Gaye Levy
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A couple of years ago, when I first learned about the AquaPod Emergency Water Kit, I jumped on the bandwagon and tested one for myself. At the time, I was thrilled by the reasonable cost and my own ability to assemble the kit myself, without the need for any male-type brawn.
As I explained then, an AquaPod Emergency Water Kit is a heavy-duty bathtub liner that is filled with water in advance of an upcoming hurricane, storm, or weather system. The kit includes a bathtub liner that is filled with water, some fittings, and a pump for siphoning the water out of the tub.
Think of the AquaPod Kit as insurance for those times when you anticipate that access to clean, usable water will be unavailable for a few days up to a week or two.
All-New AquaPod Bathtub Water Storage Kit
It has been two years since my initial review and I am happy to report that there is an all-new AquaPod Kit. The newly updated kit includes an updated pump as well as an Aquamira water filtration device. What that means is that even if the water coming out from your pipes and into the bathtub looks or smells questionable, it will still be safe to drink because the included filter will remove bacteria as well as protozoan cysts such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The filter also reduces chlorine to improve water taste, odor, and clarity.
In the first Backdoor Survival product giveaway of 2016, the nice folks at AquaPod have reserved two of the new AquaPod Kits with filtration for two lucky winners. Not only that, they are throwing in two of their new RoguePak Hydration Bladders for a total of four winners. How cool is that?
I will be writing about the RoquePak Hydration Bladders in March, but for now, let me walk you through how easy it is to set up and use the AquaPod Kit.
Setting Up the AquaPod Kit with Aquamira Filtration
Follow along below as I show you the upgraded siphon pump and filter.
Attaching the sleeve to the filled liner
Attaching the included pump that will be used to siphon out the water
Attaching the Aquamira filtration device
Getting the water out using the included siphon pump with filter attached
Other Facts About the AquaPod
The AquaPod holds up to 65 gallons of water, depending on the size of your tub. Think about that. At a water requirement of 3 gallons a day per person, that works out to 22 man-days or 11 days of water for two people and more if you conserve. Also, with the AquaPod, you can expect the water to stay fresh for up to 8 weeks although water never really goes bad, just stale and/or contaminated.
Here are some other facts:
AquaPodKit manufactures their liners here in the USA!
The liners are constructed of 4 mil food grade Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) plastic. This material follows and stays within USDA and FDA guidelines. Contains no PVCs and is BPA free.
The liner is 40″x80″ and, depending on the size of your bathtub, can hold up to 100 gallons. Although the standard tub holds 70 gallons of water, to be safe AquaPod recommends filling the tub with 65 gallons to come in under the tub line.
Depending on the flow of water, you can usually fill the bladder in 10 to 15 minutes. I suggest practicing attaching the fittings in advance so if a last minute storm warning occurs, you can quickly attach the liner/bladder and fill the tub with time to spare.
Siphoned water is pumped out of the tub into a water bottle, pitcher, or jug. One person can do this without the assistance of a second set of hands.
Liners are for one time use only. It is not that they will not stand up to re-use, but that re-use may introduce contaminates.
Refill liners are available at a reasonable cost.
Bonus: The RoguePak Hydration Bladder
Something that has been on my gear bucket list for quite some time is a hydration bladder for my Rothco backpack. (The Medium Transport Pack I favor has a built in slot for a hydration bladder.) My issue has always been two fold: cleaning and sanitation after the fact.
The RoguePak solves that problem. It includes recyclable bladders with reusable quick connect valves. Although I have not gone hiking since receiving my hydration bladder, as soon as I do I will report back with how well I fared carrying 70 ounces of water in my pack along with the rest of my gear.
In the meantime, there will be two bonus winners, each receiving a kit with 2, 70 ounce RoguePaks!
The Giveaway
Here is the part you have been waiting for. Up for grabs are two of the new AquaPod Kits with Aquamira Filtration and two RoguePak Hydration Bladder Kits.
To enter the giveaway, you need to utilize the Rafflecopter form below. Select one or more of the options after signing in using your email account or Facebook, the choice is yours. The best way to start is by clicking on “Free Entry for Everyone”. After that, each option you select represents an additional entry. There are a number of different options so pick and choose or select them all.
The deadline is 6:00 PM Pacific next Tuesday with the winner notified by email and announced on the Rafflecopter in the article. Please note that the winner must claim their prize within 48 hours or an alternate will be selected.
Note: This giveaway is only open residents of the United States.
The Final Word
Something you may be asking yourself is why not simply store water in an open bathtub. Why do you need a liner?
The answer is that most of us do not make a career out of cleaning our bathtubs daily. Dirt, dust, soap scum and other crud accumulates on the surface of the tub, even if it is unused. This is emergency water we are talking about, and it makes sense to start out with the cleanest water possible.
The other question is why consider the AquaPod Kit versus some of the lower cost competitors?
Three reasons come to mind. First, it is made in the US and not off shore in China or elsewhere. Second is that refill kits are available at a reasonable price so your initial investment in a pump and fittings can be used over and over again. Finally, it comes with a water filter good for up to 80 gallons, or a completely full bathtub.
I should also mention that if you already own one of the original AquaPod Kits, an upgrade kit is available that includes the new pump and filter system although the original works just fine too.
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
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Below you will find the items related to today’s article.
AquaPodKit Emergency Drinking Water Storage Plus Aquamira Filtration Kit, 65 gallon: What I love about the AquaPod is that I can purchase refill liners, making this more than a one-time use product. I am thrilled that you can now filter the water as you siphon it out of the tub. Plus, of course, that it is made in America. How many preparedness products can boast about that?
AquaPodKit Upgrade Kit with Aquamira Filtration: This kit will upgrade existing AquaPod kits with the updated pump and an Aquamira filtration kit. The water filter is good for 80 gallons and can also be used as a straw type device.
Roguepak (2) Reusable & Recyclable Reservoir: The RoguePak is a new idea in hydration packs-create a reusable system that eliminates the arduous hassle of cleaning that limits the usefulness of other packs. They are made in America. (Also comes in a 4 pack.)
Aqua Pod Kit Replacement Liners (3 Pack): Replacement lines for your AquaPod Kit. Your AquaPod is not a throw-away solution!
Rothco Black Medium Transport Pack: This is my preferred pack. The extensive storage options make the pack ideal for organizing your gear or filling it with supplies. It is MOLLE compatible as well as hydration bladder compatible. The best part is that it is comfortable both for me (a smallish woman) and Shelly, the Survival Husband.
WaterBasics Replacement Filter – GRN Line-Series II-80 gallons: Read about the AquaMira Water Basics filter. This is the filter that is included with the AquaPod Kit. You will also find more information here.
DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite, 1-Pound: This is 68% Calcium Hypochlorite. As of this writing, the price is under $10 with free shipping. I purchased Ultima Pool Shock which is 73% Calcium Hypochlorite. For more information, read How to Use Pool Shock to Purify Water.
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93 Responses to “All-New AquaPod Emergency Water Kit and Filter”
We went without clean tap water for a two day period when the local city water was contaminated. Fortunately, we had filters already but with small children in the house, it was a sobering experience.
I would love to win this set up. We are on city water. One time when we had a house full of family, a main line went down in our city. Absolutely no water for 2 days. What a mess!! Thank you for all of your great information.
2 day’s. I have a shallow well and didn’t have any type of back up and am working on correcting that. Possibly putting a second well down, it would be a deep well, with solar power for powering it. Still working out all the details. On the personal hygiene issue, combat showers work well. Wet, soap (the vital areas), rinse.
The longest I’ve been without running water one day. Thankfully apartment management had maintenance fix the problem as quickly as possible. I learned that living in an apartment is risky in terms of losing running water. It can happen at any time, and it will be up to management to either get it fixed quickly or wait longer.
I’ve only been without water for a few days while crews were working on lines. I think it is very easy to take water for granted as we are seldom without easy access to it here.
Living in RURAL Missouri I went 9 days without my well working when power was out and had 3 ponds on a neighbors pasture I could look out and almost touch. Horses, chickens, and dogs watered, but I suffered and had to buy mine. Now we have an extra pressure tank for extra water and this would be handy in a disaster.
the longest i went without running water was probably 2 weeks. i honestly cant say i learned much as i was prepared for that situation in advance. (it was an SCA-Society for Creative Anachronism event called ‘the Pennsic Wars’, a yearly 2-week long event where close to 20-30,000 people ‘camp’ in different areas of a VERY large campsite, there area merchant areas and large (100-5000 people) ‘battles’ daily and parties every night. it is similar to ‘burning [email protected]‘ events, but people are dressed in medieval to mid 1500’s style clothing and gear.
porta-potties and solar/propane shower rigs (or occasionally, if your campsite is lucky enough) stream-front property to bathe in. there are a very few hose hookups, but most water is carried in. you bathe as you are able, try not to sweat too much, and bring extra deodorant.
the event may not smell very good, but neither did the middle ages.
We have a well but the pump has gone out before and we’ve had to wait several hours until either my husband returned home to fix it or we had to get professional help. When it’s a surprise like that you realize just how dependent you are on that water coming out of your faucets.
I haven’t been without running water except when camping for a couple of days. It’s difficult to bathe and heavy to transport, and washing dishes is a pain.
4 days without water with a newborn. A freak tornado/thunderstorm came through and knocked out power. No power, no well water. Baby wipes were a life saver for hygiene, through.