Foldable water reservoir 160 liter

The 160 litre foldable water tank lives outdoors, and outdoors the sun is the problem, not the water. This tank is built from PVC tarpaulin in a 500D weave with a UV-resistant finish, and that number tells you more about its working life than any warranty period.

What 500D means

Denier measures the thickness of the yarns the fabric is woven from. A higher number means heavier threads, so more resistance to tearing and to abrasion along the folds. 500D sits well above the light sheeting used in budget collapsible tanks, and you notice it exactly where this type of tank fails first: the crease where the wall stands when the tank is half empty.

What UV does to a water tank

Untreated PVC fades in sunlight, goes brittle and eventually splits along the seams. A UV-resistant finish slows that down without stopping it. In practice how much direct sun the tank catches is what decides its life. Stand it in partial shade against a wall and you will get years more out of it than on an exposed south-facing terrace. The green colour helps against algae too, passing less light than a pale one.

Maintenance that actually extends its life

Drain it before the frost arrives, flush it with clean water at the start of the season, and store it dry if you fold it away. Never fold it with moisture sitting on the seams. Beyond that it asks for nothing: no abrasives, no detergent, no brush on the fabric.

Technical Specifications:

• Capacity: 160 litres
• Dimensions erected: 50 cm diameter x 90 cm high
• Boxed dimensions: 88 x 12 x 12 cm
• Material: UV-resistant 500D PVC tarpaulin, non-toxic
• Colour: green
• Supplied with: zip lid, drain tap, overflow, click fitting for a garden hose

Frequently asked questions

How long will this tank last? Mostly it depends on how much direct sun it catches and whether you drain it before frost. Sited in shelter and wintered properly, this type of tank lasts years.

Why is no weight listed? The supplier's figure and an independent retailer's figure disagree and cannot be reconciled to one reliable value. We would rather state nothing than a number you cannot rely on. The boxed dimensions are reliable.

Can I repair a leak? A small puncture in the flat of the fabric will take a PVC repair patch. A leak on a seam is much harder and usually the end of the tank.

Can it go on a balcony? Watch the weight: 160 litres of water is 160 kilos on a small area. Check what your balcony is rated for if you are unsure.