Aqua Helix: A Half Gallon Per Minute Showerhead
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 10. 2.05
After reading our Eco-Showerhead and Bricor posts, an avid reader pointed out that the same low-flow showerhead from Real Goods can be found on eBay for $10 (total of $4.95 savings when shipping is included). You can also bid on the auction get a better price. Another reader pointed out that the Aqua Helix showerhead probably has the lowest rate of any showerhead, at .5 GPM. One retailer was selling this showerhead at $27 but not to the general public, so if you want this showerhead, you may be better off contacting the manufacturer directly. :: Aqua Helix
Instead of buying a new showerhead, you could probably also save a lot of money just by turning the shower on low when in use and off when lathering. Also, try using a bucket if your really conservative.
I just placed an order through Sustainable Village. Note about "developing countries" and the lack of "United States" in country list were misleading, but shipping rates are based on UPS within continental U.S., so I went ahead with it. Just didn't select a country. I've received my order confirmation. I'll let you know what happens.
Thanks for eBay, I completely forgot about them. The things you can buy on that site are GREAT!
Too bad that the AquaHelix looks like that, though.
Can anyone comment on the pressure delivered by this showerhead, or other similar low-flow showerheads?
How do they compare to normal (>2/5gpm) showerheads?
I have the AquaHelix. For it to work properly it needs good water pressure. If the water pressure is too low, it simply will not work. One problem with this shower head is that its desing, requiring relatively high pressure to work optimally, causes the water to come out super fast. I had no problems, but I am a man. My wife says the strong jets of water are too much for her sensitive skin. I use this in the guest bathroom where I take showers. My wife uses our master bath to take showers. It's an easy way to keep any house guests from taking long showers.
I've had an Aquahelix for several years, bought it off of QVC.
I'm on a well and it works fine 50-60psi. It is ugly and you can only get it in the gold colored body. It does use just 1/2 gallon per minute and the strength of the spray is exceptional, if it's to hard pull the black sleeve down that seems to tone it down pretty good.