Heated shower barrels

A heated shower barrel is a simple and functional version of a container for organizing a washing place in a suburban area. Plastic and other models with heating elements for heating water successfully solve the problem of personal hygiene in nature. It will be useful for every owner of the backyard to learn how to choose and install a barrel with a heater for water, because it is far from always possible to organize such amenities inside the house.

The classic version for giving - a heated shower barrel - is a vertically or horizontally located storage tank of a special shape. It is narrowed at the ends and widened in the center, quite stable, takes up little space. For a summer option for a summer cottage, such a shower capacity is optimal.

The following elements are present in the design of such a barrel.

1. The body is made of polyethylene, polypropylene, metal.
2. Filling nipple. Through it, the container is filled with water.
3. Overflow hole. Excess fluid is removed through it, if they appear. This element serves as insurance against rupture of the housing under water pressure.
4. Heating element. The electric tube heater is simple, safe, but can fail due to scale build-up.
5. Thermostat. This is a temperature controller. It is necessary so that the water does not overheat more than the set level.
6. Faucet with splitter watering can.
7. Water level indicator. Usually the simplest float type is used.
8. Cover with a clamp for sealing. It is removed when you need to wash the inside of the barrel or replace the heating element.

Conventional barrels made of polymer materials are often used as a storage tank, heated by the sun's rays. But a country shower with built-in heating is much more comfortable. With its help, you can enjoy water treatments regardless of weather conditions.

Among other advantages of such barrels, the following points can be noted.

1. Simplicity of design. It does not require special knowledge of engineering or technology. Connection is quick and easy.
2. Hygiene. The main material for the manufacture of finished barrels with heating elements is rigid food grade polyethylene. It is easy to clean, does not transmit UV rays, and prevents the development of microorganisms inside the container.
3. Light weight. The barrel-shaped heater can be easily raised to the required height. It does not create a significant load on the frame structure either.
4. Long service life. The shower storage will have to be changed in 10-30 years, heating elements last up to 5 seasons.
5. Wide range of volume options. The most popular are 61 liters, 127 or 221 liters. This is enough for 1, 2 or up to 5 users with an average water consumption of 40 liters per person.

The disadvantages of such structures include instability to weather and climatic conditions, the need to connect to the power supply system.

Heated shower barrels are available in a variety of designs. Most often they are classified according to the type of storage material.

• Plastic. Such a barrel with a heater is considered the best choice. Both horizontal and vertical installation is suitable for it. A plastic container with a thermostat keeps the water clean for a long time, it does not corrode.

• Stainless steel. Heavy tank, mostly vertical. Requires a reliable base in the form of metal trusses. Stainless barrels are durable, do not require seasonal dismantling, and are well resistant to corrosion.

• Galvanized metal. These barrels are lighter than classic steel barrels. They have an external anti-corrosion coating, are practical and durable. A distinctive feature of such containers is the rapid heating of water, the volume of the tank can vary from 40 to 200 liters.

• Black metal. Classic steel barrels are very rarely equipped with a heating element, most often they are taken as a basis and modified independently. The construction turns out to be massive, it is difficult to install it at a height.

Additionally, barrels are classified:

• by type of heater - heating element can be stationary or submersible;
• by the presence of a flexible watering can or a tap with a tap.

Otherwise, such containers are not particularly diverse.

Modern manufacturers produce many ready-made shower barrels. The description of the best of them deserves special attention.

• "Vodogrey". This modification of the shower barrel is presented in a wide range of volumes - 51 and 65, 127, 220 liters. Made of durable and safe plastic, it is distinguished by a convenient device, simple design. The kit is completely ready for use, does not require complex configuration and installation.

• "Lux". A 100 l barrel with a shower hose is supplied complete with a 2 kW heater, thermometer and level meter. Filling is possible both through the drain pipe and directly through the neck. Installation is carried out on the cab. The range of water heating varies from 30 to 80 degrees.

• "Sadko Udachny". The tank with the heating element is equipped with a shower head, made of light plastic, which allows you to visually control the water level. The device consumes 1.5 kW of energy, has a storage capacity of 50 liters.

These are the main brands on the market. Ready-made barrels are not always equipped with heating elements, but they can be supplemented with them as auxiliary elements. These options can also be considered for installation.

When choosing a barrel for heating water in an outdoor shower, it is important to pay attention to the main parameters that matter. First of all - on the design, since it is he who influences the general perception of the structure. The more modern and attractive a shower looks, the easier it is to blend into the surrounding landscape.

In addition, you will have to pay attention to the following points.

1. The presence of a watering can on a flexible hose. For a free-flow garden shower, it becomes a disadvantage rather than an advantage. A much better reception of water procedures will be provided by a rigidly fixed watering can in the barrel body.
2. Heating element power. Standard indicators of heating elements for heating water are from 1.5 to 2 kW. In some cases, the intensity of heating can be adjusted according to the power. The higher this indicator, the greater the load on the network, but the lower the time required to obtain hot water.
3. The number of users. For 1 person, you need a supply of water of at least 40 liters. Accordingly, the more people use the shower, the more solid the volume of the storage tank should be. Many models are designed for a stock of 200 liters or more.
4. Temperature Range. Typically, water heaters are limited to 60 degrees Celsius. This is quite enough. But more and more models are produced with an operating temperature range of + 30-80 degrees. This is worth considering.
5. Body material. Most manufacturers prefer food grade PE or PP.Metal barrels are chosen if you need to ensure year-round placement of the structure on the site.
6. Availability of additional options. It can be thermoregulation, overflow protection, dry turn-on protection. The more technically advanced the electronic unit is, the more options will be available to the user.

Considering all these points, you can choose a suitable option for a garden shower-barrel with a heating element for a summer residence.

The installation process of a barrel-shaped outdoor shower water heater is quite simple. Every master will be able to perform all the manipulations with his own hands.

The order of work will be as follows.

1. Choosing a place. It is important that the shower is supplied with electricity and a drain to drain the flowing liquid. A summer shower should not be located close to a cesspool or compost pit.
2. Creation of the frame and base. The platform prepared for the shower can be equipped with a pallet with sides or concreted with gutters for water drainage. Above it, a structure is assembled from painted metal corners. Such a frame is more practical than a wooden one. It is better to choose the height of the cab in the range of up to 250 cm, the roof is not required, but it can be useful in bad weather.
3. Installing a barrel. It can be fixed vertically or mounted horizontally, limiting the movement of the container with stops. If there is no roof, you can build a barrel between the frame parts. It is important to place it so that it is easy to get the inlet fitting and adjust the temperature. The cord must be long enough to connect to a power source.
4. Installation of accessories. In order for the shower to work correctly, you need to insert a divider head into it, and also provide a water supply - it is carried out with a flexible hose from a supply source. Some models allow manual filling of the tank, direct filling, but this is a very laborious process. A silicone soft hose or metal-plastic pipe is suitable for the liner.

The prepared and connected barrel will only need to be filled with water, and then connected to the power supply, adjusting the desired temperature. It should be added that for a comfortable reception of water procedures, an outdoor shower will have to be equipped with curtains, a water drainage system into a special ditch or well.

Using a shower barrel in the country does not require complex preparation. A properly installed structure should have easy access to a source of water supply, electricity. An empty tank with a heater must not be connected to the network; it is imperative to monitor the water level inside. In addition, other recommendations will have to be followed during operation.

1. Do not store other liquids inside. In most cases, the housing is made of polymers that are not highly chemical resistant. Harsh chemicals can damage it.
2. Keep out of the reach of children. They should not be approached, touched by the device connected to the network. The shower can only be used under adult supervision.
3. Do not leave outdoors for the winter. At the end of the season, the barrel with the heater is dismantled and thoroughly cleaned inside and out. After that, it can be safely removed for wintering in a warm room.
4. Inspect thoroughly before switching on. Even if all storage conditions are met, the barrel still needs to be checked before using it for the first time. It is necessary to carefully examine the wiring, as well as the tank itself for the tightness of its structure. A damaged device cannot be used and must be replaced.
5. Take a shower only after unplugging the appliance. This rule cannot be neglected, since there is a risk of electric shock to a person.
6. It is important to very carefully monitor the water level in the barrel with the heating element. This is the only way to avoid the problem with the heating element failure due to the carelessness of the owners.