IBC Water & Pool shock questions

[In the Dark]

Managed to source an IBC & was wondering what you would suggest for keeping the water potable?

Have read previously that Pool shock (calcium hypochlorite) non additive is a better option than plain bleach

Is anyone using this & if so where did you source it?

How much do I add? & When should I empty & refill?

Im planning a wood frame to enclose the IBC to keep light out & keep the missus happy & filling it about three quarters full for frost purposes.

Any help gratefully accepted

[the-gnole]

I think you have to make up a solution first with this type of set up.

750ltrs of water @ 5% strength is what you should be aiming at IIRC.

37.5ltrs is 5% of 750ltrs

Make the solution first...1 heaped teaspoon of shock to 2 US Gal of water
Make the bleach solution second...1/4 cup of solution to 1.5 US Gal of water
Purify drinking water third..5 drops of bleach to 1 US Gal of water

US Gal is 16 fl.oz X 8 not 20 fl.oz X 8 UK Gal

[In the Dark]

Thanks

[Rosesandtea]

We have some calcium hypochlorite to use for water purification. Like you we are wanting some IBCs (but have realised we will have problems getting them into the back garden, have to work that out!).

I've got a formula for smaller amounts but will have to dig it out and get back to you tomorrow.

[the-gnole]

Like you we are wanting some IBCs (but have realised we will have problems getting them into the back garden, have to work that out!).

Hi R&T, Can you get them in over the fence ? or is there no access.

[Ian]

In The Dark; the best way is to keep the water in the dark.

Tap-water already is treated and if kept totally dark and sealed keeps for way over a year, so just replace the water annually.

Your problem is that IBCs are rarely opaque, Painting with a decent layer of black paint will normally suffice but there must be no chinks in the coating. It will also stop the IBC plastic from UV degradation so it will last longer. Look in and if there is any light then you may have a problem. As you are boxing it in could that be made totally light proof? Wrapping the IBC in carpet first perhaps which will also insulate it a little.

Sealing is normally easy but check that the caps don't have breathers or the chlorine treatment will eventually be lost.

[Rosesandtea]

Like you we are wanting some IBCs (but have realised we will have problems getting them into the back garden, have to work that out!).

Hi R&T, Can you get them in over the fence ? or is there no access.

Our problem is that the gates and access to the sides of the houses here are too narrow as most have had extensions built. We'd also not like to have to get our neighbors involved. To the back there is a field but we would not be allowed to drive in it, even around it and then there is a huge hedge between us and the field.

We did think of somehow lifting the IBC over our attached garage (which has a flat roof). That would require some setting up but if we were really serious would be doable - problem is that we want to be rather inconspicuous and not involve people outside our family if possible. I've just set my nearly 21 year old to think about the problem. His tongue in cheek answer to what would be the best way was "by helicopter."

My chart for purifying water with calcium hypochlorite misses out your last step but adds a different one.

Make stock: One heaping teaspoon calcium hypochlorite dissolved in 2 gallons of water.
To disinfect water: 1 part chlorine solution to 100 parts water.
Let stand for at least 1/2 hour before drinking.

[the-gnole]

Or possibly get the smaller IBCs

http://www.smithsofthedean.co.uk/IBCs%2 ... 0Tanks.htm

Half width of the regular ones

[Rosesandtea]

Or possibly get the smaller IBCs

http://www.smithsofthedean.co.uk/IBCs%2 ... 0Tanks.htm

Half width of the regular ones

That may be an idea to run with. Thanks. Pity our local source for second-hand ones doesn't sell them - only the big ones from a nearby honey producer.