The main Geyser Systems product uses just 1 gallon of water for a 15-minute shower, according to the company. (Courtesy Geyser Systems)
Like other founders, Jonathan Ballesteros started Montrose-based Geyser Systems because he had a problem.
In 2016, Ballesteros decided to take a break from his career as a surgical instrument designer and set off to travel up the Australian coast.
“I always had plenty of food, plenty of propane, but water was always the first thing that ran out,” Ballesteros said. “In my frustration, I asked myself how in the world do I make the most of every drop of water? If I had the answer to that, I figured I could change the world.”
He stopped outdoor adventuring and got to work in Australia’s Outback designing a portable shower system that uses less water. Four years and six prototypes later, the 42-year-old launched Geyser Systems.
Rather than spraying water as a traditional shower head does, the Geyser system sends water into a sponge, which users then scrub with. That and an automatic pressure system means the product uses less than 1 gallon of water for a 15-minute shower, according to the company.
Jonathan Ballesteros founded Montrose-based Geyser Systems in 2020. (Courtesy Geyser Systems)
The original Geyser system costs $320 and pumps, heats and distributes water. In addition to that kit, the startup sells two shower kits that hook up to recreational vehicles: The half kit retails for $50 and the full $75.
In 2023, the company added at-home kits to reduce water consumption and decrease water bills. The full kit, which includes a loofah that holds essential oils for aromatherapy, shower hose and wand, costs $110, while the Half Kit costs $95.
“Whether at home or living off the grid, in RVs or boondocking, whatever it is, we’re here to get people to make the most of every drop of water,” Ballesteros said.
To continue that mission, Geyser is raising $1.2 million — $84,000 of which is already accounted for. The startup is raising on Wefunder, a website for entry-level investors, and from other investors. The money will go toward increasing manufacturing and marketing, and finishing a prototype for a new shower system for the United States military.
The company did $237,000 in revenue last year, which was a drop from roughly $687,000 in 2022. Ballesteros attributed the decline to REI canceling purchase orders because of a broader slowdown in the outdoor gear industry after the pandemic surge.
He said Geyser has sold over 10,000 units. And while he does want to solve the world’s water crisis with Geyser Systems, Ballesteros stressed that it’s a for-profit business.
“We’re not doing this philanthropically – I see a real business opportunity that is not only really needed, but very affordable for anyone in the world to enjoy,” Ballesteros said.
The startup was recently awarded a U.S. patent for its technology. Geyser also has patents in China, South Africa, Israel and Australia.
“An 8-minute shower typically requires between 15 to 20 gallons of water,” he said. “We deliver the same experience with less than 1 gallon of water. There’s nothing in the market that comes remotely close to that statistic.”
While the system doesn’t look glamorous, Ballesteros said it’s just like a normal shower – if not better.
“People go in saying it’s a sponge bath and come out saying it’s an astronaut shower,” he said. “It really does feel like we’re creating our own category here.”
In addition to its website, Geyser systems are sold in REI, Camping World, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s, and soon will launch on etrailer.com, Ballesteros said.
The main Geyser Systems product uses just 1 gallon of water for a 15-minute shower, according to the company. (Courtesy Geyser Systems)
Like other founders, Jonathan Ballesteros started Montrose-based Geyser Systems because he had a problem.
In 2016, Ballesteros decided to take a break from his career as a surgical instrument designer and set off to travel up the Australian coast.
“I always had plenty of food, plenty of propane, but water was always the first thing that ran out,” Ballesteros said. “In my frustration, I asked myself how in the world do I make the most of every drop of water? If I had the answer to that, I figured I could change the world.”
He stopped outdoor adventuring and got to work in Australia’s Outback designing a portable shower system that uses less water. Four years and six prototypes later, the 42-year-old launched Geyser Systems.
Rather than spraying water as a traditional shower head does, the Geyser system sends water into a sponge, which users then scrub with. That and an automatic pressure system means the product uses less than 1 gallon of water for a 15-minute shower, according to the company.
Jonathan Ballesteros founded Montrose-based Geyser Systems in 2020. (Courtesy Geyser Systems)
The original Geyser system costs $320 and pumps, heats and distributes water. In addition to that kit, the startup sells two shower kits that hook up to recreational vehicles: The half kit retails for $50 and the full $75.
In 2023, the company added at-home kits to reduce water consumption and decrease water bills. The full kit, which includes a loofah that holds essential oils for aromatherapy, shower hose and wand, costs $110, while the Half Kit costs $95.
“Whether at home or living off the grid, in RVs or boondocking, whatever it is, we’re here to get people to make the most of every drop of water,” Ballesteros said.
To continue that mission, Geyser is raising $1.2 million — $84,000 of which is already accounted for. The startup is raising on Wefunder, a website for entry-level investors, and from other investors. The money will go toward increasing manufacturing and marketing, and finishing a prototype for a new shower system for the United States military.
The company did $237,000 in revenue last year, which was a drop from roughly $687,000 in 2022. Ballesteros attributed the decline to REI canceling purchase orders because of a broader slowdown in the outdoor gear industry after the pandemic surge.
He said Geyser has sold over 10,000 units. And while he does want to solve the world’s water crisis with Geyser Systems, Ballesteros stressed that it’s a for-profit business.
“We’re not doing this philanthropically – I see a real business opportunity that is not only really needed, but very affordable for anyone in the world to enjoy,” Ballesteros said.
The startup was recently awarded a U.S. patent for its technology. Geyser also has patents in China, South Africa, Israel and Australia.
“An 8-minute shower typically requires between 15 to 20 gallons of water,” he said. “We deliver the same experience with less than 1 gallon of water. There’s nothing in the market that comes remotely close to that statistic.”
While the system doesn’t look glamorous, Ballesteros said it’s just like a normal shower – if not better.
“People go in saying it’s a sponge bath and come out saying it’s an astronaut shower,” he said. “It really does feel like we’re creating our own category here.”
In addition to its website, Geyser systems are sold in REI, Camping World, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s, and soon will launch on etrailer.com, Ballesteros said.
