I now have a spare portaloo to pass on to my friend [mainly for the children to use out of hours!]. Today she asked me if you had to use the chemicals, and to be honest I didn't know, I just followed the instructions with ours last year. She likes to be chemical free where possible.
Obviously to me I would think it would be rather smelly, but is there a specific reason other than the pong to add them to the water? I'm afraid my instruction manual is still in the loft at the moment, so can't check it for the answers!
It's worth using chemicals, as they help break down any solids, as well as keeping the loo smelling nice. With kids, its near on impossible to impose a no number 2s rule - and in the early hours, you won't care, just so long as you don't have to traipse to the loo block.
The green chemical is more environmentally friendly than the blue one. The smell is caused by production of gasses which are reduced by the chemical. These gasses include methane which is explosive as well as unpleasent. I for one would not like emptying the loo if you do not use chemicals. They smell pretty bad at the best of times.
Right if I tell her, not only will she pong the campsite out, but she runs the risk of exiting the tent with a rather nasty substance decorating her hair, she might have a rethink!
It is better to use chemicals, when we had the caravan we used to use Elsan Blue or Diamond Brand. Elsan blue smells nice, and Diamond brand smells a bit yacky, only if you use too much, Normally the chemichals are disposed of properly and cause no risk to the environment, however i have found bleach (which is more dangerous than the said chemichals anyway) to have a good efect, but again dont use too much or it may burn the plastic....
Fenwicks top and tail does no harm to the environment, and serves to lubricate the moving parts of the portaloo, less wear therefore a tight seal, no smell
We tried the Green but didnt get on with it and went back to Blue. As Mrwoo1234 so rightly points out, if its disposed off at the chemical waste point as all wastes should be, there is no risk to the environment.
The problem with bleach is that there are several types. If they are mixed or even when combined with a "deposit" of different pH, bleach will release chlorine gas. This is particularly hazardous in a porta poty as it will pressurize the waste tank. When you open it you could be in for a very unpleasant surprise and a nasty head ache from the chlorine gas too! I certainly would recommend giving bleach a very wide berth. We use bleaches in work and have to be immensely careful to avoid any kind of cross contamination between them and any kind of acid (Which depending on diet can include urine). Have you ever used the loo at home with bleach in it and seen it froth up and smell? Not something you would want happening in a sealed tank full of yucky stuff.
That Fenwicks top and tail looks a good option. Do you know how much of it you would need at each application Caster? I noticed it came in 2 litre bottles.
I saw it on camping online, they mention a 7 day cycle. Does that mean you don't have to empty it for 7 days, unless usage says otherwise!