Turning sunlight into hot showers: best kits or hacks?

That’s a pretty common experience with the black irrigation pipe hack. It’s clever, but yeah, that plasticky taste and smell can be a dealbreaker, especially if you’re hoping for a halfway decent shower. I’ve seen folks try to “season” the pipes by running hot water through them a bunch of times, but honestly, it never really goes away completely. Did you ever try wrapping the pipe in something to cut down on the smell, or was it just too much hassle?

Switching to a solar shower bag makes sense. Those things are surprisingly tough, and you don’t have to worry about leaks at every joint. I do wonder, though - did you notice any issues with the bag getting punctured or wearing out over time? I’ve had one last for a couple seasons, but eventually the seams started to go. Still, way less maintenance than cobbling together a bunch of pipe and fittings.

Sometimes the DIY route is fun for the challenge, but yeah... not always worth it when you just want a hot rinse after a long day.

Yeah, I tried the black pipe thing once - never could get rid of that weird taste, even after flushing it out a bunch. The solar shower bags are way less hassle in my experience. Had one spring a tiny leak at the seam after a year, but a bit of duct tape kept it going for another season. Honestly, for the price and simplicity, I’ll take replacing a bag every couple years over dealing with all those pipe fittings and the plasticky smell. If you’re careful not to drag them over rocks or sharp stuff, they hold up pretty well.

Honestly, I’m not sold on those solar shower bags for anything long-term. They’re cheap and easy, sure, but I’ve seen too many give out right when you need them. Duct tape helps in a pinch, but once the seams start going, it’s usually just a matter of time before they’re done for good.

The black pipe setups do have that weird taste, especially if you use the wrong kind of pipe or fittings - some plastics just aren’t meant for potable water, and that flavor never really goes away. If you go that route, stick to food-grade materials, but even then, it’s more work than most folks want for a camp shower.

If you’re just after something simple for a couple seasons, the bags make sense. Just don’t expect them to last forever or survive much rough handling. For more permanent setups, I’d look into a small tank with a decent hose and a dark cover - less taste issues, and you can fix leaks properly if they happen. But yeah, nothing’s perfect... just depends how much hassle you’re willing to put up with.

I hear you on the solar shower bags - they’re basically the duct tape of camp showers: good for a quick fix, but not something you want to rely on for the long haul. I’ve patched more than a few with everything from epoxy to zip ties, but once those seams start weeping, it’s usually game over. The plastic gets brittle after a season or two in the sun, no matter how careful you are.

The black pipe rigs are clever, but yeah, that “mystery flavor” is real if you don’t use food-safe stuff. I’ve seen folks try to flush it out with vinegar or baking soda, but it never really goes away. If you’re going DIY, I’d say stick with a small RV water tank (they’re made for potable water), wrap it in black tarp or paint it with grill-safe paint, and plumb in a garden sprayer head. It’s not as portable as a bag, but at least you can actually repair it if something cracks.

Honestly, nothing’s truly maintenance-free. Just comes down to whether you want to spend your time fixing leaks or dealing with weird-tasting water... or both.

You nailed it about the solar shower bags - they’re basically disposable after a couple seasons, no matter how gentle you are. I’ve tried to baby mine, storing it out of the sun and rolling it up carefully, but the plastic just doesn’t last. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to avoid waste and plastic junk in the first place.

I get the appeal of those black pipe setups, but I can’t get past the idea of drinking (or even showering in) water that’s been marinating in mystery chemicals. Even if you use “safe” PVC or whatever, there’s always that plasticky taste. I’ve read some folks swear by using old beer kegs or stainless steel tanks painted black - definitely pricier and heavier, but at least you’re not leaching who-knows-what into your water. Plus, they last forever if you take care of them.

The RV tank hack is clever, though I wonder about the environmental impact of buying new plastic tanks just for showers. If you can find one secondhand or repurpose something food-grade, that feels a bit better to me. I’ve also seen people use those big glass carboys (like for homebrewing), though they’re obviously not as rugged for camping.

Honestly, I wish there were more options made from recycled materials or at least designed to be repairable. The throwaway culture around camping gear drives me nuts - why isn’t there a market for modular solar shower kits where you can swap out parts instead of tossing the whole thing? Maybe it’s just not profitable enough.

At the end of the day, I’d rather deal with a slightly heavier setup if it means less waste and fewer weird chemicals in my water. Convenience is nice, but not if it means replacing gear every year or two. Anyone else feel like we’re overdue for a truly eco-friendly solar shower solution?

- Totally with you on the solar shower bag graveyard - mine always end up leaking right when I need them most.
- Stainless steel kegs painted black are heavy, but honestly, they’re bombproof. Hauled one to a festival once and it survived both the sun and my clumsy friends.
- I’ve patched up a few RV tanks with food-safe epoxy, but yeah, buying new plastic just for showers feels off.
- Would love to see a modular kit too. Swapping out a busted valve is way better than tossing the whole thing... why isn’t that a thing yet?
- At this point, I’ll take a little extra weight if it means not showering in “plastic flavor.”

At this point, I’ll take a little extra weight if it means not showering in “plastic flavor.”

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. The taste and smell from those plastic bags is just... not great. Stainless steel is overkill for some, but you can’t beat the durability. Modular kits would be a game changer - swapping out a valve or hose instead of junking the whole setup just makes sense. Surprised no one’s nailed that yet. If you’re handy, retrofitting an old RV tank with brass fittings and a proper valve isn’t too tough, and it’ll last way longer than any bag.

Yeah, I hear you on the plastic taste - nothing like thinking you’re clean and then smelling like a new shower curtain. Stainless is heavy, but honestly, I’d rather haul a few extra pounds than deal with leaks or weird flavors. I’ve patched up enough of those cheap bags to know they don’t last. Swapping out fittings is way easier than folks think, too. If you’ve got an old RV tank lying around, it’s worth the effort.

I get the appeal of stainless, but honestly, I’ve seen a few folks hurt their backs trying to lug those around, especially when they’re full. Some of the newer BPA-free plastics aren’t as bad for taste and hold up better than the old stuff. Just gotta be careful with fittings - cross-thread one and you’re in for a headache. Guess it’s always a tradeoff between weight and durability.

Guess it’s always a tradeoff between weight and durability.

Yeah, that’s the eternal struggle. Stainless is tough but man, once you fill a 40L tank, it’s like deadlifting a small child. I’ve switched to HDPE for my solar shower setup - lighter, and the new stuff doesn’t get that weird plasticky taste. Just gotta double-check those threads every time... learned that the hard way with a leaky fitting mid-shower. Not fun.

Totally get what you mean about the weight - lugging a full stainless tank isn’t my idea of a relaxing weekend either. I’ve been eyeing those HDPE setups but was worried about leaks, so your experience is good to know. Do you notice any difference in how fast the water heats up with plastic vs. metal? I keep wondering if the lighter material means less heat retention, or if it’s just not a big deal for a quick shower.

I’ve noticed the plastic tanks heat up pretty quick, but yeah, they don’t hold the heat as long as metal - especially once the sun dips. For a fast rinse, it’s usually fine, but if you’re hoping for a hot shower after sunset, metal definitely wins. Ever tried wrapping your tank in one of those cheap windshield reflectors? I’ve had decent luck with that for keeping temps up a bit longer... Curious if anyone else has found a better hack for heat retention?

Ever tried wrapping your tank in one of those cheap windshield reflectors? I’ve had decent luck with that for keeping temps up a bit longer...

Windshield reflectors - love that hack. I’ve also tried using an old yoga mat as insulation, just wrapped it around the tank and held it with bungee cords. Not exactly pretty, but it did keep the water warmer for a couple extra hours. Honestly, I think the real trick is painting the outside of the tank black if you can swing it. Makes a bigger difference than I expected, especially on those days when the sun’s playing hard to get.

I’ve seen the yoga mat trick mentioned a few times now, and I get the appeal - cheap, easy, and you probably already have one lying around. My only hesitation is making sure whatever you use doesn’t trap moisture against the tank itself. I had a friend who wrapped his tank up tight with foam, and after a few weeks he noticed some rust starting where condensation got trapped. Maybe just something to watch for if you’re going that route.

Painting the tank black does seem smart for maximizing heat from sunlight, but I’d be careful with the type of paint. Some paints aren’t rated for outdoor use or high temps, and you don’t want peeling or weird fumes. I’d probably stick with something specifically made for metal surfaces and high heat, just to be safe.

Windshield reflectors are clever too - never thought of that one. They’re designed to reflect heat, so it makes sense they’d help keep things warmer. Just make sure nothing’s blocking any pressure relief valves or access panels... safety first, right?

You’re spot on about the moisture risk - trapping condensation is a real concern, especially if you’re in a humid area. I’ve seen folks cut slits or holes in the yoga mat to let air circulate, which seems to help. As for paint, I’d echo your caution. I once used a generic spray paint and it started flaking after one summer... lesson learned. High-temp grill paint worked way better for me. And yeah, blocking valves is a no-go - safety trumps a few extra degrees of heat every time. You’ve got a good handle on this stuff.

As for paint, I’d echo your caution.

That’s a good point about the paint. I learned the hard way too - used some leftover “all-weather” stuff on a tank and it peeled off in sheets after a few months. Grill paint’s held up for me as well, even through a couple of rough winters.

On the moisture side, I’ve actually had tenants complain about that “musty” smell when I tried insulating with old yoga mats. Cutting slits helped, but I eventually switched to that foil bubble wrap stuff. It’s not perfect, but it seems to breathe better and it’s easier to replace if it gets funky.

One thing I’m still wrestling with is the balance between insulation and access for maintenance. Every time I think I’ve got a setup dialed in, there’s some new leak or valve issue that has me peeling everything off again. Anyone else found a way to make the insulation easy to remove without it turning into a soggy mess?

Every time I think I’ve got a setup dialed in, there’s some new leak or valve issue that has me peeling everything off again.

Man, I feel this. I tried using duct-taped foam panels once - looked great until I needed to check a fitting, then it was like unwrapping a mummy. Now I use velcro straps with the foil wrap, so I can just peel it back in sections. Not the prettiest, but at least I’m not fighting soggy insulation every time something drips. Honestly, I’d rather have a little heat loss than a moldy mess or a fire risk. Sometimes “good enough” is safer than “perfect.”

I get the logic behind “good enough,” but I’ve seen too many setups where that mindset ends up costing more down the road. Velcro and foil wrap is definitely a step up from duct tape, though. At least you’re not gluing everything shut - makes repairs way less of a hassle.

One thing I keep running into is people skipping proper unions or isolation valves just to save a few bucks or because it looks “cleaner.” Then the first time there’s a leak, you’re cutting pipe and cursing the day you tried to make it perfect. I’d rather have a slightly messier install that I can actually service without tearing everything apart.

Curious - has anyone tried those pre-insulated flexible lines? I’ve seen them in some solar kits, but I’m not convinced they hold up long-term, especially if you’re dealing with freeze/thaw cycles or critters. Are they worth the extra cost, or just another thing to replace in five years?

One thing I keep running into is people skipping proper unions or isolation valves just to save a few bucks or because it looks “cleaner.” Then the first time there’s a leak, you’re cutting pipe and cursing the day you tried to make it perfect.

I hear you, but honestly, sometimes those “messier” setups get out of hand and just look like a DIY horror show. I get wanting to make repairs easy, but if you’re careful with placement, you don’t always need a forest of valves everywhere. As for pre-insulated flex lines - tried them once. They’re fine for a season or two, but squirrels seem to love chewing through the insulation here. Ended up patching more than I saved. For my money, old-school copper with thick foam wrap holds up better long-term, even if it takes more effort upfront.

- Been there, done that - cutting out a “perfect” pipe job because I skipped a $10 union. Regret is a powerful teacher.
- I get the urge to keep things looking tidy, but man, nothing’s uglier than a hacksaw at 11pm when you just wanted a hot shower.
- Squirrels are the real enemy. I swear they’ve got a sixth sense for expensive insulation.
- Copper with foam wrap isn’t flashy, but it’s like grandma’s old casserole dish - just works year after year.
- Saving a few bucks now usually means spending more later... ask my wallet.