Sparkling water is a popular alternative to regular still water. It is equally as healthy and provides the same hydration benefits but with a different taste and sensation, so it’s a no-brainer that people opt for it as their choice of water intake.  

Sparkling water taps have become a welcome addition to many offices, co-working spaces, hospitality venues and even some residential settings too. As they provide instantaneous carbonated water, there is no need to waste plastic by buying bottles of sparkling water, thus they are considered to be eco-friendly. But what are sparkling water taps and how can you choose one for your business? In this article we will run through everything you need to know. 

What is a sparkling water tap?

A sparkling water tap, also known as a carbonated water tap, provides on-demand chilled, sparkling water at the touch of a button. They are attached to the mains water supply within a building, and fitted with a carbonation system which allows them to offer instant fizzy water throughout the day. Used in both commercial and residential settings, carbonated taps provide crisp, clean fizzy water thanks to filtration and purification systems. Some sparkling water taps can also be fitted with limescale filtration systems in hard water areas to prevent a build-up of calcium and magnesium deposits.

How does a sparkling water tap work?

Sparkling water taps add CO2 gas to water under high pressure within the tap in order to produce carbonated water. The high pressure forces the CO2 to dissolve in the water, and this pressure is maintained in canisters so that the taps can offer instant sparkling water throughout the day. Chilling the water first ensures that CO2 gases can dissolve and absorb into the water more effectively, so sparkling water taps will usually produce chilled carbonated water. 

Businesses that benefit from a sparkling water tap

Commercial workplaces such as offices, co-working spaces, hospitality areas and even cafes and restaurants benefit greatly from the addition of a sparkling water tap. With not only sparkling water but often chilled, room temperature and even hot water included as well, businesses can access these water varieties on-demand quickly and easily. 

How to choose a sparkling water tap for your business

Not every business will use sparkling water taps in the same way, for instance an office kitchen is often a self-service area for employees, however in busy cafes or restaurants staff are usually the ones to operate a tap. Thus, offices may benefit from touch operated buttons, whilst cafes or restaurants may be better suited to more industrial, manual taps. So, when you’re picking a sparkling water tap, what factors should you keep in mind so that you choose the correct model for your needs?    

Cost

For many, cost is a big factor and it may come down to the budget that you can set aside for a carbonated water tap as to the model you choose. Sparkling water taps will differ in price depending on the model, the features and the capacity of water it can produce throughout the day. There are also options to either rent or buy your carbonated water tap, so if you want to avoid paying a lump sum up front, renting can be a great alternative. 

Finish and colour

Aesthetics are a key contender in the decision making process for a sparkling water tap purchase. A classic sparkling water tap will usually represent a classic tap with a stainless steel or silver chrome finish. But for the more adventurous tap buyers, you will also be able to find sparkling water taps in a range of colours such as: black, gold, rose gold, and white with finishes such as: matte, brushed chrome and chrome.

Capacity and output

Many commercial sparkling water taps can supply a large output of carbonated water per hour, around 50 litres to be exact. This constant stream of fizzy, as well as chilled water is ideal for high traffic areas such as offices, hospitality venues and more. For businesses that require an even higher output, such as cafes, bars or restaurants, there are models such as the T-Bar Instant Tap that can offer up to 80 L/H. 

Safety Features

Ensure the tap has safety features such as child locks to prevent accidental activation of hot or carbonated water, automatic shut-off systems to avoid overheating, and leak detection sensors to prevent potential damage and ensure safe operation. These features collectively ensure a secure and reliable operation, reducing the risk of accidents and extending the longevity of the tap.

Other water types

With a sparkling water tap, it is unlikely that your model will only provide carbonated water as most taps will actually provide other water options too, such as: chilled, ambient (room temperature) and hot. You may have seen the terminology 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 used to describe these multifunctional sparkling water taps, and this refers to how many water varieties they offer. Businesses can benefit from a carbonated water tap that does it all, with more to offer customers, staff and visitors. 

The benefits to drinking sparkling water

Sparkling water, although carbonated, is still just as healthy as regular still water. Not to mention that some studies show that there are other benefits to drinking it that you would not get with regular plain water. Drinking carbonated or sparkling water may be able to: 

Improve digestion and stomach issues

Research indicates that sparkling water can help to alleviate stomach issues, soothe symptoms of constipation and help with irregular bowel movements. A study into the ‘Effects of carbonated water on functional dyspepsia and constipation’, in which tap water and carbonated water were compared within two groups, found that those who drank sparkling water over a period of 15 days had improved symptoms of constipation and dyspepsia (recurring upset stomach). 

Simulate the feeling of being full

For some people, drinking carbonated or fizzy water can increase the feeling of fullness, which can help when it comes to dieting. One study into the ‘Effect of carbonated water on gastric emptying’ suggested that carbonated water can slow the rate in which food passes through the stomach, which would help someone to feel fuller for longer. Another study into ‘The effects of carbonated water upon gastric and cardiac activities’ in women found that this type of water ‘may induce a short-term, but significant, satiating effect’.

Encourage hydration

Drinking around 2 litres of water per day, or 35ml for every kilogram of body weight, is a great way to ensure that you are properly hydrated. However, many find it difficult to drink the recommended amount of water per day, and that’s where sparkling water can help. Fizzy water can offer a great alternative to drinking still water, whilst it still provides the same level of hydration, it offers a different taste and sensation to encourage hydration.  

Where to buy a sparkling water tap? 

There are many sparkling water taps on the market, available to buy or rent from many different companies. Here at Aquacool, we offer a range of commercial sparkling water taps and also sparkling water dispensers for businesses. If you decide to rent one of our models, we provide free installation and regular maintenance check-ups as part of your package. 

Aquacool’s sparkling water taps and models:

Contact us for more information on our range of sparkling water taps, and receive a free, no-obligation quote to get you started on choosing a carbonated water tap.