Assuming you're talking about a predominantly aquatic enclosure...? The larger it is, the more important I think it is to get a container DESIGNED for holding water. The sides are less likely to bow out, and there's less likely to be a structural integrity issue.
You COULD fill up a large tote with water, but you'd probably have to build a wood frame or something around it to reinforce the sides and keep it from bowing out.
I personally like tubs more. They’re cheaper, easier to do water changes in, and most people use them without additional support with no problems. On another site I moderate, a good portion of the people with turtles use tubs and I have not heard any report of the sides bowing out.