-

+{{< img src="/images/20150918_MOREL_MG_0012_Small_poc21.webp" alt="The POC21 Model of ShowerLoop with copper pipes and manually controlled filtration system" >}}
The POC21 Model
@@ -79,7 +80,7 @@ This is more closely resembles the final product but the placement and look of t
-
.jpg)
+{{< img src="/images/sloopdesign+(71+of+75).webp" alt="Fully operational ShowerLoop prototype with automated piping system and 10 l/min water flow capacity" >}}
The fully operational prototype
@@ -94,6 +95,6 @@ The shower built for 10 l/min and automated piping. Drinking water hose pipe was
The water needs to be collected for the pump which needs to be placed at the lowest point of the shower, ideally under the basin. If you have an Italian-style shower you can build a new basin instead of tearing the floor apart. We are also working on a way to hack your existing drain and using self-priming pumps so that you can plug the drain during loop mode and suck the water out of the small collection basin.
-

+{{< img src="/images/challenge.webp" alt="Illustration of drainage basin installation challenges showing how to modify existing shower floors for water collection" >}}
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diff --git a/content/licenses.md b/content/licenses.md
index 9b40ac1..60dbbd7 100644
--- a/content/licenses.md
+++ b/content/licenses.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
We would love it if you used the Shower Loop brand. In order to use it we would be super happy to get a tiny payment for its use but more importantly we use the fee to certify that what you are developing meets the required quality, safety and environmental standards. Please contact us fro more information.
We would love it if you used the Shower Loop brand. In order to use it we would be super happy to get a tiny payment for its use but more importantly we use the fee to certify that what you are developing meets the required quality, safety and environmental standards. Please get in touch via our Components page for more information.
diff --git a/content/make-it.html b/content/make-it.html
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+++ b/content/make-it.html
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
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+title=""
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Build Your Own ShowerLoop
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+
The ShowerLoop is an open-source project. Get the plans and build your own!
+
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+
I Want To Build It
+
Get access to building plans, materials list, and join our community of builders creating sustainable shower systems around the world.
+
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+
For more information about building your own ShowerLoop system, please contact us.
+
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diff --git a/content/make-it.md b/content/make-it.md
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-title="Make It"
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diff --git a/content/posts/blog1.md b/content/posts/blog1.md
index c3666ac..1a3ef61 100644
--- a/content/posts/blog1.md
+++ b/content/posts/blog1.md
@@ -2,25 +2,26 @@
author="Anthony Hathaway"
title="The electronics board PCBBasic2.0"
date = "2017-03-09"
-blog_image="/images/PCBBasic2_1.png"
+blog_image="/images/PCBBasic2_1.webp"
+description="Development of the electronics control board for the ShowerLoop system, from analog switches to a more sophisticated control panel."
tags=['post']
+++
For the last couple of months we have gotten back to circuit boards and looking at completing the project we started a long time ago. Making the shower smart and easily controllable like one would expect from modern consumer products. There's been a lot to learn considering all we could do a few years ago was wire up a light bulb, and even then we would need to check what the difference was with the brown wire (live/positive) and the blue wire (ground/neutral).
To keep it simple last year we started working on a fully analog version of the system, just like the one below.
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_1.webp" alt="Initial analog control panel with rocker switches and toggle switches mounted on a black panel" >}}
Basically it's a switch panel and buttons where the top 3 water proof/resistant rocker switches are to activate the pump, uv and heater and a 6 toggle switch switch-board below to control the individual valves. The top 3 buttons go to the power box that activated the relays with a 1 V DC current to close the circuit for the 220V AC to power the aforementioned devices. The valves are controlled directly via the 12V DC power supply.
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_2.webp" alt="Close-up view of the switch panel showing the waterproof rocker switches and toggle switches with labels" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_3.webp" alt="Interior wiring of the control panel showing connections between switches and control circuits" >}}
Anyway, that was the old one. Since then we've added all kindsa stuff. An integrated GFCI, fuses, an 8-channel relay module, voltage meter for the pump and a motor controller, Power button and the appropriate cable glands to keep everything up to spec. The cables should be around 18 AWG or lower (thicker).
Additionally to make it easier to use in everyday use we made an analog controller. This should be done with an integrated circuit but I don't have experience with that and the last two people I've tried to work with have failed to help me so I'm starting from the most basic setup that I can understand and make myself. So below you can see the schematic connecting one switch to multiple devices using diodes to keep the flow in one direction.
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_4.webp" alt="Electrical schematic diagram showing switch connections with diodes to control multiple devices" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_5.webp" alt="Breadboard prototype of the control circuit with diodes and wiring for testing" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_6.webp" alt="Close-up of soldered diode connections on the prototype circuit board" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_7.webp" alt="Assembled circuit board showing the completed control system with all components" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_8.webp" alt="Testing the control board with multimeter to verify electrical connections" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_9.webp" alt="Final control board mounted in enclosure with cable connections" >}}
+{{< videojs id="video3" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_10.webp" alt="Control panel installed and connected to the ShowerLoop system showing operational status" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/PCBBasic2_11.webp" alt="Complete ShowerLoop control system with the new electronics board fully wired and functional" >}}
diff --git a/content/posts/blog2.md b/content/posts/blog2.md
index 7399a22..fa1d298 100644
--- a/content/posts/blog2.md
+++ b/content/posts/blog2.md
@@ -2,10 +2,11 @@
author="Anthony Hathaway"
title="Showerloop at the Design museum"
date = "2017-09-11"
-blog_image="/images/shower_at_museum1.jpg"
+blog_image="/images/shower_at_museum1.webp"
+description="ShowerLoop installation at the Design Museum's Enter & Encounter Exhibit featuring a custom low-poly wooden shower stall design."
tags=['post']
+++
At the start of the year, we were asked to bring a demo of Showerloop to an art/design/futurism exhibit. We also designed a wooden shower stall to accompany the showerloop system. The shower stall was made with blender, Explision, Meshlab, a lasercutter, circle saw, router, dremel, drill, clamps, hammer, crowbar, screwdriver, nuts, sticks, planks and bits, interior wax and lights.
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+{{< img src="/images/shower_at_museum1.webp" alt="Low-poly wooden shower stall design displayed at the Design Museum with the ShowerLoop system installed" >}}
+{{< img src="/images/shower_at_museum2.webp" alt="Close-up view of the geometric wooden shower stall showing the intricate laser-cut pattern and installation" >}}
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diff --git a/content/posts/blog3.md b/content/posts/blog3.md
index ec3126c..1b2aa4a 100644
--- a/content/posts/blog3.md
+++ b/content/posts/blog3.md
@@ -1,32 +1,32 @@
+++
author="Jackie Young"
-title="Don’t Put These Things Down The Shower Drain!"
+title="Don't Put These Things Down The Shower Drain!"
date = "2018-03-27"
-blog_image="/images/drainbubbles.png"
+blog_image="/images/drainbubbles.webp"
+description="Learn about harmful chemicals and substances that shouldn't go down your shower drain to protect the environment and maintain your plumbing system."
tags=['post']
+++
-
Natural water in Finland is some of the most polluted water in Europe (read the discussions in the article). You might be contributing to its pollution without realizing it, such as if you’re putting things down the drain that you really shouldn’t. Making your shower eco-friendly should be about saving water as well as preventing water contamination. Here’s what you can do to be greener and cleaner!
In Finland, people use an average of 140 liters of water every day. By installing a product such as Showerloop into your shower, you can save water and energy. Showerloop reuses water while you shower so that it doesn’t go to waste – and you don’t have to feel guilty about taking longer showers. However, that’s just Step One to ensuring a more eco-friendly shower. Step Two involves preventing toxins from ending up in water systems and the environment. That means you can enjoy showering without worrying about how you’re harming the water and wildlife.
Natural water in Finland is some of the most polluted water in Europe (read the discussions in the article). You might be contributing to its pollution without realizing it, such as if you're putting things down the drain that you really shouldn't. Making your shower eco-friendly should be about saving water as well as preventing water contamination. Here's what you can do to be greener and cleaner!
In Finland, people use an average of 140 liters of water every day. By installing a product such as Showerloop into your shower, you can save water and energy. Showerloop reuses water while you shower so that it doesn't go to waste – and you don't have to feel guilty about taking longer showers. However, that's just Step One to ensuring a more eco-friendly shower. Step Two involves preventing toxins from ending up in water systems and the environment. That means you can enjoy showering without worrying about how you're harming the water and wildlife.
-It’s crazy that it takes so long for laws to be established to protect the environment. One of the reasons is that it’s very easy to introduce new chemicals and materials onto the market with basically no testing when the quantities are sufficiently low. There was supposed to be an EU law stating phosphorus and nitrogen quantities in Shampoo’s and other products but manufacturers claimed that they would self-report these by 2016 (if I remember correctly) but this law apparently never came into place
+It's crazy that it takes so long for laws to be established to protect the environment. One of the reasons is that it's very easy to introduce new chemicals and materials onto the market with basically no testing when the quantities are sufficiently low. There was supposed to be an EU law stating phosphorus and nitrogen quantities in Shampoo's and other products but manufacturers claimed that they would self-report these by 2016 (if I remember correctly) but this law apparently never came into place
It’s worth remembering that it’s not just toxins that should be kept away from the shower drain. Other things should also be avoided as they can clog your pipes.
It's worth remembering that it's not just toxins that should be kept away from the shower drain. Other things should also be avoided as they can clog your pipes.
More and more European countries are banning microbeads, the minute pieces of plastic that are found in hygiene products such as body scrubs. When you’re using these products in the shower, they go down the drain and can pollute the environment. Lots of microbeads have a large surface area that collects toxins and pollutants. When they enter large bodies of water, they can be consumed by marine animals. When consumed by fish, these microbeads can work their way up the food chain, even getting consumed by people. To avoid microbeads, avoid hygiene and beauty products that contain ingredients as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, and nylon.
More and more European countries are banning microbeads, the minute pieces of plastic that are found in hygiene products such as body scrubs. When you're using these products in the shower, they go down the drain and can pollute the environment. Lots of microbeads have a large surface area that collects toxins and pollutants. When they enter large bodies of water, they can be consumed by marine animals. When consumed by fish, these microbeads can work their way up the food chain, even getting consumed by people. To avoid microbeads, avoid hygiene and beauty products that contain ingredients as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, and nylon.
If you’re using chemical shower drain cleaners, these are dangerous for your pipes and the environment. Chemical drain cleaners contain ingredients like sulfuric acid and caustic soda which are corrosive and can damage metal pipes. They’re also bad for the environment as these chemicals can enter bodies of water where they poison fish as well as other wildlife. Coming into contact with these chemicals, such as by breathing in their fumes, can be dangerous to your health. They can irritate the skin, eyes, or cause more dangerous illnesses such as cancer. You don’t need chemicals to clean your shower drains. Use eco-friendly methods instead, such as baking soda and vinegar.
If you're using chemical shower drain cleaners, these are dangerous for your pipes and the environment. Chemical drain cleaners contain ingredients like sulfuric acid and caustic soda which are corrosive and can damage metal pipes. They're also bad for the environment as these chemicals can enter bodies of water where they poison fish as well as other wildlife. Coming into contact with these chemicals, such as by breathing in their fumes, can be dangerous to your health. They can irritate the skin, eyes, or cause more dangerous illnesses such as cancer. You don't need chemicals to clean your shower drains. Use eco-friendly methods instead, such as baking soda and vinegar.
How do coffee granules enter in your shower? Easy – they’re becoming a popular, eco-friendly DIY ingredient for many skincare products, such as exfoliating scrubs. Natural and organic products in Scandinavia are becoming more popular because they avoid the use of chemicals that can harm the planet. Although coffee granules aren’t bad for the environment, they can be bad for your pipes. When they mix with oils in your pipes, they can stick together and clog them up. Worst of all, to get rid of the clogged pipes, you might use chemical drain cleaners. These don’t help to break down the coffee grounds, though. The result is you’ll be putting harmful chemicals into your pipes that can get into the environment.
How do coffee granules enter in your shower? Easy – they're becoming a popular, eco-friendly DIY ingredient for many skincare products, such as exfoliating scrubs. Natural and organic products in Scandinavia are becoming more popular because they avoid the use of chemicals that can harm the planet. Although coffee granules aren't bad for the environment, they can be bad for your pipes. When they mix with oils in your pipes, they can stick together and clog them up. Worst of all, to get rid of the clogged pipes, you might use chemical drain cleaners. These don't help to break down the coffee grounds, though. The result is you'll be putting harmful chemicals into your pipes that can get into the environment.
It’s common to wash your hair in the shower, but many shampoos contain harmful ingredients. One of these is phthalates. This chemical has been linked to reproductive problems in wildlife. According to a report by Health Care Without Harm Europe, the Women’s Environmental Network, and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, phthalates can lead to reproductive problems in animals, including a reduced survival of offspring, altered levels of hormones, and fertility problems. Avoid this from happening by switching to an organic shampoo that's kinder to your health as well as that of animals. Nitrates and phosphates are also released into the environment if a water treatment facility doesn't have all the right stages (tertiary treatment) before releasing water into the environment. Finland is world class in this respect and is working to reduce nutrient release into the sea from human activities to as little as possible. Water ways are shared so ultimately it requires cooperation and a community commitment.
Having a clean and eco-friendly shower is important. By ensuring that you don’t put harmful products down the drain, you can keep your pipes healthy and prevent chemicals from entering the environment where they can pollute the water and harm wildlife and ultimately ourselves.
It's common to wash your hair in the shower, but many shampoos contain harmful ingredients. One of these is phthalates. This chemical has been linked to reproductive problems in wildlife. According to a report by Health Care Without Harm Europe, the Women's Environmental Network, and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, phthalates can lead to reproductive problems in animals, including a reduced survival of offspring, altered levels of hormones, and fertility problems. Avoid this from happening by switching to an organic shampoo that's kinder to your health as well as that of animals. Nitrates and phosphates are also released into the environment if a water treatment facility doesn't have all the right stages (tertiary treatment) before releasing water into the environment. Finland is world class in this respect and is working to reduce nutrient release into the sea from human activities to as little as possible. Water ways are shared so ultimately it requires cooperation and a community commitment.
Having a clean and eco-friendly shower is important. By ensuring that you don't put harmful products down the drain, you can keep your pipes healthy and prevent chemicals from entering the environment where they can pollute the water and harm wildlife and ultimately ourselves.
-With Showerloop but it’s still better to let soapy water go down the drain for the longevity of the filter. Our goal is to find or invent a way to filter out all kinds of soap with 100% reliability but that will require way more time and funding than what is currently available. I’m certain that the goal is achievable on a small scale and in an economically and ecologically feasible way (large scale utility projects are still the most effective for saving water but maybe not energy). Showerloop is just our first step in readjusting our relationship with water and the beautiful and plentiful resources on this planet.
+With Showerloop but it's still better to let soapy water go down the drain for the longevity of the filter. Our goal is to find or invent a way to filter out all kinds of soap with 100% reliability but that will require way more time and funding than what is currently available. I'm certain that the goal is achievable on a small scale and in an economically and ecologically feasible way (large scale utility projects are still the most effective for saving water but maybe not energy). Showerloop is just our first step in readjusting our relationship with water and the beautiful and plentiful resources on this planet.
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diff --git a/content/posts/blog4.md b/content/posts/blog4.md
index 516a6e0..1e13bee 100644
--- a/content/posts/blog4.md
+++ b/content/posts/blog4.md
@@ -2,19 +2,19 @@
author="Jackie Young"
title="2 Ways to Be Economical When Showering With an Injury"
date="2018-04-17"
-blog_image="/images/Picture+of+a+pair+of+legs+with+red+toenails,+a+showerhead+submerged+in+water+and+an+overflow+drain+-+all+centered+in+the+image.jfif"
+blog_image="/images/webp/legs_toenails_shower.webp"
+description="Learn two eco-friendly methods for showering with injuries: using water intermittently and bucket bathing to save water while keeping your cast or sling dry."
tags=['post']
+++
-
It’s extremely challenging to lead your daily life while sustaining an injury. And yet, dealing with sports injuries is something that most of us will have to go through, with nearly 2 million sports-related injuries affecting high school athletes alone per year. Most of us know the feeling of attempting to take a shower or bath when your arm is wrapped in a cast and cannot get wet. It’s a defeated feeling, and it can quickly take away the motivation to shower or bathe in the first place. After all, wouldn’t it be easier to not deal with the challenge? Furthermore, you may also be concerned that showering with your sports-related injury will be a longer process than a normal shower, making the entire ordeal less environmentally friendly. While there are ways to make sure you are being economical while showering, like being conscientious of what you put down the drain, you may not always be thinking about the environment when trying to avoid getting your injury wet in the shower. Fortunately, there are two ways you can be economical about your water usage while showering with an injury, including:
It's extremely challenging to lead your daily life while sustaining an injury. And yet, dealing with sports injuries is something that most of us will have to go through, with nearly 2 million sports-related injuries affecting high school athletes alone per year. Most of us know the feeling of attempting to take a shower or bath when your arm is wrapped in a cast and cannot get wet. It's a defeated feeling, and it can quickly take away the motivation to shower or bathe in the first place. After all, wouldn't it be easier to not deal with the challenge? Furthermore, you may also be concerned that showering with your sports-related injury will be a longer process than a normal shower, making the entire ordeal less environmentally friendly. While there are ways to make sure you are being economical while showering, like being conscientious of what you put down the drain, you may not always be thinking about the environment when trying to avoid getting your injury wet in the shower. Fortunately, there are two ways you can be economical about your water usage while showering with an injury, including:
One of the first shower routines you should try if you have an injury is using water intermittently. This method will actually help you avoid getting your cast or sling wet, as well, as you will be more in control of how much water you’ll use to bathe. Start by getting as much of your body and hair wet as you can—without getting your injury wet. Then, turn the water off completely.
While the water is off, you can shampoo your hair as usual. Rinse off the shampoo by turning the water on, and when you’re finished rinsing, turn the shower off again. If you use conditioner, you can then condition your hair as usual. If you do not, you can spend time scrubbing with soap. After this, turn the water on again and finish rinsing off. With this method, the idea is to never have the water on when you are not directly using it. You will inevitably save water this way while simultaneously controlling the amount of water that gets near your injury.
One of the first shower routines you should try if you have an injury is using water intermittently. This method will actually help you avoid getting your cast or sling wet, as well, as you will be more in control of how much water you'll use to bathe. Start by getting as much of your body and hair wet as you can—without getting your injury wet. Then, turn the water off completely.
While the water is off, you can shampoo your hair as usual. Rinse off the shampoo by turning the water on, and when you're finished rinsing, turn the shower off again. If you use conditioner, you can then condition your hair as usual. If you do not, you can spend time scrubbing with soap. After this, turn the water on again and finish rinsing off. With this method, the idea is to never have the water on when you are not directly using it. You will inevitably save water this way while simultaneously controlling the amount of water that gets near your injury.
- This is a good way to use Shampoo in the Showerloop as well. Disabling Loop mode, and letting the water go down the drain reduces the load on the activated carbon filter and thus improves it’s lifetime.
+ This is a good way to use Shampoo in the Showerloop as well. Disabling Loop mode, and letting the water go down the drain reduces the load on the activated carbon filter and thus improves it's lifetime.
If you have a large-scale cast or slang and cannot risk getting into the shower completely, you may want to try using a bucket to bathe. This is another economical way to shower that will give you total control over the amount of water that will touch your body. All you will need is a plastic or metal bucket and a pitcher of some kind. Fill the bucket up with water. This will be all of the water that you will use for your entire “shower,” which you’ll notice is a significantly lesser amount compared to a normal shower or bath (Showerloop only requires one bucket of water per shower of any duration). Use the pitcher to pour water over your body or whichever area you wish to wash. Again, you will have control over exactly where the water goes, which is extremely helpful if you want to avoid getting your injury wet.
If you have a large-scale cast or slang and cannot risk getting into the shower completely, you may want to try using a bucket to bathe. This is another economical way to shower that will give you total control over the amount of water that will touch your body. All you will need is a plastic or metal bucket and a pitcher of some kind. Fill the bucket up with water. This will be all of the water that you will use for your entire "shower," which you'll notice is a significantly lesser amount compared to a normal shower or bath (Showerloop only requires one bucket of water per shower of any duration). Use the pitcher to pour water over your body or whichever area you wish to wash. Again, you will have control over exactly where the water goes, which is extremely helpful if you want to avoid getting your injury wet.
By trying one of these two showering methods, you can manage to properly bathe without running the risk of getting your injury wet—and while still being environmentally-friendly.
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+{{< img src="/images/shower-loop1.webp" alt="Complete ShowerLoop installation showing filtration unit connected to a standard shower system" >}}
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diff --git a/content/research.md b/content/research.md
index 25598b6..87f0434 100644
--- a/content/research.md
+++ b/content/research.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Testing 12 V DC ballasts with the UV lamps to allow for a fully battery/renewabl
-Collaborators and help welcome! Contact us.
+Collaborators and help welcome! Join the project.