Guppy MAX Heavy Duty Water Filled Flood Barrier

Product type: Heavy-duty, water-filled temporary flood barrier

Straight barrier:

• Model: Guppy MAX
• Length: 30 feet
• Filled height: 40 inches
• Approximate filled depth: 78 inches
• Recommended protection height: Approximately 38 inches
• Water capacity: Approximately 2,115 gallons
• Approximate filled weight: 17,639 pounds
• Design: Three-chamber trapezoidal structure
• Fill connection: Standard 2½-inch U.S. fire-hose connection

90-degree Corner Unit:

• Purpose: Connects straight units to create a 90-degree turn
• Recommended protection height: Approximately 38 inches
• Water capacity: Approximately 924.6 gallons
• Empty weight: Approximately 100.3 pounds
• Approximate filled weight: 7,815.3 pounds
• Folded shipping size: Approximately 48 × 40 × 20 inches on a pallet
• Listed shipping weight: Approximately 145 pounds

Material: Composite PVC mesh

Material thickness: Approximately 1.5 mm

Construction: Thermal-bonded construction

Material properties:

• UV treated
• Waterproof
• Antistatic
• Chemical and oil resistant
• Tear and tension resistant

Fire resistance: EN 13501-B1

Operating temperature range: Approximately −32°F to 158°F

Cold-weather guidance:

• Do not fill beyond approximately three-quarters capacity if freezing is expected
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding RV antifreeze

Section connection:

• Integrated extended seaming flap
• Grommet holes
• PVC ropes or tie strings

Required but not necessarily included:

• Reliable high-volume water source
• Compatible 2½-inch fire hose
• Site-appropriate anchoring or weighting materials
• Drainage or dewatering equipment where gravity drainage is insufficient

Guppy MAX requires advance site planning, a high-volume water source and a controlled drainage plan. A filled straight section weighs more than 17,000 pounds and cannot be repositioned after filling.

Before deployment:

• Determine the complete barrier route.
• Identify the expected direction of floodwater.
• Calculate the number of straight and corner units required.
• Confirm access to a compatible 2½-inch fire hose and adequate water supply.
• Identify a safe location for releasing more than 2,000 gallons from each straight section after use.
• Remove sharp objects, debris and other potential puncture hazards.
• Evaluate whether a protective groundsheet is needed.

Deployment:

1. Transport the folded barrier to its exact deployment location.
2. Completely unfold and position the unit before adding water.
3. Orient the fill and drain connections toward the protected, non-water side.
4. If connecting multiple units, position the correct seaming-flap ends together before filling.
5. Connect adjoining units using the integrated PVC ties through the corresponding grommet holes.
6. Position 90-degree Corner Units between straight sections where directional changes are required.
7. Attach the compatible 2½-inch fire hose.
8. Begin filling each chamber according to the manufacturer’s recommended sequence.
9. Monitor the unit as it fills to ensure it remains properly positioned and is not overfilled.
10. Inspect every connection, seam and ground contact point before floodwater arrives.
11. Add site-appropriate anchoring, weighting or supplemental sealing materials where required.

After use:

1. Confirm that the discharge area can safely accept the stored water.
2. Open the drain valve and release the water in a controlled manner.
3. Use a drainage pump if gravity drainage is insufficient.
4. Remove remaining water by carefully rolling or repositioning the empty material toward the drain port.
5. Rinse away mud and debris.
6. Unfold and air-dry the barrier completely.
7. Inspect the material, seams, valves, ties and grommets before folding.
8. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Never attempt to move or adjust a filled Guppy MAX unit.

How large is one Guppy MAX straight barrier?

Each straight unit is approximately 30 feet long, 40 inches high and 78 inches deep when filled.

How much flood protection does it provide?

The filled barrier stands 40 inches high. A safety margin should be maintained below the top, so approximately 38 inches is the recommended protection height.

How much water does it hold?

A straight Guppy MAX barrier holds approximately 2,115 gallons. The 90-degree Corner Unit holds approximately 924.6 gallons.

How is Guppy MAX filled?

It uses a standard 2½-inch U.S. fire-hose connection. Water may be supplied from a hydrant, water truck, commercial source or high-capacity pump drawing from an appropriate water source.

Can it be filled with a garden hose?

Guppy MAX is designed for high-volume filling through a 2½-inch fire-hose connection. A standard garden hose is not an appropriate primary filling method for this large system.

Can it be filled with air?

No. Guppy MAX depends on the weight of its fill water to ballast the system against the ground.

Can the barrier be moved after filling?

No. A filled straight barrier weighs more than 17,000 pounds. It must be positioned correctly before filling begins.

How are multiple straight units connected?

Each straight unit has an integrated seaming flap. PVC ropes or ties pass through the corresponding grommet holes to secure adjoining sections.

How are corners created?

A separate Guppy MAX 90-degree Corner Unit connects between compatible straight sections to route the barrier around buildings or obstacles.

Is the Corner Unit included with the straight barrier?

No. Straight barriers and 90-degree Corner Units are separate configurations and are sold individually.

Can Guppy MAX be deployed on uneven ground?

Its flexible material can conform to some surface variation, but flatter surfaces provide better ground contact. Sharp objects and obstacles must be removed, and uneven ground may increase seepage beneath the barrier.

How is the barrier drained?

Open the drain valve and direct the released water toward a safe drainage area. A pump may be needed where gravity drainage is inadequate.

Can Guppy MAX be reused?

Yes. Drain it completely, clean away debris, allow it to dry fully, inspect all components and store it folded in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Can it be used in freezing temperatures?

The listed operating range extends to approximately −32°F. If freezing is expected, the manufacturer recommends filling no more than three-quarters full and following its instructions concerning RV antifreeze.

Will Guppy MAX prevent all seepage?

No temporary barrier should be represented as completely watertight. Seepage may occur beneath the barrier, at connections, around corners or over uneven surfaces. Include dewatering and drainage in the protection plan.