It can't be argued that even though using a porta-potty for the first time wouldn't be included on anyone's 'Bucket List', these unsung heroes truly are indispensable whenever the basic need 'to go' arises ? it is, then, when these gems are worth their weight in gold.
Outdoor, portable bathrooms can range from very basic porta-potties up to amenity-filled luxury restroom trailers with heat/AC, flushing commodes, sinks with running water, and much more. And when it comes to particularly hot spells or freezing temps, porta-potties require a little extra TLC to combat weather extremes.
Whether you are new to owning porta-potties or whether you are simply curious as to how these units are maintained during times of extreme temperatures, you might find the following insight, quite interesting:
When It's C-C-Cold
Most people associate porta-potty usage with warm weather, only. From concerts to farmers' markets to family reunions, warm weather is, typically, when porta-potties are used the most. But there are cold-weather activities that beckon the use of porta-potties as well: ice-fishing, smaller ski areas, outdoor ice-skating rinks, winter Olympic events, cold-weather construction, etc.
The blue sanitizing and deodorizing liquid used in porta-potties does an excellent job of staving off unpleasant odors due, mainly, to its disinfectant qualities. It is, however, not invincible and is capable of freezing. If allowed to freeze, the frozen chunk would, certainly, present some unpleasant problems. To ensure porta-potties used during the cold remain optimally operational, a technician would add a non-toxic solution to the water to keep it from freezing.
If you, personally, own porta-potties, brine solutions can keep your porta-potties working throughout the winter months. Simply add a half-pound of rock salt per gallon of water and the water tanks will not freeze, down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. By adding 2 pounds of rock salt per gallon, your porta-potties will be safe even if temps were to plummet to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be noted, however, that brine solutions are corrosive which means only tanks made of stainless steel or aluminum would be good candidates for brine-solution remedies.
De-icing salt can, also, be used in cold-weather porta-potties. De-icing salt, or MgCl2, can be purchased in crystal form and used just like rock salt, or it can be purchased as a 30% liquid solution. If you are ever unsure of which products to use, always consult an expert in the field of portable sanitation.
Then, there is methanol which can be used to keep porta-potty water from freezing. Methanol does not require mixing ? just pour into the tank. Methanol is not corrosive but great care should be used with this product since, if misused, it can become flammable. One should be well versed on this product before using it in any porta-potty unit.
Other tips to offer some extra TLC and keep porta-potties optimally working in the winter would include: 1) placing them in direct sunlight 2) shielding them from strong winds 3) placing them in a garage or other outside structure and 4) utilizing a small portable heater.
When It's Sweltering
The biggest challenge with high-temps and porta-potties is combating any odors than can increase and become problematic if not taken care of in the proper way. Bacteria thrive in warmer, more-humid environments. When spaces like porta-potties are bombarded with heat and humidity, it's a double-whammy that must be addressed if you want your porta-potties to feel and smell welcoming for your crowd.
Fortunately, there are porta-potty products that, specifically, address the extreme heat and don't give odor-causing bacteria a chance to ruin summertime, outdoor events. These products are porta-potties' allies since they are so effective at killing the bacteria that cause odors, they deserve a medal, in their own right, for a job 'well done'! These same, environmentally-safe products act as odor destroyers for the surrounding air within the porta-potties, as well ? odors are eliminated at a molecular level since the odor molecules are, quite literally, absorbed.
Placing your summer-time porta-potties in the shade can do a lot to help keep your units cooler and combat odors. According to Florida's 'Sun Sentinal', the difference between shaded areas and not-shaded areas can be a whopping 15 degrees Fahrenheit!
By providing some extra TLC for your porta-potties during the coldest and hottest times of the year, your porta-potties will thank you, and so will your guests!