The Peso brown rain barrel has all of the essential elements plus extra features for effective rainwater collection, storage, and distribution. This rain barrel holds 50 gallons and has vertical parallel sides that offer less resistance to expanding ice than constricting shapes. Plus, the cylindrical shape allows a very high hoop strength for the quantity of resin used.
A zinc garden drain valve is standard and an internal overflow tube provides the necessary release of excess water through a drain outlet inset in the base of the barrel. Thermal welded fittings and seamless construction both serve to prevent water leakage. The Peso is built with UV protection additive and is FDA approved for potable water. The dark brown color helps to minimize algae growth and the built-in color pigment eliminates future paint chipping.
The canale top is affixed to the top of the rain barrel with inset screens. The straining material is common door screen, which keeps the barrel mosquito resistant, yet allows good water flow. It is held into place on the topside by a poly ring that is stapled into the main body. This design can be easily and cheaply replaced at home. While this style is best with falling water, it also works very well with downspouts and rain chains. The large collection area of the canale top is necessary because falling water “spreads out” as it falls. It occupies a much larger area after it falls six to eight feet and we must be ready to capture it. If the top is not properly designed, it will cause the falling water to splash excessively. The attached lid is important to making your rain barrel resistant to children or animal interferance and safety. The "polka-dot" lid design allows rain water in easily but keeps out mosquitoes, insects, oranic debris, and small animals.
The 50 gallon rain barrel is ideal for most of the year, but it is recommended to drain the barrel once temperatures dip to freezing levels to prevent potential cracking. This rain barrel is made with food grade plastic resin. This does not allow for or mean you can drink the rainwater straight from the bin without filtering. However, food grade plastic resin is recommended for rain barrels, even if water is intended for irrigation purposes, as food grade plastic reduces the amount of chemicals being absorbed into the rainwater.
