A Pool Out of WHAT? The Hay Bales and Tarp Pool

How to Build a Hay Bale and Tarp Pool 

You can build a refreshing above-ground pool in just one afternoon by simply using hay bales and a tarp.

Nothing beats a cool pool when you want to cool off, relax with friends or simply float in warm water with a frosty cold one in hand and let all the tensions of the day slip out of your body.

Unfortunately, you may not have a pool, and the cost of building one can be prohibitive, not to mention the time, noise and hassle of pool construction. Plus, it’s a well-known fact that the cost of building a pool adds little or no value to the equity in your house.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative to traditional in-ground and above-ground pools that’s simple, cheap, environmentally responsible and — best of all — lots of fun for you, your family and friends. You can build a refreshing, attractive above-ground pool in just one afternoon simply using hay bales and a tarp.

Before you begin, you need to think about a few things. First, you’ll have to decide how many hay bales you’ll need. Generally, about 80 bales of hay will be sufficient for a 30 foot by 40 foot tarp.

Next, you’ll need to pick a tarp. Many different colors, styles and materials are available for tarps. Polyethylene and vinyl are two popular materials, for instance. Whichever material you choose, however, make sure it’s waterproof. In this case, of course, you want the tarp to hold water in rather than keep it out.

You’ll also need a way of keeping the bales in place solidly and keeping the tarp on the bales and the ground. There are a few ways to accomplish these tasks. To keep your hay bales stable, you can simply tie a rope very tightly around the bales once you've arranged them. This will ensure that the pressure of the water won’t push them outward. Another option is to drive stakes through the bales to anchor them in the ground.

You also have a few options for keeping the tarp on the bales. Some people simply use large staples to attach the tarp to the underlying bales. Others use an even simpler method, just putting weights such as sand bags on top of the tarp and bales.

Sand bags also work perfectly as weights to keep the bottom part of the tarp solidly on the ground. If you don’t have sand bags readily available, other inexpensive options are possible. Jugs filled with water, for instance, are heavy and will do the job.

Once you've made your plan and assembled all your materials, it’s time to get started. All you really have to do is find a flat, level place for your pool. Then, you’re ready to get to work. Although building your custom hay bale and tarp pool will only take a few hours, consider inviting friends and neighbors over. Instead of an old-fashioned barn-raising, think of this as a new-fashioned pool raising. Sooner than you know it, you’ll be hosting your own pool parties.

How to Shop for Tarps

You are thinking of buying a tarp! This is a guide to introduce you to the different types of tarps, their different usages and the specifications you want to look for on the tarp package. Tarp is a great way to protect materials, to use in construction sites, to build a canopy and many more.

First, you need to decide the size of the tarp. Most tarps suppliers carry a variety of sizes from 05’x07’ up to 170’x170’. Don’t try to buy 2 or 3 tarps for your need when you can just buy one.

Second, you want to consider what type of tarp you will need. Among the most popular tarps is the Polyethylene tarp, aka poly tarp. As the name suggests, it is made out of polyethylene and comes in a medium or heavy duty which is determined by the mesh count (explained in the next section). It is commonly used in outdoor coverage (vehicle, boats & RV’s), to build a canopy, to cover a truck bed, or as a temporary protection. Valance tarps are poly tarps and are great choice for canopies. Valance tarp eliminates the gap between the tarp & frame so rain runs down outside the frame and makes enclosing the canopy very simple. 
Mesh tarps are made out of fabric. Versatile and easy to use, which makes these tarps excellent choice for a quick and easy shelter for public events. They are commonly used for nurseries, gardens and general outdoor work (construction sites & roof protection) and campsites. They are also mildew and rot resistant and will not crumble. 
Vinyl Tarps made out of synthetic plastic, thus waterproof. These tarps cost more but they are good for tough usages and they resist oil, grease, acid and mildew. Many are used to protect vulnerable items such as machinery, tools, crops, fertilizer, stacked lumber, unfinished buildings, covering the loads on various types of trucks, and many other things from the air elements. They are excellent in both hot and cold weather. Canvas Tarps, made out of cotton canvas that is wax coated for a water repellent finish, are commonly used for covering outdoor areas while giving it a high end look compared to Poly tarps. They also used for construction projects.

The smaller the weave, the more durable the tarp

Third, what to look for on your tarp package. You want to look at the mesh count. Mesh count refers to the web threads per square inch horizontally and vertically. The smaller the weave, the more durable the tarp will be. A good heavy-tarp will has a mesh count of 12 x 14 & 14 x 14. Next, you should check the thickness of the tarp. It is measured in mils and ranges from 6 to 18 mil. If you live in a snow area, you definitely want to shop for a thicker tarp.
Lastly, make sure the tarp is U.V. Protection. This will save you from the Ultraviolet light, which is harmful to your health and can cause sunburn and some forms of cancer.  Also, make sure it has grommet (eyelet) at least every 18’’.

Now you are an expert in tarps. With these things in mind, you can make the right smart tarp purchase. Remember at PTM Tarps, we have got you covered!

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Tips in Using the Tarpaulin for Your Business

Tarpaulins have been widely used for businesses in various industries throughout the world for some time now. With the flexibility of uses, many companies see tarpaulins as an invaluable part of their inventory. Tarpaulins can help your business achieve its goals in many different ways; we have included a few below to show how useful tarpaulins really are.

Protection and Cover

Tarpaulins are made with highly durable materials making them perfect to cover and protect important objects. They are often used to cover business vehicles from harsh weather conditions. Tarpaulins can be much larger than permanent garages allowing you to protect more than one vehicle at a time.

If you are in the agricultural industry, you probably need ways to protect your precious crops from harsh conditions. It will protect your crops from weather as well as those annoying pest.

Storage

Farmers often make the use of tarpaulins to store their fresh crops for the season. They can store their crops for long periods of time without spoiling. When selecting a tarpaulin for storage, make sure that you select the appropriate type. Speaking to your local tarpaulin specialist is the best idea before you purchase.

Create Usable Space

If you are in the events industry, finding locations should be one of the most important aspects of your job. Unfortunately, not all venues have enough usable space. Using tarpaulins allows you to cover rocky terrain or sandy ground so that people can walk freely without issue. 

The many uses of Tarpaulin (Tarp)

Tarpaulin (more commonly known as Tarp) is a specific sheet covering used in many outdoor recreation activities and industry. Manufactured from canvas or plastics it is waterproof/resistant and very tough.

Below are when and where to use Tarp material.

Tarps are seen as outdoor covers used for protecting property from damage by natural elements such as wind/rain or snow. In these circumstances, tarps made from polyethylene are recommended as they are water proof as opposed to tarp made from canvas which is only water resistant.

• Truck loads are often needed to be covered whilst they are being transported; tarp is used almost exclusively for this purpose.
• Covering the top of wood piles to promote drying of the wood
• When used with a canopy or a structure of some kind, tarps are excellent temporary shelters. Tarps can also be used as floor covering in tents/outdoor/wet environments.
• Temporary fix for when you have a leak in your roof or if there is a hole in your roof. 
• Tarp material can be used as a sail (though this is  not a permanent fix)
• Tarp material cannot ‘’breathe’’. As a result it is a great insulator of heat. There are cases documented that when in emergency situations, victims of hypothermia have been wrapped in tarp material to stop them from dying.
• A temporary show curtain or covering for wet environments.

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What Can I Use Heavy Duty Tarps for?

Heavy duty tarps are a specific type of poly tarp. You can think of them as being the highest quality poly tarp you get. Heavy duty tarps are usually waterproof or water resistant, tear resistant, very flexible and of course reinforced.

Heavy duty tarps have a number of great uses; we have given you a few below.

Truck Tarps

Tuckers need only the strongest tarps available when carrying their precious loads with them. They cannot afford any tearing or damage to the tarp, which is why they opt for the heavy duty tarps. They can rest assured that their cargo is safe and sound.

Pool Cover

Heavy duty tarps make a great pool cover for your home. They are very strong giving you peace of mind that your young children will never fall in.

Motorcycle Cover

When you aren’t riding your prized motorcycle, you need something study to cover it from the elements. Heavy duty tarps are a fantastic way to keep your beautiful machine safe all year round.

Barbeque Cover

After you have your family barbeque, you need something to cover it from the elements. Heavy duty tarps do the job fantastically, making sure that it stays in mint condition for years to come.

Heavy Loads

If you are looking to transport any type of heavy load, you will definitely benefit from using heavy duty tarps. Your merchandise will remain safe and protected at all times while you move them.

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