SmartPak Insulated Water Bucket Cover - 70 Quart is rated
3.7 out of
5 by
25.
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Joleen Leslie from
Bought one of these about a month or so ago. Not one to ever complain , but I was definitely dissatisfied with this . The water bucket covers work wonderful but the muck bucket one did not keep the water from freezing , even in the 30”s it was rock solid were the water bucket insulator aren’t .
Date published: 2024-01-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Tink from
Best Purchase
This cover is by far my favorite purchase from Smartpak. I use a muck tub for water with my tiny pony and this thing has been amazing. After two Artic blasts through the South, this thing has kept her water from freezing even in temps down to the teens. You do have to add a gallon or two of hot water before dark and in the morning but I've never had to break ice. It is probably isn't ideal for horses that play with things in their paddock as it attaches by velcro but it has lasted through 2 seasons so far for me. I really wish they would make some for the 40 gallon troughs to have as a back-up in case our power went out.
Date published: 2024-01-21
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Stuntchik from
Works but, not well!
For the money I spent on 2 of these, they're not great!
I found that if I fill up half way they don't freeze as bad but they freeze. This morning it was 25° and they would not have been able to break through with their noses.
Although it's better than nothing and it's easier for ME to break the ice compared to not having them at all.
I feel they are not worth the money. Too expensive for the job they do.
Also be patient when you put them on the buckets. It's pretty difficult but, they do fit....barely.
I really can't recommend these for the money. If they were maybe $40.00 but, not at that price!!
Date published: 2023-12-15
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Samantha from
Doesn’t work outside on 28* night
I bought this for a paddock bucket. The first freeze and the water had a couple inches of ice! Therefore it is useless. I will have to figure out a heated bucket for that area. I returned the product.
Date published: 2023-11-24
Rated 1 out of
5
by
SophiaR from
Hit and a MISS
TDLR:
-poor quality
-does NOT properly fit the 70Q buckets
-overpriced and ineffective.
So I bought these for my fields as I use the muck tubs as water buckets. The material is low quality and poorly constructed. Definitely feels like it was tossed in to make easy money for winter sales. Displeased and disappointed. One of the straps came clean off the stitching when I tried to attach it to the sides as you’re supposed to. See the pictures for yourself. Didn’t even last a day. Will be returning thr other I bought as they are EXPENSIVE for the quality (or lack there of) and do not function at all. It sagged at the bottom of the bucket because it wouldn’t stay where it needed to since it can’t even shimmy up the bucket. Fit is horrible. See the pictures for yourself. I guess I’ll stick to old school winter protocols of hauling warm water to the fields and ice chipping:(
Date published: 2023-02-05
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Lauren from
Poor design and not safe
I bought a bucket to make sure I got the exact right size to fit the cover. The cover ripped with little effort as I tried to put it on the bucket. Opted to leave it figuring a covered bucket was better than nothing even if it didn’t fit the 70 qt bucket well (the size specified) and came out the next morning to see the top of the bucket around the neck of my horse. Thankfully I got it off him before he got himself hurt but needless to say this is not designed well or safe.
Date published: 2023-01-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
concernedhorsemom from
Great idea!
After a water emergency at our barn in winter I realized my emergency preparedness plan needed some tweaks! I purchased this cover, the large bucket itself and a couple Igloo 6 gal water containers to have in case of a future emergency. I feel much more prepared now for the unexpected.
Date published: 2023-01-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Immort17 from
Definitely makes a difference
I bought this about a month and a half ago. It doesn't completely keep water unfrozen in really cold temperatures but upper 20s protected from the wind is safe *if* you add hot water. I was doing (2) 5 gallon buckets of hot and filling the rest with cold and that works reasonably well. It definitely makes a difference. I read through forums what people do further north (we are in sw IA at the moment) and without electricity, or direct plumbing into an insulated type trough, it seems like your best option is just to insulate as best you can. Next year we may try to add another layer but the trade off is the hassle to dump and clean. I also use a fryer basket scoop thing twice a day to skim and bits of grass or hay out but like clean water so I like to be able to dump and refresh easily. I would recommend this but know that depending on the weather and set up of where you live, you may need additions to achieve zero ice.
Date published: 2023-01-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
yeehawhorsegal from
Actually works!
I've got horses turned out during the day where there's no electric, so I was looking for a solution for water on cold days. I've used these for a week with daytime temps in the 40s and nighttime temps in the 20s, and there's only been a thin sheet of ice on the top of the water- so thin the horses can drink without breaking it. I think these are worth it for the right situation! Really pleased with my purchase!
Date published: 2022-12-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
4theponies from
Love this!
So, I recently bought some of these insulators from Smartpak. It mostly fits their 70qt muck buckets... Maybe if I was a bit more patient I could get it to fit like the picture...lol
Anyhow, I live in a pretty cold, but dry climate. I have a water buffet set up for my geldings (whole other post) and I put this on a couple of my non heated water options and they work well! We are getting to low 20s (Fahrenheit) here and they are not getting any ice! I feed breakfast way before the sun comes up, at the peak of our lows, so feel confident in their work! Just wanted to recommend for those who aren't able to get electric to their pastures or barn ❄️
I should add. My guys are senior and would never compromise their integrity by doing something foolish like play with their water buckets or paw at them, so I can't vouch for them holding up to horses that may do so, but the cover fits super tightly and seems very secure!
Date published: 2022-11-01