Do you want an outdoor shower with hot water – without a complicated or expensive installation? I found a super simple freestanding solar shower that you just connect to a garden hose.
However, this is quite a versatile showering set-up. In fact, you can use it in multiple ways – so I think it’s a great find for the price.
7 Pros & Cons of this Solar-Heated Outdoor Shower:
1. Shower Requires No Plumbing:
First of all, it heats water itself using a built-in solar-heating system. Therefore, you don’t have to run hot water to your shower or pay extra for a tankless heating unit.
Plus, your garden hose will provide all the pressure you need to keep your shower running once you turn on the spigot. No pump needed. (The showering unit does come with a pressure regulator and safety valve.)
2. Quick & Easy Shower Set-Up:
Second, this all-in-one shower kit contains all of the parts needed to set up your outdoor shower. In other words, you don’t have to go to the hardware store to pick up additional connectors.
You also don’t have to take on complicated plumbing work either. All you need is a garden/water hose. This makes DIY assembly easier, faster and more affordable.
Before You Set Up Your Shower: Keep in mind that this freestanding shower does not include drainage. So, you’ll want to set it up in an area that allows water to flow away or into the ground.
3. Outdoor Shower with Free Hot Water:
Third, solar showers don’t require electricity. Therefore, you don’t need to plug it into a power source or set it up near an electrical outlet. Not to mention, you don’t need to pay to heat the water.
Potential Downside of Solar Showers: Although you have more options as far as where you can set up your freestanding shower, remember that you’ll need sun to heat up the water. So, choose a location that receives a good amount of sunshine.
4. Adjust Your Shower’s Water Temperature:
Fourth, the built-in water mixer allows you to control the water temperature. Take a cool shower, a hot shower or somewhere in between. In addition, this feature enables you to extend your warm water availability because you can mix hot water with cold.
5. Customize the Height & Angle of Your Showerhead:
Fifth, the post is adjustable. You can extend it to 6 feet 9 inches tall, so it comfortably accommodates tall people. Plus, you can adjust the angle of the shower head.
6. Use as a Dog Shower – and More:
Sixth, you can remove the shower head from the post and use it as a handheld sprayer or dog shower. For example, wash your dog outside with warm water or rinse your feet without getting your entire body wet. The 33-inch long hose make it easy to reach and use the sprayer for multiple purposes.
7. Sturdy, Stable Freestanding Design:
Seventh, the wide water-filled base provides a heavy, sturdy structure that won’t easily fall over. However, the unit instantly becomes lightweight when empty – making it easy to carry and move.
Several customers have complained that the instructions are terrible. Even though assembly is pretty basic, this video can be helpful as far as putting the pieces together.
Is This Solar-Heated Shower Good for Traveling? (The Pros & Cons)
I really like this portable shower unit because it’s easily transportable. You can disconnect the components and pack them in a bag or box, and the entire unit only weighs 15 pounds when empty.
As a result, you can take your hot-water shower with you camping or traveling. You can get a lot more use out of it, which is why I think it’s a better value than stationary outdoor showers.
The drawback is that you’ll need to connect it to a hose or water source whenever you use it. If you won’t have that resource, you may be better off using a solar shower bag instead.
Note: Compared to most other solar pool showers, this unit heats from a base compartment rather than the vertical post. The flat horizontal design of the water-filled compartment gives it good sun exposure for fast heating.
In fact, when you put the solar shower out in the sun, the water can heat up significantly in as little as 2 hours. Consequently, the more sunlight it receives, the faster the water can accumulate heat.
Specs for the Portable Pool Shower:
- Adjustable Height: 4’6″ to 6’9″ Tall
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Hose Length: 33″ Long
- Adjustable Water Temperature: Yes
- Detachable Shower Head: Yes
- Capacity: About 13 Gallons (50 Liters)
- Material: Polypropylene
- Color: Black with Blue or Lime Accent
- Model #: GF80545526
- Manufacturer: G.F. Garden Store
- Made in Italy
- For Sale: Portable Solar Pool Shower