Are you thinking about getting a portable shower for bathing? Sun showers are simple, compact and affordable – but how do solar shower bags actually work?
What is a Solar Shower Bag?
First of all, a solar shower bag (sometimes called a sun shower) uses the sun’s energy to heat up water. It’s usually a flexible plastic pouch that can hold about 1 to 5 gallons of water, and it comes with a hose and some sort of shower or spray head.
At least one side of the sack is made of black or dark material which absorbs heat from the sun. Typically, the other side has a clear plastic window to allow the sun’s rays to penetrate the water and heat it up.
How to Use a Sun Shower
To use a solar shower bag, fill it with water and hang it in a sunny spot, like from a tree branch or a hook. Allow the bag to heat up in the sun for several hours, or until the water reaches your desired temperature.
Once the water is heated, use the attached hose and showerhead to take a shower. Be sure to position the bag higher than your head to ensure adequate water pressure. When you finish, empty the bag and rinse it out with clean water (if applicable) before storing it.
How Long Does is Take for a Solar Shower Bag to Heat Up?
In general, it can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to heat up the water in a solar shower bag. That said, a smaller pouch heats up faster than a larger one.
Note: By “heat up”, I mean warm water, not hot. If you prefer a hotter shower, check out the chart below.
In addition, water warms more quickly on a sunny day versus a cloudy day. Air temperature can make a difference too, as well as the temperature of the starting water.
Therefore, you can enjoy a warmer shower faster by placing your shower bag in direct sun and starting with lukewarm water. I like to lay the pouch on the roof of my car, where it can absorb full sun and take advantage of the heated rooftop.
Time to Heat Water to 90°F in Solar Shower Bags
| 3 Gallon Bag | 5 Gallons | 10 Gallons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40°F Air | 10 hours | 12 hours | 18 hours |
| 60°F | 7 hours | 10 hours | 14 hours |
| 80°F | 4 hours | 8 hours | 10 hours |
What is the Water Temperature in a Sun Shower?
On average, the water temperature in full sun can range from 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit (38-49 degrees Celsius). On a cloudy day, the water may only reach temperatures of around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius).