Best Stock Tanks for Cold Plunge

A 100-gallon galvanized stock tank holds enough water to fully submerge an adult past the shoulders while still leaving room for a chiller's return and intake lines, which is why it's become the standard size for a DIY cold plunge tub. Poly stock tanks in the 50 to 70-gallon range work too, but they trade that extra depth and rust-resistance for a lighter, easier-to-move tub.

Quick Tips

Size for your body, not just the label — a 100-gallon tank gives more depth for full shoulder submersion than 50-gallon models.
Choose galvanized steel if you want maximum durability and don't mind the extra weight once filled; choose poly foam if you'll move the tank often.
Confirm your stock tank's material is chiller-compatible before buying a pump — some plumbing kits are drilled for a specific wall thickness.
Budget for a cover separately, since most stock tanks ship without one and an uncovered tank loses heat and collects debris fast.

Behlen Country RE224 Galvanized Steel Round End Stock Tank, ~100 Gallons↗

Best for full-depth cold plunge submersion

Top Pick

Behlen Country RE224 Galvanized Steel Round End Stock Tank, ~100 Gallons

Best for full-depth cold plunge submersion

material Galvanized steel

capacity gal ~100 gal

construction Ribbed, corrugated sidewalls with galvanized bottom

marketed for cold plunge Yes

What we like

• Explicitly marketed by the manufacturer for DIY pools and cold ice baths, not just livestock use.
• Ribbed, corrugated sidewalls and a galvanized bottom add strength versus smooth-walled poly tanks.
• ~100-gallon capacity gives enough depth for full shoulder submersion.
• Galvanized steel resists punctures better than molded poly foam.

What we don't

• Heavier once filled, making it harder to reposition than a poly tank.
• Galvanized coating can eventually show wear or light rust at seams over years of use.
• Larger footprint than 50 or 70-gallon options, so it needs more yard space.

You get a tank the manufacturer explicitly lists for DIY pools and cold ice baths, not just livestock watering, so you're not repurposing farm equipment blind. At roughly 100 gallons, it holds enough water for full shoulder submersion, and the ribbed galvanized construction is built to handle repeated fill-and-drain cycles.

This is the pick if you want the closest thing to a purpose-built cold plunge without buying a dedicated tub. If yard space or weight once filled is a concern, a smaller poly tank is easier to manage.

Bottom line

Best for a full-depth, long-term outdoor cold plunge setup with room for a chiller line.

Estimated price $150-220

→ Check Price on Amazon

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 70-Gallons, Structural Foam↗

Best for a lighter, rust-proof mid-size tank

Editor's Choice

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 70-Gallons, Structural Foam

Best for a lighter, rust-proof mid-size tank

material Structural foam (polyethylene)

capacity gal 70 gal

construction Seamless molded foam

marketed for cold plunge Yes

What we like

• Seamless structural foam construction won't rust or corrode like galvanized steel.
• 70-gallon capacity splits the difference between a compact 50-gallon tank and a full 100-gallon tank.
• Lighter than a galvanized tank of comparable size, easier to move when empty.
• Manufacturer listing explicitly includes hot tub and bathtub use alongside livestock applications.

What we don't

• Less depth than the 100-gallon galvanized option, so submersion is more limited.
• Poly foam isn't as puncture-resistant as galvanized steel.
• No stated chiller-plumbing compatibility in the listing — confirm fittings separately.

You get a mid-size tank that's light enough to reposition when empty but still holds 70 gallons once filled, and the seamless foam construction means no rust to worry about over time. The listing itself calls out hot tub and bathtub use, not just farm applications.

This is the pick if you want a lighter tank than galvanized steel without dropping all the way to a 50-gallon size. If full shoulder submersion matters more than weight, the 100-gallon galvanized option holds more water.

Bottom line

Best for a cold plunge setup where you want a lighter, rust-proof tank without sacrificing much capacity.

Estimated price $130-180

→ Check Price on Amazon

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 50-Gallons, Structural Foam↗

Best value for a compact cold plunge

Best Value

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stock Tank, 50-Gallons, Structural Foam

Best value for a compact cold plunge

material Structural foam (polyethylene)

capacity gal 50 gal

construction Seamless molded foam

marketed for cold plunge Yes

What we like

• Smallest and typically least expensive tank in this lineup.
• Seamless structural foam won't rust, unlike galvanized options.
• Easier to lift and reposition than 70 or 100-gallon tanks, even when empty.
• Manufacturer listing explicitly covers hot tub and bathtub use.

What we don't

• 50-gallon capacity limits you to a seated soak rather than full shoulder submersion.
• Smaller water volume means temperature swings faster without a chiller running.
• Not rated for the same depth of cold exposure as larger tanks in this roundup.

You get the lowest-cost entry point into a stock tank cold plunge here, with a size that's easy to lift and move even without draining it first. It's built from the same rust-proof structural foam as the 70-gallon option, just scaled down.

This is the pick if you're testing whether a stock tank cold plunge works for you before committing to a larger size. If full-body submersion is the goal, size up to the 70 or 100-gallon options.

Bottom line

Best for a lower-cost, easier-to-move stock tank cold plunge for seated soaks.

Estimated price $90-130

→ Check Price on Amazon

What to Look For

Capacity determines how much of your body stays submerged. 50-gallon tanks fit a seated soak, while 70 to 100-gallon tanks allow full immersion past the shoulders.

Material changes weight, durability, and rust risk. Galvanized steel resists punctures and lasts through repeated fill-and-drain cycles, while structural foam poly tanks are lighter and won't rust.

Not every stock tank is drilled or rated for a chiller connection out of the box. Check our [chiller-sizing guide](/chiller-sizing-calculator) to confirm your tank size pairs with the pump you want to add.

Who Should Skip This

If you want a plug-and-play setup with an included pump, lid, and insulation, a purpose-built cold plunge tub is a more direct option than retrofitting a stock tank. If you're renting or need something you can deflate and store, an inflatable cold plunge tub is a lower-commitment alternative.

Stock tanks make the most sense if you're comfortable sourcing a chiller and filtration separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size stock tank is best for a cold plunge?

Most cold plunge setups use a 70 to 100-gallon stock tank, which gives enough depth for full shoulder submersion. Smaller 50-gallon tanks work for a seated soak but limit how deep you can sit.

Is galvanized steel or poly foam better for a stock tank cold plunge?

Galvanized steel holds up to years of repeated fill-and-drain cycles and resists punctures, but it's heavier once filled. Poly foam tanks are lighter and rust-proof, which matters if you plan to move the tank seasonally.

Can I add a chiller to any stock tank?

Most stock tanks can accept a chiller with the right plumbing kit, but wall thickness and drain placement vary by model. Check the tank's specs against your chiller's intake and return fittings before buying either one.

Do stock tanks come with a lid or cover?

Most stock tanks ship without a cover, so budget for one separately if you want to retain heat or keep debris out. Covers are typically sold as a compatible add-on rather than included.

How long does a stock tank cold plunge last?

Galvanized steel tanks are built for years of outdoor livestock use, so they typically outlast lighter poly tanks under the same conditions. Regular draining and cover use extend either material's lifespan.

Buying Guide

You're choosing between galvanized steel and molded poly foam, and between roughly 50 and 100 gallons of capacity. Galvanized tanks hold more water and resist puncture, but weigh more once filled.

Poly tanks are lighter and rust-proof but smaller. Check our [chiller-sizing guide](/chiller-sizing-calculator) before buying to confirm the right pairing.