How to choose a tank for a summer shower: comparing different options among themselves
The presence of a summer shower in a summer cottage adds a bit of comfort to a suburban life, and in extreme heat it becomes just a salvation. Waning from the scorching heat, it is so pleasant to feel cool streams of water on the heated skin, to freshen and cheer up. This is much better than pouring from a bucket. It is not so difficult to arrange in the country this useful structure with shelves, a curtain, hooks for towels and clothes. Difficulties arise when you need to choose almost the main structural element - a tank for a summer shower, on which it depends how comfortable and convenient the use of this building will be. The heating of water in tanks can occur from solar energy or provided by heating elements. The material for the manufacture can be various types of steel or special polyethylene.
What to consider when choosing?
The weight of the tank is essential. It should not be too heavy. At the same time, strength and ability to withstand a large mass of water should be beyond any doubt. In addition, the weight to a large extent affects the installation work.
It depends on the color of the tank what water temperature will have to rinse. A light container will allow you to enjoy cool water, and black will provide the maximum possible warming up on a hot day, and will be much warmer.
Heating the water in the black tank will be more even and faster
The shape of the tank is also important. The most common are square and round tanks for a summer shower. But the most rational option can be considered a flat shape, which has increased stability and provides trouble-free installation even on a sloping roof.
Steel tank for a shower - type of steel is important
In the manufacture of metal tanks, different types of steel are used: carbon, stainless and galvanized.
- The carbon steel tanks in shape are usually rectangular flat boxes with an opening located on top where water is poured. Such products are characterized by durability, strength and affordability. Volume - from 100 to 200 liters. A significant disadvantage is the susceptibility to corrosion, therefore, during production, the product is coated with enamel.
Even taking into account the fact that steel, with a thin layer of zinc applied, must be protected from corrosion, the container can still become rusty. Therefore, the surface needs to be painted, which saves a thin zinc layer from damage, thereby prolonging the life of the galvanized tank. They produce containers of round, square or flat shape with a volume of 40 to 200 liters. Service life within 10 years.
In a metal tank made of stainless steel, the water has no unpleasant odor and does not bloom
- Stainless steel tanks are superior in quality to the products listed above. They are not afraid of corrosion. A thin layer of chromium protects the surface from it. Stainless steel products do not require the use of anti-corrosion compounds or staining.The material has high strength. The walls of the tank have a thickness of 1 mm, which does not prevent them from holding a significant amount of water without problems. The product itself looks very aesthetically pleasing, it can be of any shape, with or without a lid. Volume - from 40 to 200 liters.
Plastic tank - lightness, cheapness and spaciousness
Plastic flat tanks for the summer shower enjoy the special love of summer residents. The reasons for the popularity are easily explained: the material is durable (can last 30-50 years), inexpensive, low weight does not cause trouble during installation. The flat shape of the container promotes quick and uniform heating of water. In addition, the design of the tank is such that in parallel with its direct purpose, it also serves as the roof of the shower. Just the shower frame is assembled and a tank is installed at the top.
For the manufacture of such products uses special polyethylene (often food), resistant to ultraviolet rays, durable and environmentally friendly. This material perfectly retains water, does not allow it to bloom even when it is in the tank for a long time. Unlike metal models, such products are not subject to corrosion.
Flat plastic tanks perfectly serve as a roof for a summer shower
Plastic tanks without heating are usually designed for 100-200 liters of water. Pour it in buckets or use a pump. Tanks equipped with PETN are usually produced in the form of round barrels for 50-130 liters, and having a flat shape - for 200 liters.
If you take an ordinary plastic container, then you can “tune” it, as in this video example:
In addition to containers made of solid polyethylene (plastic), there are flat tanks made of elastic polymer fabric. Their universality is that in addition to the shower, they can be used for drip irrigation or storage of water supplies. Such a container is a “pillow” filled with water, with holes for pouring and draining it.
There is a special “breathing” cover that prevents stagnation of water if the shower is not used for a long time. The volume of such a tank is from 200 to 350 liters. It is interesting that when folded it is placed in a simple plastic bag, which is very convenient during transportation. The polymer fabric for such tanks holds its shape well, has high strength, does not deform when heated.
Pros and cons of heated tanks
Water in tanks not equipped with heating elements warms up in the sun. The process proceeds without the participation and control of the owner. But there are no summers without cloudy days. In such cases, the water temperature may not meet the expectations of a person who wants to take a shower.
A heated tank can function normally with a stable supply of water. Connection to central water supply or pumping equipment required
An example of a plastic container equipped with a heating element - if there is electricity at your cottage, then this will be a great purchase
It is possible to provide for such moments and ensure the availability of warm water by installing a heated tank. The plus is that at any time, the heating elements built into the tank will heat the water to the desired temperature. It is worth considering that you need to install an outdoor shower with such a tank near the mains. The temperature sensors and temperature regulators installed by the manufacturers help to control the degree of water heating.
Now about the cons:
- The need for electricity.
- Monitoring the timely filling of the tank with water. Otherwise, the heating elements may burn out.
- The need to equip the tank with a water level indicator.
- For timely water supply, connection to the main water supply or the use of pumping equipment will be required.
If it is not possible to provide a constant pressure of water, a heated tank is not your option. Such tanks can be made of various types of steel or plastic.
An interested person will always choose the most suitable option among the whole variety of containers for a summer shower, in accordance with his preferences, ideas about comfort and financial capabilities.
