The Best Rain Barrel Covers for Clean Water Storage

The Importance of Rain Barrel Covers

Rain barrels have become a popular way for environmentally conscious homeowners to conserve water. Installing a rain barrel allows you to capture rainfall from your roof and store it for future use in your garden. However, without proper protection in the form of a tight-fitting rain barrel cover, there is the potential for unwanted debris, animals, and insects to enter your rainwater storage system.

Prevent Contamination from Debris

Leaving your rain barrel uncovered can allow all types of debris like leaves, sticks, and dirt to enter the barrel. Not only will this debris clog valves and pipes, but it can also provide nutrients that allow algae and bacteria to grow inside your rain barrel. To prevent contamination of your water, it is essential to install a well-fitting rain barrel cover.

Keep Mosquitoes and Insects Out

Open rain barrels can become prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit diseases like the West Nile virus. Still water is very attractive to these insects, so leaving your barrel uncovered allows them easy access to lay eggs. Screened and properly sealed rain barrel covers can prevent bugs from getting into your water.

Prevent Accidental Drowning

Uncovered rain barrels pose a major safety risk for small children and animals. Curious kids exploring your yard could accidentally fall into an open rain barrel and drown if they are unable to get out. Well-secured rain barrel covers help prevent this tragic scenario.

Protect Against Algae Growth

Exposure to sunlight promotes fast algae growth inside rain barrels, covering the interior walls with green slime that can clog irrigation systems. An opaque rain barrel cover blocks sunshine from fueling algae growth, helping keep hoses and soaker attachments functional.

Choosing the Right Rain Barrel Cover

When shopping for a rain barrel cover, you'll find a variety of options made from different materials. Consider where you live and how you intend to use your rainwater when selecting an appropriate cover.

Plastic Covers

Inexpensive plastic rain barrel covers are very common. Lightweight plastic stretched over a frame allows for easy removal when you need to access the water. However, plastic covers tend to degrade over time, growing brittle when exposed to sunlight. Unless well maintained, they often fail to make a tight seal which allows insects in. Make sure to check your plastic cover for cracks regularly and replace it when needed.

Metal Covers

More durable galvanized steel or aluminum mesh covers better withstand outdoor weathering. Mesh screening keeps mosquitoes out while allowing rainfall to pass through. Just make sure the mesh is corrosion-resistant so it doesn't degrade. Metal covers often use bungee cords or expandable frames to keep them securely in place. These covers don't block all sunlight, so you may still get some algae growth.

Solid Lids

For the best protection of stored rainwater, invest in a solid rain barrel lid. These covers form a tight seal and totally block sunlight. Materials like wood, metal, plastic, and fiberglass are mold-resistant while keeping the barrel contents isolated from the outside environment. Lids often use gaskets to ensure no debris or insects intrude into the barrel. Air vents prevent condensation while an internal screening keeps bugs out.

DIY Rain Barrel Cover Ideas

Don’t let a lack of commercial covers deter you from harvesting rain. With a bit of time and ingenuity, you can make DIY rain barrel covers tailored to your storage containers.

Repurposed Trash Can Lids

If you use trash cans or stock tanks for rainwater collection, check your recycling bin for potential covers. Cut plastic trash can lids or clean trash barrel lids can form nice tight seals atop improvised rain barrels. Use silicone caulk to adhere insect screening over any openings before attaching the upcycled lid.

Scrap Wood Platforms

Build simple wood frames to stretch plastic sheeting or mesh screen across your barrels. Use additional scrap boards or bricks to securely weigh down these covers against wind gusts. Apply clear silicone sealant wherever the screen contacts the barrel to block insect entry points.

Tarp Hat Covers

An inexpensive tarp cut larger than your barrel's top opening makes for a quick and easy stretchable cover. Suspend the tarp above the barrel mouth by threading rope or bungee cords through grommets or loops along the tarp perimeter. Weigh down the tarp edges with rocks or boards. Re-coat exposed surfaces with water sealant periodically since tarps deteriorate with extended UV exposure.

Homemade covers may not look as polished as commercial options, but with care they perform the essential functions of protecting your captured rainwater. Follow guidelines for safety, durability, and sealing effectiveness when improvising your own covers. Maintain DIY covers through the seasons to stop roof debris, keep out pests, deter algae growth, and eliminate drowning hazards with your backyard rain harvesting system.

FAQs

What is the best material for a rain barrel cover?

The best rain barrel covers are solid lids made of materials like wood, metal, plastic, or fiberglass. Solid covers form tight seals to block sunlight, debris, and insects. They use gaskets and vents to keep stored rainwater clean.

Can I make my own rain barrel cover?

Yes, you can make DIY covers from materials like old trash can lids, tarps, scrap wood or plastic sheeting. Secure them over your barrels with cords, sealants, weights, or stretchy frames. Maintain any seals and re-treat cover materials for best homemade protection.

Why is it important to screen rain barrel covers?

Screening or small mesh holes in covers allow rainfall to enter while blocking debris and keeping out mosquitoes that require larger openings. Make sure mesh holes are corrosion resistant and that all seals around lids prevent tiny insect entry.

How often should I replace rain barrel covers?

Check plastic and tarp covers regularly for cracks and leaks, replacing them annually or whenever they lose effectiveness. Solid covers with gaskets typically last over 5 years with periodic maintenance to ensure tight seals are intact before each wet season.