If you are shopping for the best stock tank pool, these four options split into two very different groups: true poly livestock tanks and a framed fabric swimming pool. My leading pick for a stock-tank-style backyard setup is the Behlen Country FarmFlex 8 ft. x 2 ft., which offers the lineup’s most generous stated tank dimensions and a flexible, multipurpose design. For a more compact, shallow water feature, the Rubbermaid Brute 50-Gallon has structural foam construction and a long limited warranty. The 3.6 × 1 m frame pool gives buyers more swimming depth, but it is not a rigid stock tank and needs level ground and a separately sourced pump.
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The main choice is not simply large versus small: it is rigid tank durability versus a larger, collapsible swimming setup. Behlen’s 6-foot model takes less room than its 8-foot sibling, while the Rubbermaid’s 12-inch height suits shallow soaking or utility use better than deep swimming. I rank these options by how well their stated construction, dimensions, and intended use line up with a stock-tank-pool buyer’s needs. None should be treated as a complete pool system without checking site preparation, water handling, and safe use.
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Key Takeaways
- Best overall stock-tank style: Behlen Country’s 8-foot round FarmFlex is the largest rigid poly tank in this group by its stated dimensions, but its product details do not list a drain or pool accessories.
- Best for a smaller footprint: The Behlen Country 6-foot FarmFlex preserves a 2-foot stated height while taking up less space than the 8-foot version; the listed 0.01-ounce weight is clearly suspect and should not guide handling plans.
- Best shallow utility tank: Rubbermaid’s Brute has a 50-gallon capacity, 12-inch height, structural foam construction, and a 10-year limited warranty, but it is far shallower and smaller in capacity than a conventional swimming pool.
- Best for more swimming depth: The 3.6 × 1 m framed pool is about 3.3 feet high and has a removable fabric-and-frame setup, but it is not a rigid stock tank and its pump is not included.
- Before filling any option: Check the ground, water capacity and drainage plan, access for filling, and whether the manufacturer’s stated use matches your planned pool use.
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 8 ft. x 2 ft. |  | Best Overall Stock-Tank Style | Brand: Behlen Country | Model: 52113088 | Dimensions: 8 ft. × 2 ft. | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Above-Ground Round Frame Swimming Pool, 3.6 × 1 m |  | Best for More Swimming Depth | Brand: WLCGYD | Dimensions: 3.6 × 1 m (about 11.8 × 3.3 ft.) | Shape: Round | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute 50-Gallon Stock Tank |  | Best for Shallow Soaking and Utility Use | Brand: Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Capacity: 50 gallons | Dimensions: 52 × 31 × 12 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 6 ft x 2 ft |  | Best Compact Rigid Tank | Brand: Behlen Country | Model: 52113068 | Dimensions: 72 × 72 × 24 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| stock tank pool | Brand | Dimensions | Material | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Behlen Country | 8 ft. × 2 ft. | Poly | Round |
| Above-Ground Round Frame Swimm | WLCGYD | 3.6 × 1 m (about 11.8 × 3.3 ft.) | PVC-coated fabric and PVC frame | Round |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Rubbermaid Commercial Products | 52 × 31 × 12 inches | Structural foam | — |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Behlen Country | 72 × 72 × 24 inches | Poly | Round |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 8 ft. x 2 ft.
The Behlen Country FarmFlex 8 ft. x 2 ft. is my lead recommendation for buyers who want a large, round poly tank as the base for a stock-tank-style backyard pool. Its listed footprint and 2-foot height give it more room to spread out than the 6-foot FarmFlex, while its flexible poly construction distinguishes it from the Rubbermaid’s structural foam. That combination makes the 8-foot model the strongest match here for a roomy, rigid tank format, though the listing does not provide a water capacity or pool-specific fittings.
Its stated farm-and-ranch purpose is relevant: this is a livestock tank first, with dog bathing and wildlife-pond use also described. Those uses suggest versatility, but they do not establish that it comes ready for swimming. I would check whether a drain, filtration system, and water-treatment plan can be added before treating it as a regular pool. The frame pool is taller and may provide more vertical water depth, but it has a fabric liner and needs assembly; the FarmFlex offers the more straightforward rigid-tank form.
The main tradeoff is yard footprint and missing pool details. An 8-foot round tank requires a substantial, stable site and a practical way to fill and empty it. Compared with the Rubbermaid, it is a more plausible choice for shared soaking space, but it lacks the supplied listing’s explicit warranty and construction details. Choose this one when rigid, roomy, round poly construction is the priority; skip it if you need a documented pool package or have limited space.
Pros:- Large 8-foot round footprint with a stated 2-foot height
- Flexible poly tank design intended for farm and ranch use
- Described for livestock water, dog bathing, and wildlife-pond applications
- Rigid tank format is a closer match to a conventional stock-tank pool than the framed fabric alternative
Cons:- The supplied details do not state water capacity, drain hardware, or pool accessories
- Its 8-foot footprint calls for considerable level, stable yard space
- Pool-specific water circulation and maintenance requirements are not provided
Best for: Buyers with room for a large round tank who want a rigid poly base for a backyard soaking setup and are prepared to plan drainage and water care separately.
Not ideal for: People with small yards, buyers wanting a turnkey pool with pump and filtration, or anyone who needs published capacity and installation details before choosing.
- Brand:Behlen Country
- Model:52113088
- Dimensions:8 ft. × 2 ft.
- Shape:Round
- Material:Poly
- Item count:1
- Manufacturer part number:5211308809
- UPC:017141001650
Our verdict“I’d choose the 8-foot FarmFlex when a roomy, rigid round poly tank matters more than a documented pool-ready package.”
Above-Ground Round Frame Swimming Pool, 3.6 × 1 m
This 3.6 × 1 m framed pool is the lineup’s best fit for someone whose priority is more water depth rather than a traditional metal or poly stock tank. At roughly 11.8 feet across and 3.3 feet high, it is both wider and taller than the Behlen tanks by their stated dimensions. But it is a different product category: a three-layer PVC-coated fabric liner supported by a PVC frame, not a rigid livestock tank. I include it because it competes for the same backyard water space, not because its construction is equivalent.
The design has useful setup details absent from the tank listings: heat-sealed seams, a drain outlet, mounting accessories, and a repair patch. It can be assembled and taken down for storage, which may suit buyers who do not want a permanent heavy tank in the yard. The listing also describes UV-resistant, waterproof fabric and a frame capacity of 400 kg, approximately three adults. That capacity statement is not a substitute for following assembly and safe-use guidance, and buyers should confirm the product’s instructions before filling it.
The tradeoffs are setup and equipment. It requires level ground, and the pump is not included, so the owner must plan water circulation and cleaning. Compared with the 8-foot FarmFlex, this option is taller and easier to store when dismantled, but lacks the solid-wall feel of a rigid tank. Compared with the Rubbermaid, it offers much more stated depth and room, though with more parts and assembly. Choose it for a larger, seasonal swimming setup; skip it if your priority is a durable one-piece stock tank.
Pros:- About 11.8 feet across and 3.3 feet high by the listed dimensions
- Three-layer PVC-coated fabric with heat-sealed seams
- Can be assembled and taken down for storage
- Includes a drain outlet, mounting accessories, and repair patch
Cons:- Pump is not included
- Requires level ground and assembly before use
- Fabric liner and PVC frame are not equivalent to a rigid stock tank
Best for: Buyers seeking a deeper, larger above-ground water space that can be assembled and taken down, and who are comfortable sourcing a pump separately.
Not ideal for: Shoppers specifically seeking a rigid livestock-style tank, those unable to provide level ground, or anyone expecting an included pump and full pool-care system.
- Brand:WLCGYD
- Dimensions:3.6 × 1 m (about 11.8 × 3.3 ft.)
- Shape:Round
- Material:PVC-coated fabric and PVC frame
- Recommended age:6 years and up
- Frame capacity:400 kg (881 lb.), described as approximately three adults
- Features:UV-resistant, waterproof fabric; heat-sealed seams
- Drainage:Inlet and drain outlet; pump not included
- Included:Mounting accessories and repair patch
Our verdict“I’d pick this framed pool over the tanks when greater depth and seasonal take-down matter more than rigid stock-tank construction.”
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Brute 50-Gallon Stock Tank
The Rubbermaid Brute 50-Gallon earns a place for buyers who need a compact, shallow tank more than a conventional swimming pool. Its dimensions are 52 × 31 × 12 inches, making it far shorter than either Behlen FarmFlex model. That 12-inch height may work for a shallow soak, pet use, or water feature, but it limits the amount of room for swimming. I rank it below the larger FarmFlex options for pool use and ahead of them for buyers who put a smaller footprint and detailed durability features first.
Its construction is the strongest documented point in this comparison. Structural foam, a ribbed base, and built-in stiffeners are described as helping the tank resist impact, corrosion, weather, and deformation. The smooth finish and lack of sharp or rough edges are practical details for a product that may be used around animals or people. A 10-year limited warranty is listed, giving buyers a specific warranty term to review; warranty coverage and conditions still need to be checked with the manufacturer.
Compared with the Behlen 6-foot tank, the Brute is much smaller and shallower, but its construction details are more explicit. Compared with the framed pool, it avoids a separate frame-and-liner assembly, yet cannot offer similar depth or a removable seasonal setup. The listing does not include a drain-plug kit among its components, so emptying and placement deserve thought before filling. Choose it for a shallow, compact water use; skip it if your goal is a family-size pool or meaningful swim space.
Pros:- Structural foam construction with ribbed base and built-in stiffeners
- Smooth finish described as having no sharp or rough edges
- Designed for year-round outdoor use and resistance to weather and corrosion
- 10-year limited warranty is listed
Cons:- 12-inch height is too shallow for many swimming-pool uses
- 50-gallon capacity is much smaller than a typical backyard pool
- No drain-plug kit is listed among the included components
Best for: Buyers who want a compact, low-sided tank for shallow soaking, pet bathing, or utility use and value stated structural features and warranty coverage.
Not ideal for: People looking for a deep or roomy swimming pool, anyone who needs a listed drain kit, or buyers who want the round shape and scale of the Behlen tanks.
- Brand:Rubbermaid Commercial Products
- Capacity:50 gallons
- Dimensions:52 × 31 × 12 inches
- Material:Structural foam
- Color:Black
- Finish:Smooth
- Warranty:10-year limited warranty
- Made in:USA
- Model number:FG424300BLA
Our verdict“I’d choose the Brute for a compact, durable shallow-water setup, not as a substitute for a full-size stock tank pool.”
Behlen Country FarmFlex Round Stock Tank, 6 ft x 2 ft
The Behlen Country FarmFlex 6 ft. x 2 ft. is the space-conscious alternative to my overall pick. It keeps the same broad product idea as the 8-foot FarmFlex—a flexible poly tank designed for farm and ranch jobs—but its six-foot round footprint is easier to fit into a smaller yard. Its listed 24-inch height is also notably taller than the Rubbermaid Brute’s 12 inches, making it a more plausible option for a shallow soaking pool when available space rules out the larger Behlen.
This is still a multipurpose livestock tank, not a pool kit. The description lists livestock watering, dog bathing, and wildlife-pond use, while omitting a capacity, drain fittings, filtration, and pool-specific guidance. Compared with the 8-foot Behlen, the smaller model gives up room but may be simpler to place. Compared with the framed pool, it has a solid tank form and no fabric-frame assembly described, but it does not offer the same stated height or take-down storage approach.
One specification deserves caution: the product information lists a weight of 0.01 ounces, an implausibly low figure for a tank of these dimensions. I would not use that number to plan shipping, lifting, or installation; verify weight with the seller or manufacturer. The listing also says color may vary, which matters if a coordinated yard appearance is part of the plan. Choose this model when you want a smaller rigid round tank; skip it if you require verified weight, published water capacity, or a ready-to-use pool system.
Pros:- Six-foot round footprint is smaller than the 8-foot Behlen option
- Listed 24-inch height is greater than the Rubbermaid Brute’s 12-inch height
- Poly construction and farm-and-ranch design support multiple outdoor uses
- Described for livestock watering, dog bathing, and wildlife ponds
Cons:- Listed weight of 0.01 ounces appears implausible and needs verification
- No water capacity, drain hardware, or pool-care accessories are stated
- Color is listed as a variety, so appearance may not be predictable
Best for: Buyers with less yard space who want a round, 2-foot-high poly tank for shallow soaking or multipurpose outdoor use.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs a fully specified pool package, a verified weight for handling plans, or a tank with published capacity and drainage details.
- Brand:Behlen Country
- Model:52113068
- Dimensions:72 × 72 × 24 inches
- Shape:Round
- Material:Poly
- Color:Variety
- Listed weight:0.01 ounces; appears unusually low and should be verified
- Intended uses:Livestock watering, dog bath, or wildlife pond
Our verdict“I’d choose the 6-foot FarmFlex when a smaller rigid tank footprint matters, after verifying its weight and planning drainage separately.”
How We Picked
I ranked these four options around the specific job implied by stock tank pools: holding water outdoors in a form that can plausibly suit a backyard soaking or swimming setup. That standard matters because the products are not interchangeable. Two are Behlen Country poly farm tanks, one is a small Rubbermaid livestock tank, and one is a framed PVC-coated fabric pool rather than a stock tank. I kept that distinction visible instead of treating every round water container as the same kind of product.
My first comparison was size and usable depth. The Behlen listings give 8-foot by 2-foot and 6-foot by 2-foot dimensions, which make them the clearest choices for buyers specifically seeking a rigid, round tank. The Rubbermaid lists a 50-gallon capacity and a 12-inch height, so I rank it for shallow water use rather than swimming space. The frame pool’s stated height of about 3.3 feet suggests greater depth, but its fabric liner and PVC support frame make it a different setup with separate installation needs.
I also considered construction and outdoor suitability. The Rubbermaid listing names structural foam, a ribbed base, stiffeners, and a 10-year limited warranty. Behlen describes its tanks as durable and flexible poly models, but the supplied information does not specify wall thickness, drain fittings, or a pool conversion kit. The framed pool listing calls out heat-sealed seams, UV resistance, a repair patch, and an included drain outlet, while noting that a pump is not included. I treated those stated details as useful buying information, not as proof of performance beyond the listing.
Finally, I weighed setup demands and information gaps. The frame pool explicitly needs level ground and must be assembled; the rigid tanks also need a properly prepared, stable surface, even though the supplied descriptions do not detail site requirements. I did not assume that any livestock tank includes pool filtration, sanitizing equipment, a liner, or a drain kit. Ranking favors the options whose form and stated dimensions best fit a stock-tank-pool use, while the role labels explain when a smaller tank or a non-tank alternative may serve better.
| stock tank pool | Brand | Material | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Behlen Country | Poly | — |
| Above-Ground Round Frame Swimm | WLCGYD | PVC-coated fabric and PVC frame | — |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Rubbermaid Commercial Products | Structural foam | Black |
| Behlen Country FarmFlex Round | Behlen Country | Poly | Variety |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Stock Tank Pools
A stock tank can make a simple backyard water feature, but choosing one as a pool means weighing more than its diameter. I’d compare depth, construction, site requirements, drainage, and water care before settling on a model. The four options here range from compact shallow tanks to a larger framed pool, so the best choice depends on whether you value rigid construction, usable water depth, a smaller footprint, or seasonal storage.
Decide whether you want a true tank or a framed pool
The Behlen FarmFlex models and Rubbermaid Brute are livestock or utility tanks, while the WLCGYD option is a PVC-coated fabric pool on a PVC frame. That distinction affects setup and expectations. A rigid tank does not need the same liner-and-frame assembly, though it still needs a stable base and a plan for filling and emptying. The framed pool can be taken down for storage, but it has more parts, requires level ground, and does not include a pump. If your priority is the familiar stock-tank look and solid walls, start with Behlen. If you want a deeper seasonal pool and accept the different construction, compare the frame option.
Match diameter and height to the way you will use it
The two Behlen listings state 6-foot and 8-foot round dimensions, each with a 2-foot height. The larger model should be the first one to examine if you need more room, while the 6-foot version makes more sense when a smaller yard limits placement. The Rubbermaid measures only 12 inches high and holds 50 gallons, so I would treat it as a shallow-use option rather than a swim pool. The framed model is listed at about 11.8 feet across and 3.3 feet high, giving it the greatest stated size here but also demanding more site area. Confirm how dimensions are measured and how much clearance you need around the product.
Plan the ground and placement before ordering
Water is heavy, and a filled pool places a sustained load on the surface underneath it. Choose a level, stable location suited to the manufacturer’s instructions, clear debris, and consider how water will affect nearby soil, paving, structures, and landscaping. The framed pool listing explicitly calls for level ground; a rigid tank also needs a stable, properly prepared base even if the supplied product description does not spell out installation steps. Think about access for delivery and filling as well. A large 8-foot tank may be awkward to position after arrival, while the smaller Brute is easier to place but offers much less water space.
Check drainage and water-care equipment
Do not assume a livestock tank includes the parts needed for pool maintenance. The framed pool lists a drain outlet but no pump. The Rubbermaid product does not list a drain-plug kit among its included components, and the Behlen details supplied here do not specify drain fittings. Before purchase, check the exact product configuration and decide how you will circulate, clean, treat, and replace water. A drain plan matters both for routine upkeep and for emptying the tank without sending water toward a foundation, neighboring property, or an area where it could cause erosion.
Treat livestock-tank use and swimming use as separate questions
A product described for livestock water, dog bathing, or a wildlife pond is not automatically presented as a swimming pool. Review the manufacturer’s intended-use guidance, surface details, cleaning requirements, and any restrictions before using a tank for people. The Rubbermaid’s smooth finish and no-sharp-edge description are useful details, but they do not replace inspection or safe-use guidance. For the framed pool, follow the assembly and capacity instructions, and do not treat a stated frame load as a guarantee of safety under every condition. Supervise children and prevent unsupervised access to standing water.
Weigh long-term placement against seasonal storage
A rigid poly or structural-foam tank may suit a buyer who wants a fixed outdoor feature, but moving a large tank after installation can be inconvenient. The framed pool is specifically described as assemblable and removable, which may appeal to people who want to reclaim yard space in cooler months. That convenience comes with setup and storage work, plus separate pump planning. The 6-foot Behlen can reduce the footprint compared with the 8-foot model, while the Rubbermaid is the smallest and shallowest option. Make the choice based on how often you expect to use the pool and whether you want it to remain in place year-round.
Verify specifications that could affect delivery and installation
Listings can omit details that matter once a large container reaches your home. The 6-foot Behlen listing’s 0.01-ounce weight looks implausible for an item of its dimensions, so confirm the actual weight rather than planning around that figure. The 8-foot Behlen listing does not state capacity, and none of the supplied Behlen details specify pool accessories. Ask the seller or manufacturer about the measurements, weight, fittings, and recommended installation surface when those facts affect your choice. Clear answers are especially helpful when you are arranging delivery, choosing a base, or estimating how the finished setup will fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is the best match for a traditional stock tank pool?
I would start with the Behlen Country FarmFlex 8 ft. x 2 ft. if you have room for its larger footprint and want a round poly tank. It is the largest rigid tank in this group by its stated dimensions. The 6-foot FarmFlex is the more compact alternative, while the Rubbermaid is much shallower and the WLCGYD product is a framed fabric pool rather than a stock tank. Check drain, water-care, and intended-use details before using any livestock tank for swimming.
Is the framed pool a stock tank pool?
Not in construction. The WLCGYD option uses a PVC-coated fabric liner and PVC frame, while the Behlen and Rubbermaid products are rigid tanks. It may still suit a buyer comparing backyard water setups because it is round and has greater stated height, but it needs assembly, level ground, and a separately sourced pump. I would choose it for a seasonal, deeper above-ground pool rather than for a rigid stock-tank design.
Which product works best in a smaller yard?
The Behlen Country 6-foot FarmFlex is the most direct smaller-footprint choice if you still want a round, 2-foot-high poly tank. The Rubbermaid Brute takes up less space by its listed dimensions, but its 12-inch height and 50-gallon capacity make it better suited to shallow utility or soaking use than swimming. Measure the full installation area, including access and any space needed for drainage, before deciding.
Do any of these options include a pump?
The supplied details explicitly say the framed pool pump is not included. The descriptions for both Behlen tanks and the Rubbermaid Brute do not list a pump, filtration system, or pool-care package either. I would confirm the exact included components with the seller and plan for appropriate water circulation, cleaning, and drainage rather than assuming a tank is ready for regular pool use.
What should I verify before buying a Behlen FarmFlex tank?
Confirm the measurements, actual weight, capacity, drain fittings, intended-use guidance, and any installation recommendations. The 6-foot listing gives a weight of 0.01 ounces, which appears unusually low for a tank of that size, so it should be checked with the seller or manufacturer. The 8-foot listing does not provide water capacity or pool-specific accessories. Those details can affect delivery, base preparation, filling, and the effort needed to empty the tank.
Conclusion
My recommendation depends on how you plan to use the water space. Choose the Behlen Country FarmFlex 8 ft. x 2 ft. if you want the roomiest rigid poly stock-tank format here and have enough yard space. Pick the 6-foot FarmFlex if a smaller round footprint matters more, but verify its listed weight and arrange drainage separately. The Rubbermaid Brute makes more sense for a compact, shallow soak or utility use than for swimming. If your priority is greater stated depth and the ability to take the setup down, consider the framed pool, knowing that it is not a rigid stock tank and does not include a pump. Across all four, I would confirm site requirements, fittings, and water-care plans before filling.
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