Best Solar Showers for Boats: How to Choose and Use One

Our top 3 picks

Stock checked on October 6, 2026

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Spopal Portable Shower for Camping, 8000mAh Rechargeable… 8.8 ★★★★★ BarcoEquipado score: 8.8 out of 10 See price

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Spopal Portable Shower for Camping, [Long-Lasting] 6000mAh… 8.6 ★★★★★ BarcoEquipado score: 8.6 out of 10 See price

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Advanced Elements 2.5 Gallon Summer Shower / Solar Shower,Silver 8.3 ★★★★★ BarcoEquipado score: 8.3 out of 10 See price

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Boat Shower Types: Solar Bag, Pressurized and Pump-Driven

A solar shower is the simplest way to get warm water with no energy: a dark bag heats in the sun and the water flows by gravity. But there are other options, depending on your boat and how much you want to spend.

Type	How it works	Pros	Limits
Gravity solar bag	PVC bag of 3 to 10 gallons hung up high	Cheap, light, no power	Low flow if not hung high enough
Pressurized tank	Hand or foot pump pressurizes the water	Steadier flow, sits on the floor	Heavier and bulkier
12V electric pump	Submersible or inline, USB or battery powered	Easy to use, good flow	Depends on battery and cable
Fixed deck shower	Water outlet plumbed into the boat system	Full comfort	Needs installation and a tank

For a small boat or an inflatable, a solar bag is enough. For a sailboat with a water tank, consider installing a deck shower with a faucet and hose.

Capacity: How Many Gallons You Need

Water is something you manage at sea: 5 gallons (about 20 liters) covers 2 or 3 short showers, which is typical onboard. With more people, or to rinse gear, you will need more.

Use	Approximate capacity
Quick rinse, 1 or 2 people	2.5 to 4 gal (10 to 15 L)
Showers for 2 to 4 people	5 to 6 gal (20 to 25 L)
Group or several days at anchor	8 to 10 gal (30 to 40 L)

Material and Quality: PVC, Valves and Handle

Most solar bags are multilayer PVC. Look for BPA-free, phthalate-free material with one clear side and one black side, which heats better in the sun. High-frequency welded seams hold up better than glued ones.

• Shutoff valve on the nozzle, to control flow and save water.
• Reinforced handles and a strong hook, because a 5-gallon bag weighs over 40 lb (20 kg).
• Wide fill opening with a screw cap, so you can fill it without spills.
• A hose of 3 ft (1 m) or more, so you do not have to stand on a bench.

Using It Onboard: Where to Hang It and How Long It Takes to Heat

Fill the bag with fresh water, leave it in the sun for 2 to 4 hours and hang it high: from the radar arch, the bimini frame or a boom. The higher it hangs, the better the flow. An open bimini over the cockpit gives you shade while you shower; see our bimini tops.

1. Fill with fresh water, never seawater.
2. Lay the bag in the sun with the black side up.
3. Check the temperature before use: it can scald.
4. Hang it above head height to get flow.
5. Rinse and let it dry open after each use.

Water, Sustainability and Rules

Use biodegradable soap if you shower from the deck or the swim platform, and avoid doing it in enclosed anchorages or swimming areas. Check local rules about discharges where you cruise. Saving fresh water onboard also means emptying the tank less often; keep a reserve bag in a dry bag.

Care and Common Mistakes

Empty it and let it dry open; standing water breeds mildew and smells. Now and then, clean it with a mild solution of water and vinegar. Store it without sharp creases, away from pointed objects.

• Filling it with seawater: it corrodes the nozzle and leaves salt on the skin.
• Hanging it on a weak hook: a full bag is heavy.
• Leaving it full in the sun for days: algae and odors appear.
• Not testing the temperature before showering.
• Buying one with no shutoff valve and using all the water at once.

To round out your summer gear, see our coolers.