Using a reinforcement ring to aid water tank stability

When installing a tank outside, a reinforcement ring might be the item that could save your tank (and surroundings) during unforeseen heavy weather conditions, especially when a tensioned cover is still installed. When your water tanks are not filled close to their maximum capacity, or the tensioned cover was not removed, there is a potential risk of damage or in the worst case collapse of the structure. In practice, when we witness these damages, in most cases the reinforcement ring could have prevented them.

Filling level during heavy weather
Wind can take hold of the tank when it is not filled close to its maximum capacity. Despite the wide safety margins of our water tanks under normal conditions, the top ring may start shaking and the liner may start waving due to the strong forces of the wind, which could possibly lead to damage. It is therefore advised to keep your water tanks as full as possible while taking the freeboard into account: there must always be some space between the top edge of the tank and the water surface to prevent overflowing. But even then, a reinforcement ring is highly recommended to keep the top ring in its shape.

Water tanks with geotextile anti-algae covers
NPI's geotextile anti-algae covers allow a certain amount of rainwater to permeate, but during extreme weather, puddles of rainwater can form on the cover. This happens with both flat-tensioned anti-algae covers and elevated anti-algae covers, supported by a centre pole. While the center pole holds up the cover, making it easier for water to slide down, some sagging cannot completely be avoided. What then happens, is that the weight of the water will put pressure on the top ring by pulling it inwards. When you see this happening and no reinforcement ring is installed, the first thing to do will be to use a heated prying tool to burn additional holes in the cover. This will accelerate water drainage and will reduce the risk of damage.

So, the geotextile covers should be removed during a storm, but since this does not always happen, and it is unlikely that you will be monitoring the tanks constantly, a reinforcement ring is a must to help to reduce the pressure on the top ring.