How to Keep Water Tank Cool in Summer?

When the summer heat is at its peak, nothing feels more disappointing than reaching for a glass of water only to find it warm. When your water tank is exposed to direct sunlight, it can quickly heat up, especially the plastic overhead storage tanks commonly used in most homes today.

Fortunately, keeping your plastic water tank cool is not complicated or expensive. With a few simple and practical tips, you can maintain a refreshing water supply throughout the hottest months while also protecting your water tank’s durability and performance.

Why is it Important to Keep Your Water Tank Cool in Summer?

The Importance of Cooling Your Plastic Water Tank This Summer:

1. Water Quality

Hot water tanks become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. These microorganisms thrive in warm environments, potentially affecting your family’s health. Cooler water naturally suppresses their growth, keeping your supply safe.

2. Daily Comfort

There is nothing worse than turning on the tap for a refreshing drink after working outside only to get lukewarm water. The same goes for showers that fail to provide relief from the heat. Cool water storage tanks transform these everyday experiences into genuinely refreshing moments.

3. Tank Protection

Heat takes a serious toll on tank components. Seals deteriorate faster, materials weaken, and systems age prematurely under high temperatures, leading to leaks, cracks and eventual replacement. Keeping your water tank cool in summers significantly extends your tank’s service life.

4. Uninterrupted Supply

During heat waves, when water usage increases everywhere, properly cooled water tanks remain reliable. This ensures your household has consistent access to usable water precisely when you need it most.

Keeping the temperature low for your water tank for summer protects your health, your equipment and your budget throughout those challenging summer months.

Tips for Keeping Your Water Tank Cool in Summer

Below are 7 Tips to keep the home water tank cool in summer:

1. Use the Water Tank Cover

A quality UV-resistant cover acts like a sunscreen for your water tanks. These protective shields prevent direct sunlight from heating the surface and the water inside water storage tanks. The best covers also shield connecting pipes, which often contain standing water that heats up quickly. It is an essential addition to any tank for summer, helping to maintain cooler water temperatures.

2. Provide Shade

Just as you seek shade on hot days, your tanks need the same relief. For fixed tanks, consider building a simple shelter or hanging tarpaulins to block direct sunlight throughout the day.

3. Insulate the Tank

Insulation is a smart upgrade for any water tank for summer, helping to keep water cooler for longer. Proper insulation works in the summer just as it does in the winter. Materials like foam or fibreglass create a barrier that keeps outside heat from transferring to your water. Specialised wraps designed specifically for water storage tanks offer the best protection against summer heat while remaining weather-resistant. 

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Your water tanks need to breathe. Good airflow prevents heat from building up around the tank surface. For indoor tanks especially, make sure there’s space for air to circulate freely, carrying away accumulated heat rather than trapping it against the tank walls.

5. Keep the Tank Full

Water holds temperature more steadily than air. A full water storage tank has less airspace where heat can collect and transfer to water. During summer, try to maintain higher water levels to reduce temperature fluctuations and keep your supply cooler naturally.

6. Use Ice for Quick Cooling

When you need immediate relief, perhaps before guests arrive or during an extreme heatwave, adding ice directly to the tank provides fast cooling. While it’s not a permanent solution, this quick fix can be especially helpful for a water tank for summer, delivering instant results when cooler water is needed right away.

7. Sprinkle Water Over the Tank

This clever trick uses the principle of evaporative cooling, the same reason you feel cooler when sweating. A sprinkler directed at water storage tanks during the hottest part of the day creates a cooling effect as water evaporates from the surface, lowering the overall temperature inside.

By combining these practical methods, you can enjoy refreshingly cool water all summer long while protecting your tanks and reducing energy costs.

How to Ensure Your Water Storage Tanks is Suitable for Summer?

To keep your water cool, clean and safe, it is essential to choose a water tank for summer that is designed to handle high temperatures and direct sunlight. The right tank can make a noticeable difference in maintaining water quality during the hotter months. 

When selecting a tank, consider factors like material durability, storage capacity and installation location. Polyethylene tanks, also known as plastic water storage tanks, are preferred for their lightweight build, resistance to corrosion and cost-effectiveness. For tanks placed outdoors, UV-resistant materials are a must. They protect the water tanks from sun damage and reduce heat absorption, helping keep the water temperature down. Installing the water tanks on an elevated platform can also prevent heat from transferring from the ground and promote better gravity flow.

At Astral Pipes, our Sylo 2-Layer roto-moulded tank is designed to protect the stored water from UV rays.

The outer layer of the Sylo water tanks blocks sunlight from entering the tank. This helps stop the growth of harmful microbes that can form due to sunlight exposure. The black colour also offers excellent UV protection, preventing damage to the tank’s material from UV rays. The inner layer is made from 100% food-grade material and is white, making it easy to check and monitor the tank’s contents.

By selecting the right water tanks and implementing the cooling tips, you will ensure a reliable, refreshing water supply year-round.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to clean a water storage tank?

To clean a water tank, first empty the tank. Clean using water and mild detergent or tank-specific cleaner. Thoroughly scrub all interior surfaces with a long-handled brush, focusing on corners and hard-to-reach areas. Rinse well to remove cleaning residue. Once dry, refill with fresh water and monitor water quality regularly.

2. What is an overhead water tank?

An overhead water tank is a storage container positioned above ground level, typically on rooftops or elevated platforms. Found in homes and commercial buildings, overhead water storage tanks provide a reliable and consistent water supply. By placing the tank at a height, the system takes advantage of gravity to deliver water to various outlets without needing constant pumping.

3. How many layers of water storage tanks are best?

A 4-layer water tank works best for temperature control. It features a UV-resistant outer layer, antibacterial protection and foam insulation that regulates temperature and prevents algae growth. This design keeps water cool during hot weather while ensuring hygiene and durability, making it superior to simpler 3-layer alternatives.