Using your caravan shower is one of the joys of caravanning, giving you independence and the convenience of freshening up in your own space. However, it’s essential to understand how to manage water effectively, clean your shower correctly, and ensure safety. This guide provides everything you need to know, whether you’re using an aqua roll and waste tank or a fully serviced pitch.
Understanding Your Setup: Aqua Roll and Waste Tanks vs Fully Serviced Pitches
Aqua Roll and Waste Tanks
Water Supply: An aqua roll, typically holding 40 litres, provides your water. Your caravan pump draws from this container to supply taps and the shower.
Waste Management: Grey water is collected in a waste tank, which needs regular emptying to avoid overflow.
Top Tips:
Monitor your water level frequently to avoid running out mid-shower.
Empty the waste tank promptly to prevent unpleasant odours or spillages.
Fully Serviced Pitches
Fully serviced pitches offer the convenience of direct connections to both water and drainage.
Water Connection
Important: Caravan plumbing is not designed for high water pressure from mains supplies.
Safe Options
Float Valve: Use a float valve accessory with your aqua roll. This maintains a steady water supply while preventing excessive pressure from entering your caravan's system.
Direct Connection Device: Some water system manufactures offer a proprietary direct connection device specifically designed to regulate incoming water pressure. This allows you to safely connect directly with the campsites water outlet, doing away with the need of an aqua roll as a intermediate component.
Direct Connection Warning - Never directly connect mains water to your caravan without using a suitable pressure regulator/flow controller. Mains pressure can cause significant damage to your water system and potentially lead to flooding.
Waste Disposal
Wastewater is conveniently piped directly to the drainage point on the pitch, eliminating the need for a separate waste holding tank.
Maximising Shower Durations: The Maths
Shower duration depends on your water flow rate and supply capacity.
Example for Aqua Roll:
A standard caravan shower uses 5 litres per minute.
An aqua roll holds 40 litres.
Maximum Shower Duration: 40 litres ÷ 5 litres per minute = 8 minutes.
Extending Duration:
Use a low-flow showerhead to reduce the flow to 3 litres per minute, increasing duration to approximately 13 minutes.
Fully Serviced Pitch: With continuous water access, your shower duration depends on the capacity of your water heater, typically providing 10–15 litres of hot water at a time.
Managing Moisture and Cleaning
Preventing Moisture Build-Up
Ventilation: Open a window or roof vent during and after your shower.
Squeegee: Use a squeegee to remove water from walls and screens after use, reducing condensation and preventing mould.
Dehumidifier: Portable dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers can help maintain a dry environment.
Cleaning Your Shower
Caravan shower materials are more delicate than domestic ones, so use appropriate cleaning methods:
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use bleach, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the surfaces.
Use Mild Products: Opt for caravan-specific cleaning products or mild soapy water with a microfibre cloth.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the shower tray, walls, and drain weekly to prevent limescale and soap scum build-up.
Safety Considerations: Legionella Control
Understanding Legionella
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious illness. It thrives in stagnant water at temperatures between 20°C and 45°C and in systems with biofilm or sediment.
Preventing Legionella
Flush the System: Run hot water through the system for several minutes before each trip.
Maintain Hot Water Temperature: Keep your water heater set to at least 60°C, as Legionella cannot survive above this temperature.
Drain When Not in Use: If your caravan is unused for more than a week, drain the system completely to prevent stagnant water and bacteria growth.
Disinfect Regularly: Use an approved water system cleaner to remove biofilm and sanitise the system.
Managing Water Usage and Flow Rates
Conserving Water
Short Showers: Limit showers to under 5 minutes.
Eco Showerheads: Invest in a low-flow showerhead to reduce water consumption.
Temperature Pre-Set: Adjust your water heater to the desired temperature beforehand to avoid wasting water.
Adjusting Flow Rates
Many caravan showerheads and pumps allow for flow adjustment. Lowering the flow rate can significantly extend your water supply, especially when using an aqua roll.
Additional Tips for Using Your Caravan Shower
Cold Weather Precautions: Use an insulated cover for your aqua roll in winter to prevent freezing.
Shower Mats: Add a non-slip mat to prevent accidents and protect the shower tray.
Carry Spares: Keep extra hoses, connectors, and float valves in case of equipment failure.
Conclusion
Using your caravan’s shower can be a simple and enjoyable experience with proper preparation and care. Whether you’re relying on an aqua roll and waste tank or enjoying the ease of a fully serviced pitch, managing your water wisely, cleaning your shower properly, and taking safety precautions will ensure hassle-free showers throughout your adventure.
Happy caravanning!
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