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Finding the Best Outdoor Solar Showers for Your Backyard Pool or Camping Trips

Written by K. Miller / Fact checked by J. Fussell

best outdoor solar shower

Having the best outdoor solar shower beside your backyard pool is a great idea. You get the convenience of taking a hot shower without adding to your electrical bills. That is why I took the liberty of trying different kinds of solar outdoor showers so you can find the best fit for you.

But first, there are three main factors you have to consider when it comes to solar powered outdoor showers:

  • Tank capacity: Solar showers work by storing water in their tanks and then heating it using the sun’s solar energy. So the more water you have, the longer your hot shower will be. The smallest tank capacity would be about 2.5 gallons, enough for a short hot shower of a minute and a half or two. A standard tank of 5 gallons will let you shower for 3-5 min while large tanks with 10 gallons or more will let you shower for more than 5 minutes.
  • Type of shower: There are two types of solar outdoor showers. The first type would be the bag shower, an insulated bag with a shower head that uses gravity for water pressure. It’s the most portable type since you can just fold the bag and carry it around. The second type is the stationary shower which is not as portable as the bag type since you have to assemble, mount and connect them to a hose but is a great addition to poolsides and beach fronts.
  • Type of material: When shopping for solar outdoor showers, it is important to note what kind of material is being used. Durable materials are PVC and non-corrosive metals since they are weather-resistant and rust-proof.

There are many solar water heater outdoor showers out there, but the best one should be a perfect fit for someone’s specific needs. So here are some of the top-rated outdoor solar showers available in the market.

solar-heated-outdoor-shower

Best Overall

Giantex Solar Heated Shower

✅ Easy installation
✅ No electrical use at all
✅ Has hot and cold adjustments

Details

Premium Choice

GF Premium Solar Shower

✅ Comes with 33 feet of hose
✅ Adjustable hose and height
✅ Heats up in 2 hours

Details

Editor’s Pick

KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag

✅ Can rise to 113°F (45°C)
✅ Only takes 3 hours to fully heat up
✅ Has a temperature indicator

Details

Top 5 Outdoor Solar Shower Reviews

1. Giantex Solar Heated Shower

Specifications
  • Weight: 19.4 lbs
  • Capacity: 9.3 Gallon
  • Material: PVC
  • Temp: heat up to 140°F

So when I first tried this solar-heated outdoor shower, I was pretty impressed with how tall it is. At first, I thought it would be a hard installation, but it was easier than I expected. There were no complicated instructions at all.

I had to look for a mounting surface for the shower, and since it can be mounted on any solid surface, I mounted mine on the cemented platform beside the pool. After that, I just connected a garden hose to it, and it was good to go. It was able to hold about 9.3 gallons of water, enough for my whole family to use.

Water can even rise to 140 °F (60 °C), but I would not recommend that kind of temperature, though, since I think it is too hot. If it does get too hot, this solar outdoor shower also has a hot and cold adjustment, so I can take a cold shower, too, if ever I want one.

The only downside for me was the hose connection. A standard garden hose connection is about ¾ inches in diameter, but this solar-heated outdoor shower’s hose connection has a ½ inch diameter. So I had to buy a hose adapter before I could use the shower.
Pros
  • Easy installation and no complicated instruction
  • Holds about 9.3 gallons of water
  • Solar-powered with no electrical use at all
  • Hot water can rise as much as 140 °F (60 °C)
  • Has hot and cold adjustments
Cons
  • Has a ½ inch hose connector instead of the standard ¾ inch
Overall the Giantex Solar Heated Shower is a great product to use. The hose adapter problem was not that much of a hassle since I could easily buy it from the local hardware store.

2. GF Premium Solar Shower

Specifications
  • Weight: 15.91 lbs
  • Capacity: 16 Gallon
  • Material: PP
  • Temp: 86°F continuous

I came across the GF Garden Sunny Style Premium Solar shower when I was browsing the internet. The design really amazed me, so I got one to see if it’s a good solar poolside shower, and I’m happy to say that it is.

It came with a 33 feet hose, so I immediately attached it to my faucet. Once I turned it on, water got into its base and was heated by the sun immediately. It mixed tap water and hot water, which is why it gave off about 16 gallons of hot water.

It didn’t take too long for the water to heat up. Two hours of exposure was enough when I used it. This is because the base tank is very heat absorbent.

Because of this, my family and I got longer hot showers with a constant temperature of 86 °F (30°C). The hose and the height were also adjustable, which is a nice feature since I like to move the showerhead when I’m using it.

But the only thing that bothered me was the water pressure. It was too weak. So I had to take my time when using this hot shower.
Pros
  • Comes with 33 feet of hose
  • Can provide 16 gallons of hot water
  • The water temperature stays at a constant 86°F in a continuous use
  • Adjustable hose and height
  • The base tank is very heat absorbent
  • Heats up in 2 hours
Cons
  • Water pressure is too weak
Overall, the unique design and the 33 feet of hose were what attracted me to this product. I would say that anyone that uses this will enjoy a hot shower for a longer period with no interruption whatsoever.

3. KIPIDA Solar Shower Bag

Specifications
  • Weight: 0.97 lbs
  • Capacity: 5 Gallon
  • Material: PVC
  • Temp: 113°F in 3hrs

Although I’m an outdoorsy guy, I still like to bring the comforts of modern life with me, like getting a hot shower after a long day. So that is why I was delighted when I found this solar outdoor shower in the market.

The KIPIDA shower bag can hold about 5 gallons of water, which is more than enough for me in one use. I got to take a hot shower for about 5 minutes or less when I used it. No worries about leakage, too, since it’s made up of durable PVC material. The temperature can also rise to about 113°F (45°C) in about three hours.

This shower bag is also very easy to use. All I needed was to fill it up with water and get it exposed to the sun. It also has a temperature indicator to tell you if the water is already hot enough and an on and off switch with water flow adjustment to control use of water when you shower.

But the only problem is that I cannot have a hot shower if there is not enough sun exposure. So for three hours, I had to make sure that nothing blocked the sunlight.
Pros
  • It is made up of PVC, which is durable and heat absorbent
  • Only takes 3 hours to fully heat up
  • Can hold up to 5 gallons of water
  • Water temperature can rise to 113°F (45°C)
  • Has a temperature indicator
  • Has an on and off switch with water flow control
Cons
  • Will not heat up if not fully exposed to the sun
The KIPIDA solar shower bag, to me, is still a decent outdoor solar shower kit. You just had to make sure nothing would block the sunlight exposure it was getting.

4. Advanced Elements Summer Shower

Specifications
  • Weight: 1.32 lbs
  • Capacity: 5 Gallon
  • Material: Plastic
  • Temp: 110°F in 3hrs

Camping can be a very pleasant experience but what would make it better is if I can also take a hot shower too even if I’m not home. Thanks to the Advanced Elements Summer Shower, it was all possible.

This shower bag can contain about 5 gallons of water which is more than enough water for me to use in a decent hot shower session. The on and off shower head feature was nice too since it let me control the water I used.

Filling up the shower is super easy since it has a very large filling valve. After that you just have to expose it to the sun, clear side up, and you will be able to take a hot shower in no time. The shower bag won’t be worn easily, too, because it has a four-layer design.

The shower bag also has a side pocket to put your soap, shampoo, shaver, etc., and velcro straps for your towels. It even has a temperature gauge so you can tell if the water is ready.

The only problem is the shower head because it is too small. I wanted to have a bigger one to get more water when showering, but it was still okay since I managed to save water because of it.
Pros
  • Has the capacity to hold 5 gallons
  • The showerhead has an on and off switch
  • Easy filling because of the large filling valve
  • Constructed with a four-layer design
  • Comes with a side pocket and velcro strap
  • Equipped with a temperature gauge
Cons
  • The showerhead is too small.
Overall the Advanced Elements shower bag is a very handy outdoor solar shower kit for solar showers camping anywhere as long as there is sunlight.

5. VIGLT Portable Shower Bag

Specifications
  • Weight: 2.2 lbs
  • Capacity: 5 Gallon
  • Material: PVC
  • Temp: 105°F in 3hrs

I also love to go on fishing trips whenever I have free time, so I thought “What outdoor solar shower kit can I bring with me?”, so I had to look for a product that gives hot showers without the help of electricity. That was when I found the VIGLT Portable Shower Bag.

It is one of the best products out there when it comes to solar outdoor showers since it is very ultra-lightweight when empty and can be easily folded and carried around.

This solar shower bag can also hold about 5 gallons of water and easily raise the water temperature to 113°F (45°C) if fully exposed to sun for 3 hours. Because of this, I was able to get a hot shower every time I was on my fishing trips.

The PVC material that made up the bag is also very durable, light, and non-toxic. And because it is only using the sun as a source of heating, it gives a sense of pride that I am using an eco-friendly product to satisfy my needs.

But the only problem with it is that the hose is too short. It is just 3 feet long. I like using a long hose so I can move around the showerhead freely.
Pros
  • Is ultra-lightweight, foldable and easily carried around
  • Holds about 5 gallons of water
  • Temperature can rise to 1113°F (45°C) in no less than 3 hours
  • Made up of durable and lightweight PVC
  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic
Cons
  • Only has a 3-foot long hose
If ever I wanted to take a hot shower outside my home, then I’ll be glad that I have brought along with me the VIGLT solar shower bag. It’s very convenient and easy to use.
Outdated Products

Blue Wave Poolside Solar Shower (Outdated)

I wanted to use another solar outdoor shower that is very tall so that I will not hit my head with the shower head. So I searched the internet and found the 7 ½ feet tall Blue Wave poolside shower.

Although this solar poolside shower was very tall with a six-inch diameter showerhead, there was no hassle when assembling since instructions were very easy to understand and it came with its own bolts too. You just need to drill a solid platform, screw it tightly, and it was good to go.

In addition, the reservoir had a 5.5-gallon water capacity. Because of this, short hot showers were no problem at all for my family and me. I could even use it to wash my dog if he needs to take a bath.

I like the materials used to create the shower, too, since they are very durable. The handle, trims and shower head were made up of stainless steel. You can even store it easily because its PVC design is two sections.

The only thing that you need to be careful of is the middle ring in the middle. I accidentally damaged mine, and it cracked, so I’m guessing the material on the ring is not that durable.
Pros
  • Easy assembly with no complicated instructions
  • 7 feet tall shower with a 5.5-inch shower head
  • Reservoir with a 5.5-gallon water capacity
  • Stainless steel shower head, handle and trim
  • Easy storage because of its two-section PVC design
Cons
  • The middle ring is not that durable
Overall I would say that the Blue Wave Poolside tower is a good addition to anyone’s backyard pool. Being able to take a hot shower right after you finish swimming is such a convenience.

Yescom Outdoor Patio Solar Heated Shower (Outdated)

The Yescom Outdoor Patio Solar heated Shower was also a nice addition to the convenience of my backyard pool. All you needed was to assemble it, which you will not have any problems with, and mount it on a solid surface. It is always nice to take a hot shower every time you are done swimming, and this outdoor solar pool shower gave that convenience.

The 6.6 gallons of water in the tank was enough for my family to use too. If you are worried about the temperature being too hot, then do not worry since the unit will not exceed 130°F (54°C). So no accidental burns will ever occur.

If you do not want to take a hot shower, you can easily adjust the water temperature since this solar outdoor shower has a hot and cold adjustment feature. It is what also helps me in giving my son a hot shower that has a temperature that he can endure.

I also like that it is a 7 ½ feet tall shower, so there is no way I can accidentally bump my head to the showerhead.

The only downside was that I found the drain plug to be leaking. So I had to fix it, or else I would be wasting my hot water.
Pros
  • No hassle in assembling and easy to mount
  • Has a tank capacity of 6.6 gallons
  • Temperature will not exceed 130°F
  • Can adjust to cold temperatures
  • Has a height of 7 ½ feet
Cons
  • The drain plug is leaky
Having a solar poolside shower is such a great addition to anyone’s backyard pool. That is why I added this hot shower to my backyard to have a nice relaxing shower anytime.

Festnight Outdoor Solar Shower (Outdated)

So I wanted to look for a solar shower that embodied the eco-friendly look in its design. So I kept on browsing the internet, and finally, I found the Festnight Outdoor Solar shower. It had this wooden grain paint option, so I was very happy to put it beside my pool because of all the plants I put in my backyard.

It came with screws and straightforward instructions so it was very easy to mount on my cemented platform. Then, I attached my hose, filled it with water, and let it be exposed to the sun.

This solar shower can hold about 9.25 gallons which means I could take a hot shower for more than five minutes. Maximum temperature can rise up to 140°F (60°C) which to me is already hot enough for a decent hot shower.

Lucky for me, I can adjust this solar shower’s temperature and pressure, so if ever the water gets too hot or too strong, it would not be a problem. It was also built with UV-resistant PVC, so I know that it will last for a very long time.

The only downside was that it could not retain the heat very well. Sometimes, I do not adjust the temperature since I might lose the heat in my hot shower.
Pros
  • Straightforward instructions and comes with screws for easy mounting
  • Holds 9.25 gallons of water in its tank
  • Water temperature can rise to 140°F
  • Temperature and water pressure are adjustable
  • It is built with UV-resistant PVC
Cons
  • Cannot maintain heat very well
To me, the Festnight Outdoor Solar shower was a wonderful addition to my backyard’s overall landscape. Plus, it gave the convenience for my family to take a hot shower after swimming in the pool.

GOTOTOP Solar Heated Shower (Outdated)

In my quest to find another durable solar shower to put beside my pool, I was able to find the GOTOTOP solar-heated shower. It looked decent, like a black tuxedo over white long sleeves. But an important question is, is it one of the top-tier solar heated showers out there? And the short answer is yes.

Easy to understand instructions made assembling it easy and with the four screws that were provided, all I did was get my drill, put some holes in the cemented platform beside my pool, screwed it tightly and attached my standard garden hose.

As I said, the solar shower is also very durable since it is made with UV-resistant PVC. Furthermore, all the metal in the shower is also made up of non-corrosive brass, which means this shower is very weather-resistant.

The tank capacity for the shower is about 9.25 gallons and temperature can rise to 140°F (60 °C), which to me is already hot enough. I also like that it has a faucet so I can easily wash my feet.

The only downside was that the faucet was dripping water even though it was closed. It did not affect the overall function, but I still had to fix it.
Pros
  • Not complicated to assemble and comes with four screws
  • Made up with UV-resistant PVC and non-corrosive brass
  • Able to withstand any weather
  • Holds up to 9.25 gallons of water
  • Water temperature can rise to 140°F (60°C)
  • Has a faucet in the middle
Cons
  • The faucet was dripping water even when it was closed
Overall, this solar outdoor shower would look good beside the pool since it adds a nice and decent feel to the landscape because of its fancy appearance.

JAXPETY Solar Heated Shower (Outdated)

So in my quest to find the top-rated outdoor solar shower available in the market, I stumbled upon the JAXPETY solar-heated shower. It looked decent and had some nice features, so I bought it immediately.

Right off the bat, I was not disappointed at all when I used this solar heated outdoor shower. I liked the shower design since it had this modern look to it, but most importantly, assembling and mounting was super easy. I just needed a solid platform that, thankfully, I have beside my pool and I then mounted it.

I also like the fact that it is made up of durable PVC and chrome-plated ABS plastic, which I know can last for a long time. It can store 5.3 gallons of water, too, enough for my whole family to take short hot showers. The water temperature can rise to 140℉ (60°C), but I do not recommend that kind of hot shower since it may burn your skin.

If it gets too hot or if the water pressure is too strong for you, do not worry, since both can be adjusted using the middle faucet.

The only downside was that a regular garden hose would not connect immediately to the shower. You will have to use a ½ inch female-to-female hose adapter.
Pros
  • Easy to assemble and mount
  • Made up of PVC and ABS plastic with chrome
  • Able to carry 5.3 gallons of water
  • Able to raise water temperatures of about 140℉(60°C)
  • Adjustable water pressure and temperature
Cons
  • A ½ inch female-to-female hose adapter is needed for regular garden hoses to connect
When it comes to giving hot showers with a sense of style, I can confidently say that the JAXPETY solar heated shower can surely deliver.

Yescom Pool Spa Solar Base Shower (Outdated)

So when I was looking for an outdoor solar shower with base that had a beautiful design, I was able to find the Yescom Pool Spa Solar Base Shower.

I easily assembled it and because of the bolts that came along, it was easy to mount too. Then I connected my garden hose, let the tank fill in with water and waited for the sun to heat it. Since it is solar, I had no extra charge for the electrical bill whatsoever.

Because this solar outdoor shower can hold 2.3 gallons of water, it can heat up pretty quickly. I was even able to take a hot shower for about 3-4 minutes. But if you are worried that the hot shower might become too hot, don’t, because the shower will not exceed more than 113 ℉ (45°C).

Why? Because the shower also has a high-temperature cut-off. So no accidental burns will occur to anyone. It has cold water adjustment, too, if you are not in the mood to have a hot shower.

The only thing that irritated me was the strength of the water pressure. It is very strong. One time it shot the stem out. So try to be careful when using it.
Pros
  • Comes with bolts for easy mounting and assembling
  • Solely solar-powered and will not use electricity
  • Tank capacity is 2.3 gallons of water
  • Let’s you take a hot shower for 3-4 minutes
  • Heating shuts off once it reaches 113 ℉ (45°C)
  • Can be adjusted to cold showers.
Cons
  • Water pressure can be too strong
To me, this outdoor solar shower was a really good choice, especially because of the safety features it has. It kept my family from accidentally getting burned.

GAME Outside Solar Shower (Outdated)

Ever since I got a pool in our backyard, I wanted to have an outside shower for my family and me to clean ourselves before entering and after swimming in the pool. That’s when I found the GAME Outside Solar Shower.

It can be cold once you step out of the pool, so having a solar poolside shower is pretty convenient. This product is also very easy to use as you will only need to assemble, mount and connect a hose to it. After that, you can store about 5.5 gallons of water in the tank and let the sun heat it.

But there are also times where I want to use a cold shower because of a hot summer day. Lucky for me, this shower can also be adjusted to cold temperatures, so it’s no problem at all. I’m also very pleased that this shower is very durable since it is made up of non-corrosive brass and strong PVC pipes.

The only problem that I have is that it seems only the shower and the PVC pipes are durable, not the bolts that keep the shower in place. I had to buy new bolts since mine became rusty.
Pros
  • Environmentally friendly as the water is just heated by the sun
  • You can adjust the temperature from hot to cold.
  • Can hold up to 5.5 gallons of water
  • Made up of non-corrosive brass and PVC piping
  • Easy to use as you only need to set it up and connect a garden hose
Cons
  • Bolts will rust very easily
Bolts may have been an issue for me, but it still gave me what I wanted, so it is still a good product to install besides a swimming pool.

What to Look for When Buying Outdoor Solar Showers

solar-poolside-shower

Now that you’ve looked at some of the top-rated outdoor solar showers available in the market, you are probably having some outdoor solar shower ideas for your next outdoor activity.

But before that, here is a simple guide to help you find the right outdoor solar shower to match your needs.

  • Tank capacity

So before you bring home a solar-heated outdoor shower, you first need to consider how much water it can store. The amount of water it can store will determine how much hot water you will enjoy with your family and friends.

I think everyone can agree that the larger the tank capacity, the more hot showers you can take. So obviously, we all would choose the largest. Plus, the tank will not have to be refilled all the time. A large tank would have a minimum capacity of 10 gallons

But a large tank capacity means you will have a longer time heating the water. So if you live somewhere cold, it is best to choose a small or standard tank capacity. A standard tank would be able to hold about 5 gallons of water while a small one would be able to hold 2.5 gallons.

  • Thermometer

Some models do not have a thermometer with them, but it can be very useful.

It can tell you if the water is hot enough for you to take a hot shower. Plus, it will prevent you from being burned accidentally if the temperature gets too hot.

  • Materials

A durable solar-heated outdoor shower means it will not break so easily. So try to find out if it is made up of high-quality PVC material or polyester and if there are metals, make sure they are non-corrosive and rust-proof.

  • Replaceable parts

If parts ever break or are damaged, you need to make sure that you can easily replace them. Unfortunately, cheap products do not usually give you replaceable parts.

  • Stability

Solar outdoor showers can be installed differently. For example, while solar shower bags only need to be hanged properly, stationary showers sometimes need to be mounted on a solid surface while others have a base.

If it needs to be mounted, make sure the unit comes with its screws so you won’t be bothered to find one in your local hardware store. If it has a base, it needs to be stable. Regardless of the type, stability is a must, so there won’t be any interruption when you take a shower.

How Do You Build an Outdoor Solar Shower

solar-outdoor-shower

To make an outdoor solar shower you are going to need a water tank that absorbs radiation from the sun to heat up the water. For a solar shower bag, you are just going to need a bag with a shower hose and head to hang.

Stationary showers on the other hand, if their tank is mounted or placed on the ground, they won’t have gravity for water pressure. So they need to be pressurized. You can use a pump or water from the hose to push the water out. Attach a hose and a shower head to the tank and you’re all set.

How Many Gallons Does an Outdoor Shower Use

It depends on what type of outdoor solar shower you are going to use, but most units have a tank capacity of 2.5 to10 gallons of water. Some even higher.

How Long Does an Outdoor Solar Shower Take to Heat

It mostly depends on how well exposed it is to the sun and how much water there is. But a standard 5 gallons of water sun will be hot enough after 2 to 3 hours.

Can You Use a Solar Shower in Winter

This might surprise you, but yes, you can use a solar shower in the winter as long as it is exposed to the sun properly. Mine still worked even when it was winter in the UK. But it might take longer to heat up because of the ambient air temperature.

You can also check out a review of solar ovens, an option worth considering for camping. Don’t forget to read our review of the 12 volt solar battery charger and share the post.

Conclusion

It will always be a nice feeling to take a shower anywhere you can, especially after swimming or when you are camping. That is why having a solar outdoor shower is such a blessing.

Now that you read all of this review, you will finally be able to choose the best outdoor solar shower that is a perfect match for your shower needs.

4.8/5 - (34 votes)