A portable pressure washer designed to wash off salt water has been awarded Product of the Year by the Smart Approved WaterMark Expert Panel.
Called Salt Slayer, the unit was voted Product of the Year by the panel for its good design, innovation, marketability and sustainability.
“We have had many outstanding products receive the Mark over the past 12 months, but the Salt Slayer stood out for its high scores across all of our key criteria,” said Expert Panel member, Mr Des Horton.
Salt Slayer is a portable unit with a 15 litre reservoir of water, inbuilt pressure pump which runs off 12 volt power to produce up to 150psi, and a spray gun at the end of a six metre hose. It uses 1.5 litres of water a minute providing 10 minutes of pressure cleaning per tank. While it uses much less water than other pressure washers, it is still very effective in removing salt from fibreglass, timber and paint.
“The wash down of boats, trailers and other vehicles is a major ‘hidden’ water use around Australia’s coasts, so the Salt Slayer can play a big part in helping to reduce the volume of water used. Its portability from power and mains water is also a big asset for fast wash down before salt water dries,” said Mr Horton.
Salt Slayer was developed by an Australian company, Asia Pacific Market Development Pty Ltd, and marketing director, Miriam Tulevski, said they had responded to customers’ needs in developing the product.
“There is less availability of fresh water at boat ramps so the portability of the Salt Slayer is very important. We have incorporated an adapter which enables efficient flushing of outboard motors and found that its uses are even more widespread than first thought.”
Salt Slayer is also proving useful for the wash down of equipment like scuba and fishing gear as well as kayaks before they are put on the roofs of cars.
“We are finding that the Smart WaterMark is important in validating the water saving attributes of the Salt Slayer and it is also helping us in gaining credibility in possible export markets,” added Ms Tulevski.
The other finalists for 2009 were:
- Irritrol Soil Moisture Sensor from Toro Australia Pty Ltd. which determines soil moisture content. Once connected to a controller, the sensor prevents a watering system from operating until the soil has become drier than a pre-set level; and
- Every Drop Shower Saver from Flux Research Pty Ltd. A simple paddle that pauses the flow from the shower without turning the taps off and on again. After soaping, shaving, shampooing and conditioning, a push of the paddle resumes the water flow without the need to readjust temperature and pressure.
The Smart Approved WaterMark’s independent expert panel selected the finalists from products to be awarded the Mark in the last year. There are now over 180 products and services which have been proven to save water and have been awarded the Smart WaterMark.
The winner of Product of the Year was announced today at the Build Green Expo in Melbourne. |
