BLACK SHADE BALLS FOR OPEN WATER PROTECTION
Floating shade balls designed for open water surface protection, helping reduce evaporation, control algae growth, and improve water quality in reservoirs, ponds, and industrial water systems.
WHAT IS A BLACK SHADE BALL?
A black shade ball is a hollow floating ball placed on the surface of open water to form a continuous shading layer. By blocking direct sunlight, shade balls reduce solar exposure and limit biological activity in the water.
Black shade balls are commonly applied in large-area water bodies where long-term surface shading is required.
ABOUT LINGSHENG PACKAGING
LingSheng Packaging is a manufacturer of plastic shade balls for industrial and environmental water applications. We specialize in supplying black shade balls for large-area surface coverage projects such as reservoirs, ponds, and open water systems. Our production focuses on stable quality, consistent output, and suitability for long-term outdoor use. We support project-based requirements with reliable manufacturing and flexible supply capacity.
Los Angeles Reservoir Shade Ball Deployment
A well-known large-scale application is the Los Angeles Reservoir shade ball project, where more than 96 million black shade balls with a diameter of 100 mm were installed on open drinking water reservoirs.
The project demonstrated that shade balls:
Approximately 91% surface coverage
85–90% reduction in water evaporation
Reduced sunlight-driven reactions
Improved long-term water quality stability
ALGAE GROWTH CONTROL THROUGH SURFACE SHADING
Surface shading is a proven method for algae growth control in open water bodies.
By blocking sunlight at the water surface, black shade balls reduce photosynthesis, which is essential for algae development. This effect has been demonstrated in large-scale reservoir and water management applications, including the Los Angeles reservoir deployment, where surface shading contributed to reduced biological growth and improved water quality.
APPLICATIONS OF BLACK SHADE BALLS
DRINKING WATER
RESERVOIRS
RESERVOIRS
INDUSTRIAL TANKS AND
COOLING PONDS
COOLING PONDS
IRRIGATION AND AGRICULTURAL PONDS
WASTEWATER TREATMENT LAGOONS
WHAT DO SHADE BALLS DO?
Reduce water evaporation
Limits water loss caused by solar exposure.
Block sunlight
Reduces UV and visible light penetration.
Suppress algae growth
Proven through surface shading applications in open water bodies.
Improve water quality
Helps stabilize biological and chemical conditions.
Protect open water surfaces
Prevents birds, dust, leaves, and debris from entering the water.
Chemical-free solution
No chemical treatment required.
Easy Installation & Low Maintenance
# Simply deployed onto the water surface
# Automatically forms a floating cover
# No anchoring or mechanical installation required
# Suitable for long-term outdoor environments
SIZE SELECTION & PRODUCT PARAMETERS
| Size (mm) | Material | Weight/pcs (g) | Square Feet (pcs) | Square Meter (pcs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | HDPE | 8 | 43 | 465 |
| 70 | HDPE | 16 | 22 | 235 |
| 100 | HDPE | 40 | 10 | 116 |
| 150 | HDPE | 100 | 5 | 52 |
SHADE BALL NUMBER CALCULATOR
SURFACE SHADING IS A PROVEN METHOD FOR ALGAE GROWTH CONTROL IN OPEN WATER BODIES.
1
Choose ball size
2
Select measurement type
3
Enter coverage area
4
Get recommended ballnumbers that you need to fill in
| Diameter (mm) | Number per ft² | Number per m² | Enter coverage Area (ft²) | Recommended ball numbers in ft² | Enter coverage Area (m²) | Recommended ball numbers in m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 53 | 570 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 50 | 43 | 465 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 70 | 22 | 235 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 100 | 10 | 116 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| 150 | 4.8 | 51.5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Diameter (mm) | Number per ft² | Enter coverage Area (ft²) | Recommended ball numbers in ft² |
|---|
| Diameter (mm) | Number per m² | Enter coverage Area (m²) | Recommended ball numbers in m² |
|---|
FAQ
- What is the surface coverage rate?
A: Approximately 91% surface coverage.
- How much evaporation can be reduced?
A: 85–90%
- What is the lifespan?
A: 10+ years in outdoor environments.
- Are they safe for drinking water projects?
A: Yes. Made of food-grade HDPE, non-toxic and non-leaching.
- Will they get blown away by wind?
A: No. Each ball is half-submerged and interlocks with others, providing high wind resistance.
- Can they be used for wastewater or industrial ponds?
A: Absolutely. They are UV-resistant, weatherproof and chemical-resistant.
- Are the balls recyclable?
A: Yes. They are fully recyclable at the end of service life.
- Do you support large-scale supply?
A: Yes. Factory direct supply, capable of serving large reservoirs and engineering projects.
CONTACT US
CONTACT OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AND GET A CUSTOMIZED SOLUTION.