Buy a Rain Barrel: Save Money & Protect the Environment
Get the best deals on rain barrels now and use rainwater effectively for your garden irrigation! With our tips, you'll save money, protect the environment, and promote sustainability.
Climate change and rising water prices are making it increasingly important to conserve resources. One simple and effective way to do this is by collecting rainwater. With a rain barrel, you can not only reduce your water consumption but also make a valuable contribution to environmental protection. In this blog post, you'll learn everything you need to know when buying a rain barrel – from choosing the right size to water purification.
What You Should Know
Before you start looking for the perfect rain barrel, there are a few important aspects to consider. It's not just about putting any container under the eaves. Proper planning and consideration of your individual needs are crucial for successful rainwater harvesting.
The Size: The required size of the rain barrel depends on various factors, such as the size of your roof area, the average rainfall in your region, and your water needs. A rule of thumb is: the larger the roof area, the larger the rain barrel should be. For a small garden or balcony, a barrel with a capacity of 100 to 200 liters is often sufficient. If you have a larger garden with lawn and flower beds, 300 liters or more is recommended. Consider whether you want to place multiple barrels parallel to increase storage capacity.
The Material: Rain barrels are available in various materials, including plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene), wood, or metal. Plastic barrels are generally cheaper and easier to maintain. Wooden barrels look more aesthetically pleasing and can bring a natural touch to your garden, but require more care to protect them from rotting. Metal barrels are robust, but can heat the water when exposed to sunlight, which can promote algae growth.
The Color: Dark rain barrels absorb more sunlight and heat the water, which promotes algae growth. Light or transparent barrels are therefore better suited, as they keep the water cooler. There are also special rain barrels with UV protection, which reduce algae growth.
The Location: The rain barrel should ideally be placed directly under the downspout of the roof. Make sure the location is level and stable to prevent tipping. It is also important that you can easily reach the barrel to clean it and remove the water. On terraces and balconies, the barrels must be placed securely, possibly with a base or attachment.
The Water Quality: The collected rainwater is not suitable for drinking. It may contain impurities such as dust, leaves, bird droppings, and pollutants from the roof. For garden irrigation it is