Sometimes, the tarp you need is one that allows water to pass. Maybe, you need a pool cover to keep leaves and bugs out when the pool isn’t in use. You may have garden plants to protect from insect pests, skunks, neighborhood cats, or rabbits. Maybe, you own a backyard pond with fish that birds keep eating. Or, you want to control insect pests from destroying your crops. No matter what, you need tarps that let water through. Read our guide to the best tarps that allow water to pass.
The Different Ways Tarps That Let Water Through Are Useful
Why would you want a tarp that allows rain and water to pass through the material? There are plenty of reasons.
#1 – Garden Covers
You may want to protect your garden from pests without blocking water and the sun from getting through. By covering your crops, the sun and rain reach the plants, but insects and animals cannot get in to dig things up, cause infestations, or eat the fruits and vegetables that are growing.
#2 – Fruit Tree Wraps
Wrap your apple, cherry, or other fruit trees in a tarp to allow sun and rain without letting insects reach the growing fruit. Once the bees have pollinated the flowers, cover the tree to keep birds from stealing the fruit and insects from causing damage.
#3 – Koi Pond Cover
After investing money in a backyard pond with koi or other fish, the last thing you want is for the fish to become dinner to a raccoon, cat, heron, or other bird that passes by. With a mesh tarp cover, you keep animals and birds from getting your fish, but air and sun still pass through the surface.
#4 – Pool Protection
When your pool isn’t being used while you’re away or overnight, a tarp that allows water to pass is excellent at keeping insects out. During a windy storm, it can make it easier to remove leaves and twigs that blow into the pool. It’s also a good way to keep animals or reptiles from getting into the pool at night.
#5 – Landscaping Fabric
Some people put down landscaping fabric under their bark mulch. It doesn’t take long before the fabric rips and deteriorates, but a waterproof tarp doesn’t allow water to soak through and reach the roots of trees, bushes, and flowers. With a tarp that allows rain to pass, water gets through, but the material lasts longer. You could also put down this tarp over a gravel driveway or sidewalk to keep down some weeds when you’re about to add a new layer of crushed stone.
#6 – Rain Barrels
You collect water from your gutters to use for watering, but the barrels draw insects and collect leaves and sticks. You don’t want these materials jamming up your water pump. Place a mesh tarp over the top and keep other items out of the water.
#7 – Screened Decks
If you have a deck that you want to screen in, a mesh tarp does well at keeping insects out. The problem is that mosquitoes can fly up through the deck slats to get to you. Have you considered a mesh tarp floor to keep insects from coming into the screened area? Because the tarp walls allow rain and airflow, you need to make sure the tarp you put down on the floor doesn’t build up water. With a mesh tarp floor, water drains away, but the insects cannot pass.
#8 – Sunshades
Do you want to add a sunshade over a dog kennel or animal pen that doesn’t get weighed down by rainwater? You could choose a tarp that blocks some sun but also allows water to pass. If it’s raining, the dog can spend time cooling off in the water. The shade blocks more than half of the sun’s UV rays on a sunny day to keep the kennel from heating up. You could also use these shades for your horses, cows, chickens, or other farm animals.
Our Pick for the Best Tarps for Letting Water Through
Our favorite tarps for allowing water to pass through are mesh tarps. They’re constructed from durable vinyl-coated mesh that allows air and water to pass without deteriorating from the sun and humid conditions. Purchase vinyl-coated mesh tarps in a black or multi-color mesh.
These tarps are durable with a 10-ounce weight, so you don’t have to worry about them falling apart after one season. They block 55% of the sun’s rays, preventing sun damage to the crops or fish they’re protecting. They have heat-sealed seams and web-reinforced hems for strength. By them in sizes ranging from 8 x 10′ to 10 x 18′ at Chicago Canvas & Supply.
When the tarp isn’t in use, store it properly. Clean it of all debris, dry it thoroughly and fold it. Once it’s folded, place it in a lidded storage container to keep mice from damaging the tarp. This lengthens the life of the tarp, so you don’t have to purchase a replacement tarp as often.
Tips for Buying a Tarp Online
When shopping for a tarp, you do have to consider what matters most. Different shoppers may have specific requirements. At Chicago Canvas, we have 70 years of experience and want our customers to be satisfied. These are the aspects of online shopping that we feel every customer should carefully consider.
Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t find the tarp you’re looking for. You may find that the online store has items that aren’t listed on the website. Our experts are happy to listen to your needs and come up with the best alternative if we can’t get a hold of the exact tarp you’re looking for.
If you prefer to purchase items made in the USA, know that Chicago Canvas only supplies USA-made products. If the items are not custom orders or cut yardage, we also offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee to ensure your satisfaction with your new tarp.
Ask if there is a minimum purchase requirement. Some stores require you to meet a minimum before your order is accepted. We don’t, but there is a minimal handling fee if the order is under $25 before taxes are added.
You know your project goals, but how do you ensure you get the right tarp size? Start by finding if the online tarp store sells cut size or finish size. Chicago Canvas tarps are almost always cut size.
See if the online store offers a price match guarantee. We match prices if you find an identical product at a lower price. Talk to one of our tarp experts on the phone to learn more about our price guarantee.
What is the difference? Cut size is cut and then completed. Finish size is the completed tarp. Completing a tarp by adding grommets, hems, or seams can take about three inches off per edge. Your finished tarp may be half a foot shorter in length and width than you expected. Always add about three extra inches per side if the company states the tarps are cut size.
Right now, vinyl-coated mesh tarps are on sale for about 17% off. Get the tarp you need at huge savings. Order an 8 x 10′, 10 x 12′, or 10 x 18′ tarp online and enjoy a variety of payment methods that include PayPal, or fill out the contact product quote form if you need a custom size.