The Double Barrel Porta Potty Trend Taking the Golf World by Storm

The Innovative Double Barrel Porta Potty Taking the Golf World by Storm

Portable toilets, affectionately known as porta potties, are a common sight at outdoor events, construction sites, and other locations without immediate access to restroom facilities. But a recent viral video from the PGA Tour has brought attention to a unique new double barrel porta potty design that is turning heads in the golf world.

Earlier this month, Spanish professional golfer Jon Rahm posted a video on social media showing off a specialized two-seater portable toilet on the driving range. With two side-by-side toilet seats, the double barrel porta potty allows two people to use the facilities simultaneously. While this may seem like a bizarre novelty, there are some real benefits driving adoption of this innovative restroom solution on the links.

Efficiency and Convenience for Golfers

For both amateur and professional golfers playing a full 18-hole course, access to restrooms can be limited. Traditional single occupant porta potties scattered around the course often lead to wait times and inconvenience when nature calls. The double barrel porta potty speeds up this process by allowing two golfers to take care of business at the same time rather than waiting their turn.

This dual occupancy convenience becomes even more important for professional tournaments when television broadcasts and intense competition pressure make every second count. By splitting one larger porta potty into two separate thrones, the double barrel model cuts down on waiting and rush times for golfers between holes.

More Compact Footprint at Events

Golf tournaments and other outdoor events frequently rely on rows of porta potties to meet the restroom needs of spectators and participants. Especially at high traffic venues like the PGA Tour, space comes at a premium. The double barrel porta potty offers the same seating capacity in a smaller overall footprint compared to traditional single stall units.

By squeezing two toilets side-by-side into one portable bathroom stall, events can cut down on the total space needed for porta potty banks. Less room dedicated to restrooms means more room for concessions, merchandise sales, and spectator areas - ultimately driving more revenue.

Novelty Appeal for Branding and Promotion

When PGA Tour pro Jon Rahm shared the double barrel porta potty on social media, it immediately garnered attention and went viral. The absurd novelty of the dual throne creates branding and promotional opportunities for sponsors.

Sports leagues, equipment companies, and other entities could slap logos and branding all over the double barrel porta potty at events to capture attention and eyeballs. When fans see the two-seater in person or online, it plants a subtle brand impression that sticks in their memory.

Even non-sports businesses could leverage the buzzy novelty factor for promotions. A restaurant chain could temporarily install a double barrel unit to drive social media interactions and brand awareness. The application possibilities are endless.

Water Conservation

Standard portable toilets require fresh water tanks to supply each flush. Events with rows of porta potties can expend thousands of gallons of water. The double barrel configuration allows two users to share one larger water tank.

While the total number of flushes may be the same, sharing tanks cuts down on the total fresh water needed. For a large tournament with dozens of units, the water savings adds up quickly. This gives the double barrel porta potty an advantage in sustainability.

Cost Savings

The double barrel configuration also unlocks potential cost savings in several areas. By housing two toilets in one larger unit, manufacturers only need to produce and transport half the number of enclosures.

Facility managers save on space needs by fitting the same capacity in a condensed footprint. And as mentioned above, shared fresh water tanks also limit re-fills and water expenditures.

For high-demand venues and events looking to pinch pennies, the twin-seat setup can yield real economic advantages over traditional single stall porta potties.

Questions and Concerns About the Dual Occupancy Trend

While the double barrel porta potty offers clear benefits, this radical restroom redesign also raises some valid questions and concerns among critics:

Is it sanitary?

Cramming two toilets side-by-side calls into question cleanliness and hygiene. With double the capacity comes double the mess and increased sanitization needs. Will maintenance and wiping down between users keep up with demand? Proper cleaning protocols and attendants are a must.

What about privacy?

Traditional portable toilets offer an enclosed private space to do your business. With two seats sharing the same stall, the double barrel configuration severely limits privacy. Users would literally be shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger in the next toilet.

Is it ADA compliant?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accessibility standards for restrooms to accommodate disabled users. Door widths, interior space, railings and other aspects may make the double barrel design non-compliant as an ADA toilet.

Are building codes up to speed?

Before double barrel porta potties become mainstream, building codes, zoning laws, and permitting processes need to catch up. Local regulations will likely need updates to allow and regulate dual occupancy portable bathroom units.

What about shy bladder syndrome?

Nearly 7% of the population suffers from paruresis or shy bladder syndrome, making it extremely difficult to urinate in close proximity to others. The double barrel design would be unusable for these individuals.

The Future of Double Barrel Porta Potties

Early adopters like Jon Rahm give the unique double barrel porta potty concept a viral boost. But it remains to be seen whether it becomes a widespread trend or fades as a short-lived fad. Despite lingering concerns, some see a future for the twin throne:

• Venues continue to squeeze more capacity into limited space, driving demand for compact bathroom solutions.
• Younger generations show less sensitivity toward privacy and sharing space when using the bathroom.
• Sustainability demands make the resource-conserving design more appealing.
• With proper maintenance and sanitization, cleanliness issues can be mitigated.

Manufacturers are already offering luxury double barrel porta potty models with flushing toilets, hot water sinks, and air conditioning for more permanent installation. If local codes adapt to allow dual occupancy, acceptance and adoption could spread.

For now, the attention-grabbing design lands squarely in novelty territory. But don't be surprised if you soon encounter double barrel porta potties popping up across golf courses, festivals, 5K races, and outdoor venues. Based on early reactions, the twin throne is a crapshoot with potential to become part of the mainstream restroom revolution.

FAQs

How did the double barrel porta potty originate?

The side-by-side double toilet design gained attention after Spanish pro golfer Jon Rahm posted a viral video showing off the unique porta potty on the PGA Tour driving range.

Are double barrel porta potties more expensive?

Possibly - the larger, more complex units likely have higher manufacturing costs. But they can provide cost savings in other areas like water use and transport.

Can two average-sized adults fit comfortably?

The units are designed to accommodate two regular sized adults. However, larger or wheelchair-bound users may find the space too cramped.

How private are the double barrel stalls?

There is very little privacy - users are sitting shoulder to shoulder. Those requiring more privacy may not feel comfortable.

Do building codes allow double barrel units?

In most areas, building codes and permitting rules do not yet specifically allow or regulate double barrel porta potties. Regulations would likely need updating before widespread adoption.