The Dive Otter

Should I Buy or Rent Tanks?

The decision to own your own scuba tanks in Chicagoland involves careful consideration of cost versus convenience. However, generally the answer is No to buying your own tanks for the vast majority of divers.

Rental vs. Ownership Costs:

Rental cost for a full tank: $15
Refill cost for an owned tank: $10
Difference per dive day: $10 (for a 2-tank dive, $30 rental vs. $20 refill)
Savings per owned tank per dive: $5

New Aluminum 80 tank cost: ~$260

Dives needed for Return on Investment (ROI) of each tank: 52 dives ($260 / $5 = 52 dives)
50 days annually: ROI in 1 year ($250 rental savings per year)
40 days annually: ROI in 1.5 years ($200 rental savings per year)
30 days annually: ROI in 2 years ($150 rental savings per year)
20 days annually: ROI in 3 years ($100 rental savings per year)
10 days annually: ROI in 5 years ($50 rental savings per year)

Additional Costs Per Tank:

VIP (Annual): $20
Hydro (Every 5 years): $30

Purchasing used tanks can significantly lower initial investment costs.
Avoiding rental logistics and return trips adds significant convenience for regular divers. Personal satisfaction and convenience outweigh strict financial considerations for many divers, especially with a larger diving frequency. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your diving habits and preferences. Owning tanks may offer financial savings and convenience if you dive frequently, especially locally. However, for less frequent divers, rental options may be more cost-effective in the long run.