Shower for Hours
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Shower for Hours
Ecocamel’s Orbit showerhead promises a strong stream of water while reducing consumption and adding a softening feature
By Chris Hemer / Photos by the author
RV Plumbing Tips and Tricks
Shower for Hours
Ecocamel’s Orbit showerhead promises a strong stream of water while reducing consumption and adding a softening feature
By Chris Hemer / Photos by the author
shower head on
RV Plumbing Tips and Tricks
T

aking a shower in an RV is not exactly exotic. Most showerheads push out a boring stream of water, designed to get the job done with little fanfare. Multiple showerheads or a rainforest fixture can up the entertainment factor appreciably but adding such hardware may not be possible without major modifications to your rig. And even if the accoutrements in your shower invite lingering, water consumption plays a pivotal role — and don’t forget the limitations on hot water capacity (unless, of course, you have an instantaneous model like Truma’s AquaGo). Ecocamel, though, offers a number of products that restore luxury to showering in RVs.

The London, England-based company’s most interesting product is the Orbit SoftWater, a showerhead that combines a unique soft-water feature with multiple spray nozzles in a ring-shaped head. While it’s nice to have a strong stream of water that covers the body while showering, the soft-water portion targets a common problem for RVers: calcium damage introduced by hard water that can build up in water lines.

If you happen to live in the desert like many snowbirders who spend up to six months escaping the cold weather, the hardwater is even more damaging to the RV’s water system. Calcium and other minerals restrict flow, stain glass and faucets and contribute to a less-than-stellar experience when soaping up.

Water softening is created by the use of metals in the handle that cause an electro-chemical catalytic reaction
Water softening is created by the use of metals in the handle that cause an electro-chemical catalytic reaction, which neutralizes the calcium so it cannot form limescale. The unique alloy increases water velocity and turbulence, preventing the minerals from building up.
Proprietary AirCore Technology
Proprietary AirCore Technology forces air through the handle, spinning the water at high speed. Turbulence build-up results in the strong stream of water. Flow is regulated to a maximum of 2.1 gallons per minute.
The science behind the system is relatively simple. In the handle of the Orbit SoftWater showerhead is a configuration of metal organized in such a fashion that it creates an electrochemical reaction, which prevents a limescale build up. Instead, the calcium becomes insoluble crystals that are washed down the drain. The end result helps prevent faucets from clogging and there is little spotting on the glass shower walls and door.

My first reaction to the product’s stated capabilities was met with skepticism, since water softening usually requires an inline device that relies on salt and is a much more sizeable operation. However, initial showering experiences proved the Orbit to be a valuable addition to the shower — and our testers swear that the “soft” water makes it easier to wash long hair and lather up.

The second part of the equation is the ability of the showerhead to produce a stronger stream of water. This is accomplished as air is forced through holes in the handle, which mixes with the water to increase pressure out the nozzles. The company calls this process “AirCore Technology,” and the end result is very satisfying while also conserving water. The Orbit SoftWater is somewhat heavier than others on the market, but that is not an issue when holding it in the shower.

hand holding a shower head
Unique design of Orbit SoftWater handle allows for a comfortable water stream pattern that provides good body coverage. Orbit SoftWater is a little heavier, but overall length and weight presents no issues when holding over your body. High quality build is evident.
close up of shower head
Rubber nozzles in the ring can be cleaned by simply swiping with a finge4r. Soft water feature keeps the nozzles clear of calcium.
ORB SPA attachment
The ORB SPA attachment uses medical grade, non-porous rubber “fingers” that are designed to exfoliate the skin while showering. ORB SPA sonic massaging option makes a nice addition to the Orbit SoftWater. Installing the device in the ring makes the showerhead a little top heavy, but that weight helps deliver the desired pressure and sensation to the skin.
From a subjective point of view, the water did feel softer but not slimy, which can sometimes be a result of systems that go too far in softening the water. The soft-water components require no maintenance and the nozzles can be cleaned by simply running your fingers or thumb over the ring.

For owners who prefer a simple, water-saving showerhead, the Jetstorm is the company’s most popular model. With a $39.95 price tag and svelte profile, it uses the same AirCore technology (whereby air is mixed with water to provide a nice stream of water with a comfortable pattern). The water stream is not as powerful as the Orbit, but still gives the user a pleasant showering experience. The spray plate can also be cleaned by rubbing the nozzles with your fingers or thumb. Since we enjoy the Orbit showerhead inside, we’ve adapted the Jetstorm for outside use after modifying the stock shower hose with a coiled counterpart — perfect for washing the dog or sand/mud off your feet.

The combination of softer water and the powerful spray makes the Orbit SoftWater an indispensable item in our shower. For those who love to luxuriate in the shower, Ecocamel has your back covered (pun intended). The company offers the ORB SPA sonic massager that slips into the hole formed by the “ring” in the showerhead and ups the ante when it comes to skin stimulation. The vibrating device moves soft, non-porous bristles that are driven by an internal motor operating on three AAA batteries. The ORB SPA motor has three speeds controlling the effect and comfort on your skin. According to Ecocamel, the sonic massaging feature removes dead skin, which allows for tissue regeneration. We found the sonic “ball” helps wake up the body through skin massaging, which felt a heck of a lot more invigorating than just simply spraying water over ourselves. For an RV environment, it’s the ultimate showing experience. The ORB SPA ball can also be used as an independent handheld device and is well worth the $29 upcharge when ordered with the Orbit SoftWater showerhead. The Orbit SoftWater showerhead alone sells for $99.
Sonic massaging device
Sonic massaging device can be used independently of the showerhead. When placed against the skin, vibrations help deep clean the skin, removing dead cells and promoting tissue regeneration. The motor that creates the vibrations operates on three AAA batteries, which are placed in a waterproof compartment.
An optional Shut Off Valve ($7.95) can be ordered for additional water conservation. It works well, but the button becomes difficult to push after a while. Keep in mind that this valve is located before the soft water feature, so it’s susceptible to calcium buildup. I’ve had the best luck with the KES Shut Off Brass Shower Head Valve (K1140B-2; $10.60 from Amazon).

Lastly, you’re going to love Ecocamel’s stainless-steel, chrome-plated Flexi Hose for connecting the showerhead to the diverter valve. It’s the most flexible hose we’ve ever used — and even remains super pliable in colder weather. It sells for $14.50.

Whichever shower you opt for, using the Ecocamel Orbit and ORB SPA will have you singing in the shower again. All you have to do is remember the words.

shower head on
Water stream from popular Jetstorm hand-held showerhead is nice, but not as strong as the Orbit SoftWater. Pattern is plenty wide.
close up of shower handle
Holes in handle of the Jetstorm showerhead allow air to enter and mix with the water to provide a strong, water-saving stream of water.
hand holding a shower head
Optional Shut-Off Valve
Optional Shut-Off Valve has ergonomically placed button that works smoothly at first. Over time the button becomes more difficult to push. The ability to cut water flow while soaping up in the shower is paramount to most RVers. Our choice (Image 11) is the KES Shut Off Brass Shower Head Valve (K1140B-2) that’s available from Amazon for $10.60. It’s mounted to the shower diverter faucet and has been working smoothly for three years.
shower head hose
The best showerhead hose we’ve ever used is the Ecocamel Stainless Steel, Chrome Plated Flexi Hose. This hose is super flexible and has been working flawlessly for many years. It sells for $14.50.
Source:
Ecocamel
(727) 490-9388
ecocamel-showerheads.com