Choosing Rain Water Tanks: Concrete or Poly?

What rain water tank is best? It depends on your situation and your needs.

Poly Above
Poly rainwater tanks are best used above ground. These tanks may need to be accessed for repair or bracing, so you don’t want them in the ground or in a difficult to reach spot.

Poly tanks are portable and tend to last the longest. Sometimes the tanks split at the seam, and the supports inside that hold up the roof may break through the roof.

Concrete Advantages
Concrete tanks are ideal for underground tanks and tanks that must be installed in tight spots without easy access. Some have an iron additive for strength. The tanks may crack, as concrete does. They need to be carefully flushed before use to remove the concrete taste.

Once they are located, they cannot be moved. Often they are cast in location.

Other Considerations
Look at steel or Aquaplate tanks for an alternative to the molded poly or concrete. Consider what kind of stand or support your tank will need, especially when full. Consider also the drainage system for runoff when the tank is full and can’t hold more water.

Avoid rainwater from tar roofs or roofs containing lead paint. The first runoffs from new cement or metal roofs should also be discarded.