room than the compact Rubbermaid basin, without the full footprint of the 8-foot model.
Its most useful comparison is with the 8-foot Behlen. Both share the same general round, poly stock-tank concept, but the smaller model is easier to place in a modest yard and likely requires less water to fill; the provided listing does not state a capacity, so I would not estimate one. The cost of that space savings is a smaller bathing area. Buyers planning to share the water with multiple people or a large dog may prefer the extra room of the 8-foot version.
The product information has a notable measurement mismatch: its title says 6 feet by 2 feet, while the specification lists 72 × 72 × 24 inches. The latter supports a six-foot diameter and two-foot height, but I would confirm the dimensions with the seller. The stated weight of 0.01 ounces also appears implausible for a stock tank, so it should not guide transport or installation planning. Compared with Rubbermaid, this Behlen gives a deeper, larger-format option on paper, while Rubbermaid is the one with a documented drain plug and warranty.
Pros:- Six-foot round footprint is smaller than the 8-foot Behlen option.
- Two-foot height is listed in the product title and dimensions.
- Flexible poly construction is described for farm and ranch use.
- Can serve for livestock, dog bathing, or a small wildlife pond.
Cons:- Supplied dimensions should be confirmed because the title and specs are presented differently.
- Listed weight of 0.01 ounces is not credible for planning handling.
- No capacity or drain details are supplied.
Best for: Buyers who want a round tank with more pool-like room than a shallow basin, but have less yard space than an 8-foot model requires.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs verified shipping weight, capacity, or fully consistent dimensions before arranging delivery or a permanent base.
- Dimensions in title:6 ft × 2 ft
- Dimensions in specifications:72 × 72 × 24 inches
- Shape:Round
- Material:Poly
- Model:52113068
- Listed weight:0.01 ounces (verify with seller)
- Color options:Variety of colors, according to the description
Our verdict“The 6-foot Behlen is the sensible middle ground for buyers seeking a round, deeper tank and willing to verify its specifications first.”
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE 50-Gallon Stock Tank
The Rubbermaid BRUTE 50-gallon tank stands out for straightforward maintenance, not for swimming room. Its 52 × 31 × 12-inch basin is shallow, and the stated capacity is only 50 gallons, so I would treat it as a splash or cooling basin rather than a pool for adults. The oversized drain plug is a concrete advantage when emptying and cleaning, and the ribbed base and built-in body stiffeners are intended to support the structure.
Compared with either round Behlen tank, Rubbermaid is far easier to fit into a small outdoor area and its specifications are more complete on drainage and warranty. But that compactness brings a major limitation: it cannot offer the same open interior or depth as a tank listed at 2 feet high. If the goal is room to sit and soak, the 6-foot Behlen is the more suitable starting point; if the goal is a shallow dog rinse or quick cool-down, Rubbermaid’s proportions may be more manageable.
Its structural foam plastic is described as weather-, impact-, and corrosion-resistant for outdoor use, and the 10-year limited warranty is useful to have clearly stated. The smooth surface has no sharp edges for animals, according to the supplied description. Still, the shallow design is the deciding drawback for pool buyers, and this model offers little depth for immersion. I rank it third only because the roundup is specifically about stock tank pools; for a durable, drainable utility basin, it may be the most convenient of the three.
Pros:- Oversized drain plug is designed to make emptying and cleaning easier.
- Structural foam plastic is described as resistant to weather, impact, and corrosion.
- Ribbed base and built-in body stiffeners support durability.
- 10-year limited warranty is specified.
Cons:- 50-gallon capacity is much smaller than the likely needs of a pool setup.
- 12-inch depth is shallow for soaking or swimming.
- Its rectangular basin offers less open interior space than the Behlen round tanks.
Best for: Buyers wanting a compact, shallow outdoor basin for pet rinsing, quick cooling, or utility use, with a clearly described drain plug.
Not ideal for: People looking for enough depth or capacity for soaking, swimming, or sharing a pool with several people.
- Capacity:50 gallons
- Dimensions:52 × 31 × 12 inches
- Material:Structural foam plastic
- Color:Black
- Finish:Smooth
- Included components:1 stock tank
- Warranty:10-year limited warranty
- Country of manufacture:USA
- Model number:FG424300BLA
Our verdict“Pick Rubbermaid for a shallow, durable basin with convenient drainage, but choose a Behlen tank if pool depth and room matter more.”
How We Picked
I compared these three products as stock tank pool candidates, using the details supplied for dimensions, capacity, material, shape, durability, and drainage. Since the lineup includes tanks designed for farm and ranch use rather than purpose-built swimming pools, I focused on practical fit: how much usable room each option appears to offer, how its form affects placement, and what the listed features suggest about upkeep.
The ranking favors options with a more pool-like footprint and enough stated dimensions to judge scale. That puts the 8-foot Behlen Country first for buyers who have the space, followed by the 6-foot Behlen Country for a smaller round setup. Rubbermaid ranks third for this specific title because its 50-gallon, 12-inch-deep basin is much shallower and smaller in capacity, even though its drain and construction details are clearer. I treat missing specifications as unknown rather than assuming a feature is present.
These products are listed for livestock, pet bathing, or similar uses. The provided information does not establish pool-specific details such as filtration compatibility, safe entry hardware, or installation guidance. I weigh the tanks on the information available and recommend that buyers confirm intended use and setup requirements with the seller or manufacturer before filling one for regular bathing.
| stock tank pool | Material |
|---|---|
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Poly |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Poly |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Structural foam plastic |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Stock Tank Pools
Stock tanks can make useful backyard cooling spots, but the right choice depends on how much room, depth, and maintenance you want. I would compare the intended use with the tank’s stated dimensions first, then check the details the listings leave open.
Match the tank to the kind of cooling off you want
A shallow splash basin and a pool for sitting or soaking are different jobs. Rubbermaid’s listed 12-inch depth and 50-gallon capacity suit a quick cool-down or pet rinse better than a deeper pool experience. The Behlen Country tanks are both listed at 2 feet high, making them more plausible choices for a person who wants to sit in the water. Height alone does not confirm the actual water depth or safe fill line, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If the tank is mainly for a dog, consider how the animal will enter and exit, how easily you can supervise it, and whether the floor is suitable. The supplied descriptions do not specify anti-slip surfaces, steps, or pool safety accessories. Do not assume those are included.
Measure the footprint and access area
The 8-foot Behlen needs the broadest placement area, and a round tank also needs clear space around its edge for reaching the water and cleaning the exterior. The 6-foot Behlen fits a smaller area, but it still occupies a substantial patch of ground. Rubbermaid’s 52 × 31-inch footprint is much more compact, although its shallow design limits how pool-like it feels.
Measure the level ground available and leave room for filling, draining, and movement around the tank. A full tank can be very heavy, so the surface and location matter. The supplied listings do not include filled weights or site preparation instructions; confirm structural needs before placing one on a deck, balcony, or other elevated surface.
Compare material and durability details
Behlen describes its tanks as poly, with the 6-foot model also described as flexible. Rubbermaid specifies structural foam plastic, a ribbed base, and body stiffeners, and says the material resists outdoor weather, impact, and corrosion. These details help distinguish construction approaches, but they do not provide a direct durability comparison under identical conditions.
Think about exposure to sun, temperature changes, pets, and possible impacts. Ask the manufacturer about care and storage guidance for the local climate. Rubbermaid lists a 10-year limited warranty; the supplied Behlen specifications do not include a warranty, so check the current terms instead of assuming they match.
Plan how water will be changed and cleaned
Drainage affects routine upkeep. Rubbermaid explicitly lists an oversized drain plug, which makes it the easiest pick to evaluate for emptying. The supplied Behlen details do not say whether the tanks include drains, where a drain would be located, or what fittings they accept. Confirm those points before purchase, especially if you plan to keep the tank filled for extended periods.
Consider where drained water will go and whether the location can handle it without pooling near a foundation or damaging plants. The product information does not describe filtration, circulation, or water-treatment compatibility. If you intend frequent bathing or extended water storage, get guidance on maintenance and water care from a qualified source.
Check listing gaps before committing
The 6-foot Behlen listing presents measurements as 6 feet by 2 feet in its title and 72 × 72 × 24 inches in its specifications; confirm these dimensions with the seller. Its listed weight of 0.01 ounces also appears unreliable for a tank, so do not use that figure to plan delivery or handling. The 8-foot Behlen listing omits capacity and drainage details. Those omissions do not prove the features are absent, but they are questions to resolve.
Rubbermaid has a clearer set of stated specs, including capacity, dimensions, and warranty, but its small capacity is also its central drawback for pool use. Compare the tank’s documented attributes with your use case, and treat unknown details as unknown until the manufacturer confirms them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these stock tanks is the best choice for a backyard pool?
For the most room, I would start with the 8-foot Behlen Country, provided you have a suitable, level location and confirm its capacity and drainage details. The 6-foot Behlen is a more compact round option. Rubbermaid is much shallower and is better suited to a splash basin than a pool for soaking.
Can the Rubbermaid BRUTE 50-gallon tank work as a swimming pool?
Its 50-gallon capacity and 12-inch depth make it a poor fit for swimming or soaking. It may work for a shallow cool-down or pet rinse, depending on the intended use and manufacturer guidance. For more room and stated height, compare the Behlen Country tanks instead.
How much space should I leave for a round stock tank?
Start with the tank’s listed diameter—6 feet for the smaller Behlen and 8 feet for the larger—and add clear space around the perimeter for access, cleaning, and filling. You will also need a level, appropriately supported surface. Confirm the filled weight and placement requirements before putting a tank on a deck or other elevated structure.
Do these stock tanks include a drain?
The Rubbermaid listing specifies an oversized drain plug. The supplied details for both Behlen Country tanks do not identify a drain or fitting, so I would ask the seller or manufacturer before buying if easy emptying is a priority. Also plan where the water will drain so it does not collect in an unsuitable spot.
What should I verify before using a stock tank as a pool?
Confirm the tank’s dimensions, capacity, drainage, placement requirements, and intended-use guidance with the manufacturer. The supplied product information does not establish filtration compatibility, safe entry hardware, or pool-specific water-care instructions. For the 6-foot Behlen, verify the listed weight and dimensions; for the 8-foot model, ask for capacity and drain details.
Conclusion
Choose the 8-foot Behlen Country if you have ample yard space and want the broadest round setup in this comparison. Choose the 6-foot Behlen Country if you want a smaller round tank and can confirm its inconsistent listing details before arranging delivery. Choose the Rubbermaid BRUTE if your priority is a compact, shallow basin with a stated drain plug and warranty, rather than a pool for soaking. I would base the final choice on the room you need, the ground you can support, and the manufacturer details you can verify for filling and upkeep.
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