Impressions Bark 90 Gallon Rain Saver - Green

This is a big rain barrel and I almost didn't order it, thinking it would be too big. The first thunderstorm convinced me a 90-gallon barrel was what we needed and we could have used two! Fortunately, the overflow management system worked and although we weren't able to use the water for our garden, who needed it anyway? The storm and subsequent summer/fall rains provided plenty.In truth, we bought the rain barrel more because we don't have a viable gutter and drain for that particular area of the roof. The water ended up splashing and pooling on our sidewalk. We installed a short rain chain and ran it down to the rain barrel's small screen; we secured it with wire. My husband also built a stand for the barrel, assuring a good flow whether using one of the faucets or a garden hose. Both the rain chain and barrel are attractive (we bought the deep forest green) and they've solved our splashing and pooling problem very nicely.By the time we got our rain barrel and chain installed, it was late in the summer and I didn't attempt to plant anything in the "self-draining planter" but I'm not sure it's going to work anyway. It's a nice idea and it would be lovely but I think plants could be quickly water-logged because it doesn't drain that fast. Instead, I plan to either put lake rocks in the top or perhaps some sturdy silk greens. I've also considered drilling 2-3 small holes in it because it might help the water drain a little faster. Then I might try plants but right now, the rocks seem like the best idea!Although "constructed with thick and durable polyethylene resin which holds up to the harshest elements" we drained it at the end of the summer and moved it into the garage because the house is in Northern Minnesota. Perhaps in a more temperate climate, you could leave it outside all year but I wouldn't do that here in the Upper Midwest.Added photos Sept 7, 2015 ~ we didn't drill extra holes; decided to use rocks and faux geraniums/ivy because we didn't want to wash out real plants. This has worked very well for us & I plan to do it again next year. The bright red geraniums look real from the driveway! This rain barrel has been one of the BEST solutions we've ever come up with for our house. I've added a couple photos; hope you can see them correctly!Update June 7, 2016 ~ our third year and the rain barrel continues to be one of the best ideas we've ever implemented. We recently landscaped a bed that requires soaker hoses and I've attached a short leader hose to it so I can use the bottom spout. Will see how that works out!

It's very thin plastic so its not easy to screw in the spigots.Second the spigots are so small so when you install them you can't open or close them!Had to buy replacement spigots with longernecks to resolve that problem.The top planter are is pretty useless and just collect mud and water.Update: see my photo. After first big thunderstorm the barrel can't handle incoming water from the downspout and the top just popped up! Both spigots were open during the rain but they are too small for the downpour. Horrible design. In addition can not get refund from the seller because of very poor customer service

Unfortunately we've had nothing but problems with the rain barrel. The holes for the spigots were stripped so both spigots constantly leaked. We tried contacting the company & got no response. We then had to purchase pvc plugs to plug up the holes and also found out that not only was the inside threading stripped, but the exterior of the hole leaks. We've had to dump this 90 gallon rain barrel twice for repairs, then had to purchase a marine glue to seal the leaks. The screws for the top screen rusted within a week of it raining. Highly disappointed and frustrated as I've spent the last 3 weekends coming up with solutions and having to purchase items to fix this thing

6 years later. It has really helped up to our harsh Florida sun. Didn't the want season I fill old containers that cat litter came in. This keeps everything watered through the winter. When others are filling bathtubs at hurricane warnings I already know I have enough water for cleaning after the storm had past. My area had not had a direct hurricane hit. We've just fun the e wind from the north and south of us. The water in the barrel holds up to what has hit here.I am extremely pleased with this barrel. I had thought it was flat backed and was a little disappointed that it wasn't. I just wish it were linkable. I bought a 50 gallon from another company because it could be linked and it was horrible. The spigots in this one went in easily (I am extremely not mechanical). Without water it is light enough I could move it several times before I settled on where I wanted it and got it set on the bricks correctly.

I researched several rain barrels. This rain barrel, had it been in the sandstone color I ordered, would have looked nice against our buff brick house. Through no fault of Amazon, it arrived in a cardboard box that was clearly marked 'sandstone' for the color. It is the light granite color. The two spigots are a plus for a 65 year old man not to have to bend down to the ground to get some water out of the barrel. If I need more, I just go to the bottom spigot. The spigots were, and are, a selling point because they are brass rather than plastic. The only hole in which to put a down spout is only 3 7/8 inches in diameter, so I shall have to make the placement as precise as possible.

It's a great item. IF - you love collecting and using rainwater and have a purpose intended already. You can even create irrigation lines, utilizing gravity and the volume of water. I store mine indoors in freezing temperatures. The gutter lines will need manipulation and re-directing for peak collection. Also, a secondary screen may be necessary at the inlet for keeping breeding insects out (i.e. mosquitoes). The brass valves may be wrapped with plumber tape for better fit and seal, as well as retrofitted with superior screws retaining the handles of the valves. More cumbersome than heavy, the proper size hand truck makes this an easy lift even for the less capable heavy lifter.