6 Best Water Tank Covers For Preventing Evaporation On a Homestead Budget
Protect your homestead’s water supply. This guide reviews 6 cost-effective tank covers to stop evaporation, from simple DIY solutions to affordable buys.
You walk out to your stock tank on a hot, windy afternoon and notice the water line is a full inch lower than it was this morning. That’s not just water vanishing into thin air; it’s time, energy, and a precious resource disappearing from your homestead. Securing your water supply is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, tasks we face.
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Why Water Evaporation Matters on the Homestead
Losing an inch of water from a standard 100-gallon stock tank might not sound like much, but it adds up fast. In the peak of summer, with relentless sun and a steady breeze, you can lose several gallons a day. This directly translates into higher electricity bills from your well pump running more often or more fuel burned and time spent hauling water.
But it’s not just about the volume of water lost. An open water surface is an invitation for problems. Sunlight promotes rapid algae growth, turning clean water into a green, unappealing mess that can be unhealthy for livestock. Leaves, dust, bird droppings, and insects constantly contaminate the supply, forcing you to dump and scrub tanks far more frequently.
Ultimately, preventing evaporation is a matter of resilience. During a dry spell or drought, that conserved water is your buffer against crisis. A simple cover transforms a liability—an open, evaporating pond—into a secure asset. It’s a small investment of time or money that pays for itself by protecting one of your most vital resources.
DIY Plywood Lid: The Ultimate Homestead Solution
When you need a durable, custom-fit solution, nothing beats a simple plywood lid. You can trace and cut a piece of exterior-grade plywood to fit any tank you own, whether it’s a perfectly round galvanized trough or an odd-shaped plastic tub. Its weight is its greatest advantage; a decent sheet of 3/4-inch plywood isn’t going anywhere in a typical storm.
For a livestock tank, it’s crucial to seal the wood properly. Use a non-toxic, potable-water-safe sealant or multiple coats of exterior paint. This prevents the wood from getting waterlogged and rotting, and it stops chemicals from leaching into your animals’ drinking water. Adding a couple of sturdy handles makes lifting the heavy lid much easier for daily checks or refills.
The tradeoff is convenience. A heavy wooden lid can be cumbersome to remove, especially if you need to access the tank multiple times a day. But for a larger, seasonal water storage tank that you fill less frequently, the sheer durability and perfect seal against debris and sunlight are unmatched. This is the workhorse of homestead water tank covers.
Shade Cloth Cover: A Simple, Breathable Option
Protect your plants and outdoor spaces with this durable 55% shade cloth. Made from high-density polyethylene, it provides essential sun protection while allowing airflow and easy installation with included grommets.
Sometimes a complete seal isn’t necessary or even desirable. A shade cloth cover is a fantastic lightweight option that tackles the two biggest problems: sunlight and evaporation. By blocking 50% to 80% of UV rays, it dramatically slows evaporation and, more importantly, starves algae of the sunlight it needs to grow.
This solution is incredibly easy to implement. Just stretch a piece of shade cloth over the tank and secure it with bungee cords, a rope cinched around the rim, or heavy-duty clips. Unlike a solid cover, shade cloth allows rainwater to pass through, which can be a huge benefit for passively refilling your tanks. It’s a low-effort way to keep your water cleaner and cooler.
Of course, it’s not a perfect barrier. Fine dust and small debris can still get through the weave, and it won’t stop a determined raccoon from trying to take a dip. It’s also less effective than a solid lid in very high winds. But for a simple, breathable, and effective way to reduce water loss and algae, shade cloth is a top contender.
Tuff Stuff Stock Tank Cover for Durability
While DIY is the spirit of homesteading, sometimes a purpose-built product is the right tool for the job. If you use common-sized stock tanks, like the 100-gallon Tuff Stuff tanks found at every farm supply store, buying the matching cover is often a smart investment. These covers are designed for a perfect, snug fit that a DIY solution can rarely achieve.
The benefits are immediate. They are made from durable, UV-resistant plastic that won’t rot or degrade quickly in the sun. They are heavy enough to resist wind but light enough for easy removal. Many even include clever design features like a built-in access port for a hose or a float valve, so you don’t have to remove the entire lid to top off the tank.
Automatically maintain water levels in tanks, ponds, and more with this durable, corrosion-resistant ABS float valve kit. Features a 1/2" NPT male connection for easy, leak-free installation and includes a bonus female connector.
You are paying for convenience and engineering. A commercial cover will cost more than a sheet of plywood, but it saves you the time and hassle of cutting, sealing, and fitting a homemade lid. For a high-traffic tank you interact with daily, that saved time and perfect functionality can be well worth the upfront cost.
Armor Ball Floating Covers: High-Tech Solution
This approach is completely different from a traditional lid. Instead of a single cover, you pour dozens or hundreds of hollow plastic balls onto the water’s surface. These "shade balls" or "armor balls" float and arrange themselves into a tight, continuous layer that covers nearly the entire surface area.
The primary advantage is automatic adjustment. The cover rises and falls with the water level, so it’s always working. You can dip a bucket in, and the balls will move aside and then float back into place. This makes them ideal for large, irregular-shaped tanks or ponds where a solid lid is completely impractical. They are extremely effective at stopping evaporation and blocking sunlight.
The downside is cost and management. The initial investment is higher than most other options, and they can be a real pain if you ever need to fully drain and scrub the tank—you have to scoop out all the balls first. This solution is best suited for large-scale water storage where you need constant, easy access without ever removing a cover.
Repurposed Tarp and Bungees: The Frugal Fix
Every homesteader has a spare tarp and a bucket of bungee cords. In a pinch, this combination makes a perfectly functional, if not elegant, water tank cover. It’s the cheapest and fastest way to get a cover on your tank right now, and it’s infinitely better than leaving it completely exposed to the sun and wind.
The execution is simple, but the flaws are significant. You must pull the tarp extremely taut to prevent it from sagging. If you don’t, the first rain will create a massive, heavy pool in the center that can attract mosquitoes, strain your bungees, and potentially tear the tarp when you try to empty it. It’s also noisy in the wind and will degrade from UV exposure faster than other materials.
To make this method more effective, place a float—like a sealed plastic milk jug or a small bucket—in the center of the water before putting the tarp on. This creates a high point, encouraging rainwater to run off the sides instead of pooling. Consider the tarp a temporary patch, not a permanent solution. It will get you through a heatwave while you build something more durable.
Floating Foam Board: An Insulating DIY Cover
For an excellent vapor barrier that also insulates, look no further than rigid foam insulation board. Available at any home improvement store, this material is lightweight, waterproof, and incredibly easy to work with. You can simply trace the inner rim of your tank onto the foam and cut it with a utility knife for a perfect, drop-in fit.
This cover sits directly on the water’s surface, creating a nearly perfect seal against evaporation. The added benefit is insulation; it helps keep water cooler in the hot summer sun and can prevent a hard freeze on the surface during a cold snap. Because it floats, it adjusts automatically to changing water levels.
The main weakness of foam board is its weight—or lack thereof. A strong gust of wind can lift it right out of the tank if it’s not in a sheltered location or weighed down. Over time, direct sunlight will also cause the foam to become brittle and flake, so it may need replacement every few years. It’s a brilliant solution for tanks that are protected from the worst of the wind.
Choosing Your Best Cover for Sun, Wind, and Debris
The "best" cover isn’t a single product; it’s the right solution for your specific problem. The primary factors you need to consider are wind, sun intensity, and the type of debris you get on your property. A solution that’s perfect for a sheltered yard in a forested area will fail miserably on an open, windy pasture.
Use your main challenge as your guide to making a decision.
- For High Winds: Your best bets are heavy and secure. The DIY Plywood Lid is king here, followed by a properly strapped-down Tuff Stuff Cover.
- For Intense Sun & Algae: You need to block light. Shade Cloth is a great, breathable option. For a total blackout, a Floating Foam Board or Armor Balls are incredibly effective.
- For Keeping Debris Out: You need a solid, overlapping barrier. The DIY Plywood Lid or a form-fitting Tuff Stuff Cover are the only options that will keep out fine dust, leaves, and critters.
- For a Tight Budget or Immediate Need: The Repurposed Tarp and Bungees will work today. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective enough to make a difference while you plan a long-term fix.
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Any cover is better than no cover. Start with what you have, observe how it performs, and upgrade when you have the time and resources. Protecting your water is a foundational part of building a more resilient and efficient homestead.
Ultimately, covering your water tank is a small chore that delivers an outsized return. It saves water, reduces labor, and secures a critical resource against the uncertainties of weather. Choose the right method for your budget and needs, and you’ll have taken one more simple, powerful step toward a more self-sufficient life.
