Poly water tanks are among the fastest growing types of tanks. They are made from polyethylene which is UV treated, impact modified, and food grade which means it is suitable for potable (drinking quality) water. Corrugated poly water tank designs are particularly strong profiles by engineering design.
Plastic, polyethylene or poly water tanks are now the biggest selling sector of the booming water tank market.
Poly water tanks are very price competitive and can be placed on a simple base of cracker dust or sand, and typically come with warranties of up to 25 years.
Poly Water Tank Standards
Plastic tanks and plastic liners should be constructed of materials that are at least of food-grade standard (AS 2070) and preferably that comply with the requirements of Australian Standards, AS 3855-1994 and AS 4020 (Interim)-1994. As with fibreglass tanks, a poly water tank should be manufactured in a manner to prevent the entry of light.
Polyethylene is a plastic that has been around for many years and is a proven product that will not break down in the sun for at least 25 years. Most poly water tanks actually come with a 25 year warranty. As with all tanks there is always the possibility of a manufacturing problem, so it is important for peace of mind to purchase a poly tank that is branded with a recognised standard such as an AS/NZ number or preferably an ISO number which means the tank is made to “worlds best practice”.
Plastic and Poly water tanks are rotary moulded. To make a tank the manufacturer makes a mould from steel, like a big steel canister. The canister is then loaded with plastic granules or powder, closed off and then rotated over a heating source to melt the plastic. When the plastic has melted and the canister cooled down it is opened and there is the poly water tank.
The amount of plastic granules or powder placed in the canister determines the thickness of the tank. Some steel moulds for plastic tanks have flanges down the side to make it easier to get the tank out of the mould and tanks made in moulds like this will show a line where the mould joins but it is not a join in the tank.
Availability of Poly Water Tanks
There are a variety of manufacturers of poly water tanks around the world and there will be a stockist near you. The shapes of the tanks vary according to the manufacturer. The majority of the designs are computer generated for both strength and appearance but by far the strongest profile by engineering design is corrugated. These designs actually look like a conventional tank and can complement the home and environment well.
The majority of poly water tanks sold are the standard round water tank variety however in recent years manufacturers have developed new modular and slimline water storage solutions.
Recently poly water tanks have also been manufactured for underground installation as a cost effective alternative to a underground concrete water tank.
There are literally hundreds of manufacturers of poly water tanks around Australia however some of the more popular and recognised brands include Bushmans Water Tanks, Nylex Water Tanks, Poly Water Tanks, Polyworld Water Tanks, Rainhaven Water Tanks, Tankmasta Water Tanks, Team Poly Water Tanks and Water Wall Water Tanks.