NEMO Equipment

Helio Pressure Shower: Setup & Use at Camp

Helio Pressure Shower: Setup & Use at Camp

By NEMO Equipment | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to set up and use the NEMO Helio Pressure Shower at camp. Step-by-step instructions for pressurized outdoor showers.

Quick Answer

Set up the Helio Pressure Shower by filling the tank, pressurizing with the foot pump, and connecting the sprayer. Use the foot pump to maintain pressure for a steady, powerful stream.

Why Pressurized Beats Gravity

Most camp showers rely on gravity, which means you hang a bag overhead and get a weak trickle. The Helio uses a foot pump to pressurize the tank, delivering a strong, consistent spray that actually rinses soap from your hair or dishes. The tradeoff: you need to pump occasionally to keep pressure up, but the effort is minimal compared to the result.

How to Set Up and Use the Helio Pressure Shower

  1. Step 1: Fill the Tank: Unscrew the cap and fill the 2.9-gallon tank with water. Use warm water for a more comfortable shower, but avoid boiling water as it can damage the tank. Common mistake: overfilling past the fill line reduces pressurization space.
  2. Step 2: Pressurize with the Foot Pump: Screw the cap on tight. Place the tank on the ground and pump the foot pump about 20–30 times until you feel resistance. The tank will hiss slightly if over-pressurized—stop pumping if you hear it. Checkpoint: if the spray is weak, pump a few more times.
  3. Step 3: Connect the Sprayer: Attach the hose to the tank outlet and the sprayer head to the hose. Twist the sprayer nozzle to the desired spray pattern—wide for rinsing, narrow for targeted cleaning. Common mistake: not fully tightening the hose connection can cause leaks.
  4. Step 4: Shower or Rinse: Press the trigger on the sprayer to start the flow. Use the foot pump to maintain pressure as needed—a few pumps every minute keep the stream strong. The 2.9-gallon tank provides about 5–7 minutes of continuous use. Checkpoint: for longer use, refill and repressurize.
  5. Step 5: Drain and Dry: After use, open the cap and tilt the tank to drain all water. Pump a few times to push out remaining moisture. Store the tank and hose in a dry place to prevent mold. Common mistake: leaving water inside can cause mildew or freezing damage in cold weather.

Product Facts

  • Helio™ Pressure Shower: The award-winning Helio portable pressurized shower rests on the ground and uses a foot pump to pressurize the 2.9-gallon tank. No need to hang a bag or find a tree—just place the tank on any flat surface and pump for strong water pressure.
    Helio™ Pressure Shower
    Helio™ Pressure Shower

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