Best Round Cattle Trough Pools for Backyard Use
A round cattle trough pool can provide a sturdy water container for a backyard, garden, or farm, but not every stock tank is designed for swimming. For a larger pool-style setup, compare the customizable steel-frame pool and 294-gallon galvanized tank. The shallow 70-gallon tank is better for compact utility, while the 6-foot poly tank offers a flexible stock-tank format. The 6-gallon feeder is included as a small farm-use option, not as a swimming pool.
| Product | Best Suited For | Material or Capacity Listed |
|---|---|---|
| Customizable steel-frame pool | Buyers seeking a large, pool-style container | 3.5 x 0.6 m; about 1,525 gallons |
| Behlen Country RE328 tank | Buyers considering a large galvanized tank | 294 gallons |
| Behlen Country 6-foot Farm Flex tank | Buyers wanting a poly stock tank | 6 ft. x 2 ft. |
| Behlen Country ST216 tank | Compact water storage or utility use | Approximately 70 gallons |
| Rubbermaid BRUTE animal pan feeder | Feeding or small-volume farm use | 6 gallons |
Customizable Steel-Frame Round Pool
This is the most pool-oriented option in the list. The listed size is 3.5 by 0.6 meters, with a stated capacity of about 5,773 liters or 1,525 gallons. The seller also describes the pool as customizable, which may suit buyers looking for a size beyond the listed dimensions.
Its features include 0.9-millimeter, three-layer PVC canvas, welded seams, and a double-layer stainless steel tube frame. The product listing says the frame supports up to 300 kilograms. These details make it a better choice for buyers who prioritize a large water container with a dedicated frame rather than a conventional livestock trough.
- Best for: Buyers seeking a large backyard pool-style setup or multipurpose water container.
- Why it stands out: It lists both a substantial capacity and a reinforced frame.
- Limitation: The listed load limit is not a swimmer-capacity rating. Confirm dimensions, intended use, and setup requirements before purchase.
Behlen Country 294-Gallon Tank
The Behlen Country RE328 is a 294-gallon galvanized round-end tank. Its listed capacity makes it a more substantial option than the 70-gallon shallow tank, so it may be worth comparing for buyers who want a larger farm-style water container.
Product details provided here do not specify the tank’s dimensions, steel gauge, or other construction features. That makes it important to check the current listing for measurements and installation details, especially if the tank must fit a particular space or be adapted for swimming.
- Best for: Buyers comparing larger-capacity galvanized stock tanks.
- Why it stands out: The stated 294-gallon capacity is higher than the other listed traditional tanks.
- Limitation: Dimensions and material specifications are not included in the supplied product details.
Behlen Country 6-Foot Poly Tank
This Farm Flex round stock tank is listed as a 6-foot-by-2-foot poly model. Its dimensions offer a useful starting point for buyers who need to compare available space, although the product information provided does not state its capacity or additional construction details.
Choose this if a poly stock-tank format and the listed footprint match your needs. Compared with the steel-frame pool, it is presented as a farm stock tank rather than a customizable swimming pool. Check the full listing for capacity, setup, and care information before deciding whether it fits a pool project.
- Best for: Buyers looking for a poly stock tank with a stated 6-foot length and 2-foot height.
- Why it stands out: The dimensions are clearly identified for planning a placement area.
- Limitation: Capacity and specific material-performance details are not provided here.
Behlen Country Shallow 70-Gallon Tank
The ST216 is a shallow, round-end galvanized steel stock tank with an approximate capacity of 70 gallons. Its listed construction includes corrosion-resistant zinc coating, a reinforced steel-tube top lip, and a heavy 20-gauge galvanized steel bottom.
This is better suited to compact farm, garden, or water-storage tasks than to use as a full-size swimming pool. The manufacturer notes that dimensions and capacity are approximate and may vary, and that tanks are nested for shipping, so inner tanks may be undersized.
- Best for: Buyers needing a shallow, smaller-capacity galvanized tank.
- Why it stands out: The product details specify several construction features.
- Limitation: Its approximate 70-gallon capacity is limited for pool use.
Rubbermaid BRUTE 6-Gallon Animal Pan
This Rubbermaid Commercial Products animal pan feeder is a 6-gallon farm-use container, not a cattle trough pool. Its listing describes RigidCell construction and says the feeder is twice as strong as standard plastic feed bowls. It is also described as made in the USA.
Include it in a comparison only if your goal is feeding or a small-volume farm container. Its capacity and feeder design make it a poor choice for swimming or holding enough water for a pool.
- Best for: Buyers needing a compact animal pan feeder.
- Why it stands out: The product description highlights its reinforced construction.
- Limitation: At 6 gallons, it is not a substitute for a stock tank or pool.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Round Trough Pool
How much capacity do you need?
Start with the intended use. A 6-gallon feeder and an approximately 70-gallon shallow tank are utility-scale choices, not comparable to the listed 1,525-gallon pool. For swimming, consider capacity alongside dimensions and depth; a gallon figure alone does not show how many people can use a container safely.
Should you choose galvanized steel, poly, or PVC?
Galvanized steel is the material specified for the Behlen Country ST216, which also lists a zinc coating and reinforced rim. The Farm Flex model is identified as poly, but its supplied details do not explain further construction features. The customizable pool uses layered PVC canvas with a stainless steel frame. Compare materials based on the product’s stated intended use and care instructions.
What should you check before using a stock tank as a pool?
Confirm the exact dimensions, capacity, placement requirements, and whether the product is intended for people to enter. Do not treat a frame load limit as a safe swimmer limit. Also plan for filling, draining, cleaning, and safe access; the provided product details do not establish pool-specific safety features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best listed option for a pool-style setup?
The customizable steel-frame pool is the most pool-oriented listing and states a capacity of about 1,525 gallons. Verify the intended use and setup details before buying.
Is the 70-gallon tank large enough for swimming?
It is described as a shallow tank with an approximate 70-gallon capacity, so it is better suited to compact utility than swimming.
Which product lists the most capacity?
The customizable pool lists about 1,525 gallons, more than the 294-gallon Behlen Country tank and the approximately 70-gallon ST216.
Does the 6-foot poly tank list its capacity?
The supplied product information gives its dimensions as 6 feet by 2 feet but does not state capacity.
Can the Rubbermaid animal pan serve as a trough pool?
No. It is a 6-gallon animal pan feeder, making it unsuitable as a swimming pool.