The best solar showers in the UK 2023

Going to the wilderness doesn't have to mean lack of hygiene. On the contrary, you should take care of your body, no matter how long you stay. That's why multi-purpose equipment like a solar shower is a must for your outdoor activities. Our guide to the best sun showers of the moment will help you make the right choice.

GF Garden Sunny Style Premium 1
9/10

Best value for your money

GF Garden Sunny Style Premium

The best solar shower in 2021

Made of plastic, the GF Garden Sunny Style Premium solar shower is UV resistant. The presence of its 3/4″ faucet nose helps save water. Likewise, it does not require any electrical connection.

See the price

Equipped with a pull-out shower that can be adjusted from 140 to 210 cm, the GF Garden Sunny Style Premium is a solar garden shower made of robust plastic. UV-resistant, the device offers a capacity of 8 L. Once exposed to the sun, this outdoor shower, arranged horizontally, ensures a rapid rise in temperature in 2 hours. No electrical connection is required for its use.

Made in Italy, the GF Garden Sunny Style Premium solar camping shower will save you money and energy. You will love the presence of the mixer tap, allowing you to get warm water at any time. As a whole, this shower model exudes reliability, performance and efficiency.

Qdreclod 20L 2
8/10

Best value for your money

Qdreclod 20L

The best entry-level solar shower

Are you going on a camping or hiking trip and want to buy a solar shower? On a tight budget, we recommend the Qdreclod 20 L. This foldable shower bag can be used for all occasions.

See price

Ideally suited for short trips into the wilderness, the Qdreclod 20L is made of high quality materials. The shower bag is waterproof and has a PVC coating. Although it lacks an adjustable thermostat, the outer material absorbs the sun's heat to warm the water. Note that its capacity of 20 L will be enough for 3 people.

The Qdreclod 20 L solar shower is very easy to use. In order to benefit from its full potential, you must leave it in the sun for about 3 hours, which will allow the water to heat up and reach a temperature of up to 40°C.

Arkema Happy XL 3
7/10

Best value for your money

Arkema Happy XL

The best high-end solar shower

The Arkema Happy XL is a very elegant solar shower with a large capacity of 44 L. Made in Italy, it is 220 cm high, enough to satisfy the whole family, whatever their size.

222 £ on Manomano

Very versatile, the Arkema Happy XL solar shower can be used in the garden, but also on the terrace, at the pool or at the beach. It is made of HD polyethylene, a material that is highly resistant to ultraviolet rays, salt and limescale. This outdoor shower has a mixer tap, giving access to hot or cold water depending on your needs.

The 40 L tank is more than enough for several people to shower, which makes the Arkema Happy XL very suitable for public places. You can install it in a campsite, near the pool, in clubs...

Arebos S5018 4
8/10

Excellent

Arebos S5018

Quality at a low price

Arebos S5018 is a solar shower with adjustable water temperature. Also, you can adjust the rotating shower head according to your needs. No need for electricity to heat the water.

120 £ on Rakuten

The Arebos S5018 seduces by its aestheticism, its practicality and its modern look. The garden shower is characterized by its chrome finish that will blend perfectly with your outdoor furniture. It is easily installed in the garden or near the pool. For optimal comfort, it offers you its temperature adjustment system via the single lever mixer. Simply place it in a sunny area and the tank will heat the water up to 60°C.

With a capacity of 37 L, this solar shower offers a water pressure of 3.5 bars. The shower head is 15 cm in diameter and the faucet is 99.5 cm from the floor. To enjoy hot water, connect the device to a garden hose.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best solar shower

Any specific needs?

The best solar shower in 2021

The best entry-level solar shower

The best high-end solar shower

Quality at a low price

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best solar showers

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
GF Garden Sunny Style Premium 5
9/10
Qdreclod 20L 6
8/10
Arkema Happy XL 7
7/10
Arebos S5018 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
GF Garden Sunny Style Premium
Qdreclod 20L
Arkema Happy XL
Arebos S5018
Made of plastic, the GF Garden Sunny Style Premium solar shower is UV resistant. The presence of its 3/4″ faucet nose helps save water. Likewise, it does not require any electrical connection.
Are you going on a camping or hiking trip and want to buy a solar shower? On a tight budget, we recommend the Qdreclod 20 L. This foldable shower bag can be used for all occasions.
The Arkema Happy XL is a very elegant solar shower with a large capacity of 44 L. Made in Italy, it is 220 cm high, enough to satisfy the whole family, whatever their size.
Arebos S5018 is a solar shower with adjustable water temperature. Also, you can adjust the rotating shower head according to your needs. No need for electricity to heat the water.
Satisfactory capacity for multiple showers
Includes a thermometer
Large 44 L capacity
Robust and efficient
Excellent floor stability due to its horizontal layout
Sturdy and durable
Beautiful finish and construction quality
Easy to use
Fast heating system
Sold at a very affordable price
Easy to assemble
Quality solar shower

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Buying guide - solar shower

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How to choose your solar shower

The solar shower offers a multitude of advantages, not to mention the savings in water and electricity that you will enjoy. In order to find your way through the wide range of models available on the market, here are the main features to consider.

#1 - The capacity

The capacity of the tank depends on the number of showers you can take. It can vary from 10 to 70 L. To meet your expectations, you will need a model with a minimum capacity of 20 to 30 L. In practice, a 25 L solar shower will offer you up to 5 showers relatively quickly.

#2 - The material

You must check the type of material with which your solar shower was designed before buying. Indeed, this one will be permanently in direct contact with the water of the tank (from the inside) and the sun rays (from the outside). A material resistant to UV, corrosion, rust and limescale would be highly appreciated. If it is a fixed model, PVC plastic (light and inexpensive) is an excellent option. For those who want a portable shower bag, PVC and composite fabrics will do very well.

#3 - Accessories

The most basic models usually come with a small showerhead. On the other hand, the floor-mounted models come with a shower head (with or without a switch) that makes them much more comfortable. The mixing valve mixes hot and cold water. Even better, the solar shower will be optimally practical if the shower head has a flow variator. Some models include a foot rinse located on the bottom.

#4 - Ease of transport

If

you are going to use your solar shower near the pool, at the beach or in the garden, you will surely need a model that requires a water inlet. In most cases, it is fixed to the ground and is quite heavy. Transporting it will not be easy unless you have a mechanical carrying system

. On the other hand, the portable solar shower can be easily stored in your backpack while proving to be not very cumbersome during your trek.

#5 - The water source

Although the solar shower is relatively convenient, it will need a good volume of water to be effective. Since you won't be carrying the water, you need to think about where you'll have the option of having a water supply or source nearby.

"The best shower doesn't wash away all our moods." - From Daniel Pennac

How a solar shower works

The solar shower works in the simplest way. Indeed, you just have to fill the water tank and let it be exposed to the sun for a certain period of time (from a few minutes to a few hours). It does not need any electrical source or artificial heat source.

Depending on the model of your choice, it is possible to hang the tank high up so that the water can flow in a more natural way. In the case of a fixed model, the water will flow through the pipes thanks to a pump system.

Often, the walls of the solar shower are black in color since it is the one that effectively captures the light spectra. The design material of the solar shower allows the transformation of solar energy into thermal energy. The water will heat up and stay warm due to the insulating layers that make it up.

The different types of solar showers

The solar shower market has grown significantly in recent years. Now, there are 2 main families of models: the portable solar shower and the fixed solar shower.

Portable solar shower

Presented in the form of a pocket or bag of water made of rubber, polyethylene or PVC

, the portable solar shower is often black or silver in order to capture the sun's rays. It can be hung high and is equipped with a hose connected to a shower head. Not very cumbersome, it is also the least expensive of the moment. Highly recommended for campers, hikers and nomadic travelers, the portable solar shower requires only one to three hours to heat up to the desired temperature.

Fixed solar shower

The

fixed solar shower, as its name suggests, must be installed on a specific location. It is fixed to the ground with supports provided at the time of purchase. This model consists of a column (serving as a water tank) with a shower head at the end. Requiring a water supply, you must place it in the garden, on the beach, on the terrace, at the pool... Some fixed solar showers are equipped with a mixing valve, which allows you to adjust the water temperature more precisely.

Solar shower or rechargeable shower via USB?

Solar shower

Also known as an outdoor shower, the solar shower works mainly with solar rays. Indeed, the water contained in the tank will need the heat of the sun to heat up to a temperature of 60 °C. The hot water is thus obtained by the presence of its thermal sensors.

The capacity of its tank varies from 10 to 70 L. In addition, the heating time may vary from one model to another, knowing that the larger the container, the longer it will take for the water to fully heat up. Although it can be installed anywhere, it is best to place it exactly where the sun shines the most.

Rechargeable shower via USB

One of the most popular portable showers, the rechargeable shower comes with a built-in battery that ensures its proper functioning. It has more or less the same components as the solar shower, i.e. a shower head and a hose. The biggest difference is the way it is powered. This model is 100% rechargeable via USB.

Specifically designed for nature lovers and adventurers, the rechargeable shower offers a more or less interesting autonomy depending on the model chosen. It is completely independent, especially since it is easy and quick to install.

Verdict

If you are sure you have a water source nearby and enough sunlight to heat the water where you are going, the solar shower is the best choice. If not, the rechargeable shower seems to be the best solution. Just make sure the built-in battery capacity and rechargeability is good.

Tips

Find the best place to install your solar shower

Whether fixed or portable, the solar shower will not work without sunlight. In this case, find the sunniest place and install the device there. A flat surface will work well with a fixed model to ensure stability.

Start by filling the water tank

After

installation, be sure to fill the water tank properly. Remember to never exceed the recommended capacity. Be aware that some models will give you the option of showering multiple times.

Do other things during the heating time

The

heating time of a solar shower varies from model

to model.

At a minimum, you'll need 30 minutes to heat up the water inside the tank, but it can take up to 3 hours. You can, for example, enjoy your pool or prepare your meal during the wait.

Check the water temperature with the built-in thermometer

The

thermometer is certainly optional. However, it will be a great help to know if the desired temperature is reached.

Maintain your solar shower properly

Regular maintenance is highly recommended to make the solar shower last longer. Use a soft cloth and properly wipe the tank as well as the shower head. Before storing it, simply uninstall it. Portable models, on the other hand, can be folded for easier storage.

FAQ

What is the best solar shower?

The best solar shower depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

Do we need sunlight to heat the water?

No, even if the sun's rays are weak, you can still enjoy your sun shower. However, nothing beats a really sunny day.

Is it possible to regulate the water temperature?

Yes, the water can reach a temperature of 60°C, which is not good for your skin. The control valve gives you the opportunity to adjust the temperature as required. Please note, however, that not all models have this option.

Is the installation of a grating necessary?

The grating is very interesting especially if you have installed your solar shower in the lawn. This way, you will keep your feet clean.

Should I have any special DIY skills to install a solar shower?

No special knowledge is required for the installation of a solar shower. As the device is delivered pre-assembled, you only have to follow the installation instructions and connect the shower to a water supply.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , m-habitat.fr
  2. , conseil.manomano.fr
  3. , maison-travaux.fr
  4. , lemagdelapiscine.com
  5. , impac4.org
  6. , marieclaire.fr
  7. , maison-confort.fr
  8. , idees-piscine.com
  9. , cdiscount.com
  10. , leroymerlin.fr
  11. , laboutiquedesjoyaux.fr
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , irrijardin.fr
  14. , maison-travaux.fr
  15. , guide-piscine.info
  16. , laredoute.fr
  17. , alicesgarden.fr
  18. , distripool.fr
  19. , oogarden.com
  20. , mypiscine.com
  21. , jardideco.fr
  22. , ubaldi.com
  23. , decathlon.fr
  24. , lesdenicheurs.net
  25. , castorama.fr
  26. , castorama.fr
  27. , piscinex.fr
  28. , cash-piscines.com
  29. , h2r-equipements.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
GF Garden Sunny Style Premium 9
GF Garden Sunny Style Premium
Qdreclod 20L 10
Qdreclod 20L
Arkema Happy XL 11
Arkema Happy XL
Arebos S5018 12
Arebos S5018

Lecteurs

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