The AquaPod and WaterBOB make freshwater easily accessible in an emergency.
These products are potential lifesavers in a long-term disaster, but what are the differences, and which one is best for you?
WaterBob vs. AquaPod
The AquaPod and WaterBOB are both food-grade plastic liners designed to line your bathtub and fully seal in water in an emergency situation.
They keep water fresh and easily accessible so you don’t go without drinking water, although with both options, you will go without a bath.
These are two highly similar products but do have some significant differences to note before purchasing what can be a proper lifeline in an emergency.
AquaPod Features
Crafted in America, the AquaPod sets out to deliver a large but realistic amount of storage for freshwater. The 65-gallon Aquapod will keep water fresh for up to 8 weeks at a time without allowing for any bacteria growth.
This is a one-time use product, but AquaPod does offer replacement liners that reduce plastic use over time.
There’s no fiddling with complicated parts; this is a simple, two-piece system that will fit any tub. In bad situations, simplicity is what can help you stay sane and alive.
Tech Specs
- Carrying Capacity: 65 gallons
- Keeps water fresh up to 8 weeks
- Material: 4 mil LLDPE
Pros
- AquaPod offers replacement liners
- Realistic sizing for household bathtubs
- No extra pieces needed to connect
- BPA-free and American-made
Cons
- Only keeps water fresh for 8 weeks
- Lower storage capacity
WaterBOB Features
The WaterBOB takes the specs of the Aquapod and cranks up the carrying capacity and the lifetime of the water.
This massive bag can fill with up to 100 gallons of water, so you may need to buy a new bathtub to get full use of it.
The WaterBOB is also a one-time use product. To avoid the growth of harmful bacteria during storage, it is only guaranteed for that single-use. Unlike the AquaPod, you will need to buy the entire setup a second time.
On top of holding enough water for the neighborhood, it will keep your water fresh for up to 16 weeks, enough time to truly work through the disaster and figure out what the next best step is.
See full WaterBOB review.
Tech Specs
- Carrying Capacity: 100 gallons
- Keeps water fresh up to: 16 weeks
- Material: BPA free, 10 mil heavy-duty food-grade plastic
Pros
- Huge carrying capacity
- Keeps water fresh for up to 16 weeks
- BPA free
- Easy to use
Cons
- Unrealistic size for most households
- More expensive and outsourced to production in China
Face to Face
Carrying Capacity
First, we need to remember that the average American bathtub is only going to hold up to 70 gallons of water. Overfilling that capacity to 100 is likely going to end with 30 gallons of once-fresh water quickly filling your bathroom.
That being said, the WaterBOB’s capacity of 100 gallons is impressive and can be a great feature for when you get stuck in a long-term situation without water. There have been several communities impacted by hurricanes that have been forced to go without water for up to 4 months. 100 gallons won’t seem like a lot after that much time.
The AquaPod, on the other hand, holds only 65 gallons of water. This is going to fit the typical 70-gallon tub but also leave you thirsty a bit sooner.
If you are committed to getting more water, you need to make sure you have a larger jacuzzi-style tub or a garden tub that can hold that 100 gallons.
Keeping Water Clean and Fresh
This is the most significant difference between the two. The WaterBOB will keep water fresh for 16 weeks, while the AquaPod can only promise fresh water for 8 weeks. This is down to the 10 mil plastic used in construction, versus the Aquapod’s 4 mil.
Ease of Use
Both the AquaPod and the WaterBOB are incredibly simple to use. When the day comes that you need to break it out, they won’t hold you up with confusing assemblies or a 2 inch thick manual with barely legible instructions.
The only thing easier about the AquaPod is that you’re able to purchase replacement liners that will fit on the same siphon you used last time. This is a definite plus point and reduces waste.
Both products are fully recyclable.
Price and Value
Neither of these products is incredibly expensive, but the WaterBOB comes in at a slightly higher price.
Do we think this is a big enough difference to really make the choice for you? No, not necessarily.
The Aquapod comes in at around 45 cents per gallon of water, and the WaterBOB is about 35 cents per gallon. When looking at it this way, the WaterBOB is a better value. That is if you are going to be capable of using the total carrying capacity of the WaterBOB.
Stand-Out Features
AquaPod
- The AquaPod is the only water storage system of this style that you can purchase the replaceable liners for. This reduces the use of plastic and the price because you don’t need to buy an entire new system each time.
WaterBOB
- The WaterBOB features both a larger carrying capacity and a longer storage time than the AquaPod. These are important considerations if you are prepping for long-term disasters.
Final Thoughts
Use an AquaPod if you:
- Have a smaller bathtub
- Want to have affordable replacements down the road
- Don’t need water for more than 2 months
Use a WaterBOB if you:
- Have a 100-gallon tub or other storing option
- Want to ensure you have water for up to 4 months
- Don’t mind spending a bit more for more water and time
Image credits
Images via waterbob.com and aquapodkit.com
