Here in Houston, TX most years we get plenty of rain and Mr. Money Saving Parent and I have talked several times about getting a rain barrel (or more than one) to see how much water we could collect to help with filling the pool and keeping the plants watered on those many days in a row that we may not see anything other than the sun beating down on us. Using a rain barrel has a number of benefits:
- using what we already have – rain to water what we need to
- reminds me to water the flowers
- small investment
- big return
So far we have had the rain barrel about a month. During that time my flowers have actually gotten watered (I’m really bad at remembering) because we know the rain barrel is there and may be full. One of the most difficult things about the rain barrel was finding a hose that fit the spigot end correctly.
Since Mr. Money Saving Parent is the primary user I’ll let him tell you more about the features and what we like and don’t like about this particular rain barrel. Who knows it may be just enough to convince him to get another one (and you to get one too).
Rain Barrel Features:
JSNY 52 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel is a green- colored, soft sided rain barrel with a screened opening at the top and four “legs” to hold it in place and make it sturdy. These legs are metal bars that are inserted at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions and they provide some stability to an otherwise flimsy container. The rain barrel has a built in hose tap that accepts the end of a standard hose for drainage purposes.
The JSNY 52 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel measures approximately 24 inches wide and 28 inches tall. It comes unassembled and must be put together to use. It needs to be placed beneath a downspout for the greatest level of effectiveness so that the water can flow directly into the screened opening. The rain barrel is completely collapsible when empty, for easy storage.
The simple device sits underneath a downspout where it collects water quickly and then empties out by unzipping the top and scooping out water as needed or by attaching a short hose and turning the valve to release the water.
For his thoughts and review on the assembly and use of the rain barrel continue reading . . .
