Sometimes, a full-blown shower in the bathroom just isn’t the most convenient option. When you’re rinsing off before diving into the pool or are camping, then you need to buy one of the best solar showers.
Frequently, these solar showers are in the form of heavy-duty bags with an attached hose and nozzles. Other models are far more deluxe.
Keep reading this guide to benefit from our comprehensive inquiry into the subject.
10 Best Solar Showers on the Market:
1. Advanced Elements 2.5 Gallon Summer Shower / Solar Shower
Review
The two-and-a-half gallon capacity on this solar shower is small when compared with others, but sometimes that’s all you need. Whether you’re using it to rinse off before and after the pool or need a solar shower that’s portable for backcountry camping, this could be the perfect solution.
On the back of this compact bag shower, you’ll find a handy temperature gauge that will tell you when your water is warm.
This solar shower is made from four layers. The first is a reflector panel for capturing the sun’s rays while the second is an insulator panel. Beneath this are a solar panel and the water reservoir.
The filling valve is oversized to make refills a snap. Velcro straps are included for carrying toiletries.
What Consumers are saying
Calling it well-made, many people appreciate this solar shower’s small size because it’s easier to lift when full. Nonetheless, some users say that the shower head’s on/off switch is difficult to operate.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Heats up really well
- Well-made
Cons
- On/off switch can be difficult to operate
Bottom Line
When just a little water is all you want, this two-and-a-half gallon shower is a lifesaver.
View at Amazon2. Coleman 5-Gallon Solar Shower
Review
This five-gallon solar shower is large enough to accommodate several uses. All it requires is exposure to sunlight to provide campers with a luxuriously warm shower.
With a particularly sturdy handle, this solar shower from Coleman is ready to go anywhere and hang from anything, and the on/off valve that’s connected to the showerhead is conveniently placed and easy to use.
Made from a heat-locking material, you can rely on this model to provide a warm shower even on cooler days.
Thanks to durable construction, this is a reliable addition to any camping trip.
What Consumers are saying
Fans love the durability and ease of use of this product, but others wish that the shower head was larger.
Pros
- Large size
- Gets water really warm
- Sturdy handle for carrying and hanging
Cons
- Small shower head
Bottom Line
Coleman is a reliable name in camping gear, and this solar shower is no exception.
View at Amazon3. ELECTRFIRE Solar Shower Bag Camping Shower
Review
This five-gallon solar shower is available in attractive army green to match all of your outdoor gear. Made with non-toxic PVC, this bag shower is capable of heating water up to 94 degrees Fahrenheit within three hours.
A small front pocket on the bag gives you a place to store necessities, and the handle is quite sturdy. On the back of the unit, you’ll find a convenient temperature gauge.
The large fill valve makes refills a breeze. This well-constructed solar shower will definitely be an asset to the pool.
What Consumers Are Saying
Many people remark on how sturdy, well-made and durable this solar shower is. Nonetheless, the relatively cheap nozzle does draw some criticism.
Pros
- Oversized fill valve
- Well constructed
- Durable
Cons
- Cheap nozzle
Bottom Line
With proper care, this well-made solar shower could last for years.
View at Amazon4. Coghlan’s Solar Heated Camp Shower
Review
This compact and packable solar shower holds a maximum of five gallons, which should be enough to accommodate three to four showers. Made of lightweight, non-toxic PVC material, this is a relatively durable choice.
One thing that makes this product one of the best solar showers is that it comes with a cord for hanging. This makes it easy to use next to a pool or while camping.
Keep in mind that this is a really economical choice, as it typically costs less than about $10. While you can get several uses out of it, especially if you are careful, there definitely are options that are designed for longer usage.
However, because it is inexpensive, there’s no reason why you couldn’t buy these as you need them for the upcoming swimming and camping season.
What Consumers Are Saying
Many people comment that water gets pretty warm in this bag shower, and they feel that it performs well. Still, some people wish that it lasted a bit longer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with an overflow and drain
- Big enough for three to four showers
Cons
- Not a long-term solution
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable option for pool or lake showers, this is a solid choice.
View at Amazon5. RISEPRO Solar Shower Bag
Review
With a massive 10-gallon capacity, this is the best solar shower if you’re swimming or camping with a larger group.
It’s made out of black PVC material that excels at capturing and retaining solar heat. A thermometer on the front of the bag tells you just how warm the water inside is. Within three hours of direct sunlight, the water can be as warm as 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
The included showerhead features an on/off switch and a selector for low or high water flow. A water-injection hole with a leak-proof cap and a convenient hook and strap assembly for hanging make this a convenient choice.
What Consumers Are Saying
Describing it as rugged and incredibly useful, most people recommend this solar shower. However, other users think that the strap isn’t really strong enough to hold a full bag.
Pros
- 10-gallon capacity
- Rugged
- Gets water almost hot
Cons
- Needs a stronger strap
Bottom Line
When you need to provide showers for lots of people, this is a great solution.
View at Amazon6. Reliance Products Flow Pro Pressurized Portable Showever, 2 Gallon
View at Amazon
Review
The rugged, outdoorsy appearance of this model is bound to appeal to many of you. With a six-foot-long, kink-resistant hose, the rest of you will be drawn to it too.
This is another smaller solar shower option as it holds just two gallons. This makes it perfect for packing up and taking along. Moreover, it’s pretty easy to lift it up high enough when full to take a shower.
The shower is held in a washable neoprene sleeve that also has a mesh storage pouch. A pump is a necessary part of the setup as this helps to keep the water pressure flowing.
What Consumers are Saying
While it’s not as good at heating from the sun as other options, people still say that this solar shower is simple, effective, and durable.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Comes with a washable neoprene sleeve
- Pump action improves water flow
Cons
- Doesn’t heat as well as other options
Bottom Line
With its pump and neoprene sleeve, this solar shower has great features.
View at Amazon7. FeChiX Solar Shower Bag for Camping 5 Gallons
Review
With this camp shower, you could be taking 113 degrees Fahrenheit shower within just three hours when exposed to direct sunlight. A temperature gauge lets you know when the water is just right.
A reinforced handle makes it easy to carry this bag with you even when it’s filled with five gallons of water. With a front pocket, your toiletries will always be available.
A simple switch controls the showerhead to turn it on or off. Velcro straps make it possible to adjust the length of the hose.
What consumers are saying
Most people find it easy to use, and they love the sturdiness of the strap. However, critics feel that the manufacturer skimped on the quality of the hose and showerhead.
Pros
- Gets water pretty hot
- Reinforced handle
- Front pocket for toiletries
Cons
- Cheap hose and shower head
Bottom Line
You might consider replacing the hose and showerhead to make this bag a deluxe model.
View at Amazon8. Stearns Sunshower 4.0
Review
With a tough handle and four-gallon capacity, this shower bag is ideal for most purposes. An on/off valve on the showerhead puts you in charge of water flow, and the built-in thermometer lets you know when the water is ready.
Even on cool days, the heat-locking material out of which this solar shower is constructed excels at trapping the sun’s energy. The result is the ability to take a warm shower even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
What Consumers are Saying
People love how quickly this solar shower heats up. Plus, the extra-sturdy handle is considered a major advantage. Some critics would prefer a more upscale on/off valve.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer
- Heats up fast
- Extra-sturdy handle
Cons
- On/off valve is chintzy
Bottom Line
This solar shower is a solid performer that will serve you well.
View at Amazon9. Intex Solar Shower, 5 Gallon Capacity
View at Amazon
Review
The five-gallon capacity on this solar shower is pretty standard, but we really appreciate the sturdiness of the handle on this model.
Moreover, this pool and camp shower can heat up water to a temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just about hot.
An on/off valve lets you control the water flow from the showerhead. The material out of which the solar shower is made excels at attracting and retaining heat from the sun.
With a solid shower head and good durability, this should be a wise purchase for most swimmers, campers, and festival-goers.
What Consumers are saying
In fact, many people who have tried this product praise it for working so well. Critics wish that the water pressure was higher.
Pros
- Extremely durable handle
- Heats water to almost hot
- Good durability
Cons
- Low water pressure
Bottom Line
This durable and well-constructed solar shower is an asset beside the pool.
View at Amazon10. GAME 4376-BB Hot and Cold Adjustment Solar Shower
Review
Holding five-and-a-half gallons of water and featuring both hot and cold settings, this model definitely deserves to be among the best solar showers.
This product is particularly attractive because it features a stand-up base so you don’t have to find a tree limb from which to hang a shower bag. Moreover, it’s made from quality materials like PVC pipe and non-corrosive brass so you can trust its durability.
The unit sits on a large sturdy base and can be connected to any ordinary garden hose. Alternatively, it is possible to permanently mount this outdoor shower to almost any surface.
What Consumers Are Saying
People who love this product remark on how easy it is to assemble, and they certainly appreciate the ability to adjust the water temperature. Nonetheless, a few users complain that the base bolts rust and require replacement.
Pros
- Stand-alone or mounted
- Temperature control
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May need to replace rusted base bolts
Bottom Line
At the lake or the pool, this is an excellent solar-heated shower.
View at AmazonFactors to Consider When Buying the Best Solar Showers
Durability
The foremost consideration when choosing a solar shower is the bag’s durability. Although some really cheap options are out there, their low price is reflected in their quality. This means that they may leak from the very first use and not be suitable for a second use.
Consequently, it’s vital to choose a solar shower that is made from a thick, durable material that’s less likely to rip or develop a leak in the seams.
Shower’s handle
Along with this consideration is the shower’s handle. Most solar showers must hang from a handle. Cheaper camping showers may have handles that just aren’t strong enough to hold the bag when it’s full of water. A reinforced handle or one that features a bar that stretches along the full width of the bag is a desirable feature.
Temperature gauge
You also may want to ensure that you get a model that has a temperature gauge. That’s an especially valuable feature if you’re pretty sensitive about water temperature.
On a related note, it’s worth looking into just how warm the water can get in a particular solar shower. Some manufacturers claim a maximum temperature of 94 degrees while others can get well over 100 degrees.
Fill port
Take a look at the fill port as well. In general, fill ports that twist to open and close are more durable and reliable than those that are “press to close.”
FAQ on Bathroom Fans
In what situations could I use a solar shower?
Portable solar showers are meant to take you on the go whether you’re hiking, camping, boating, or otherwise getting outdoors and getting dirty. However, they also can be enormously convenient poolside when swimmers need to rinse off before or after a dip. Additionally, solar showers are useful in an emergency situation when access to running water may be limited.
How do I control the water flow?
Solar showers have an attached hose and nozzle assembly. Most of these assemblies have some sort of on/off switch that allows you to let the water flow when wetting down at the start of a shower and then turn it off while you soap up. Turn the valve on again to rinse.
How big of a solar shower do I need?
Five gallons is a common size for bag showers, but it’s possible to find models that have larger or smaller capacities. Before deciding which size is right for you, think about how you’ll use your solar shower. Will it see occasional use by your pool or will you be trekking with it into the backcountry? Will you be the only one using it or will you be with other people who also need showers? Your answers to these questions will help you to determine which size to get.
Making the Decision
If you’re looking for the best solar showers to keep next to your pool, then we recommend the GAME 4376-BB Hot and Cold Adjustment Solar Shower. It’s a dream come true to have hot and cold running water poolside, and this solar shower is relatively inexpensive and easy to operate. When you don’t need a portable solar shower, this is the way to go.
However, for those backcountry adventures, we recommend the Advanced Elements 2.5 Gallon Summer Shower. Its compact size makes it packable, and it features outstanding durability and performance.