How Nanobubbles Make Car Washes More Profitable and Environmentally Friendly

Car washes are constantly looking for ways to cut costs, improve results, and reduce their environmental footprint. That’s where nanobubble technology comes in—and The Shaft is leading the charge. CRS has more experience improving car washes than any other nanobubble equipment manufacturer. You can say it is our bread and butter.

What Are Nanobubbles—and Why Do They Matter?

Nanobubbles are microscopic gas bubbles (smaller than 200 nanometers) suspended in water. They don’t rise or burst like regular bubbles—instead, they stay suspended, creating a highly energized water solution that enhances cleaning, drying, and chemical performance.

At CRS, our Shaft nanobubble generator creates these bubbles without the need for gas injection. Here’s how it can transform your car wash—from both a profitability and sustainability perspective.

Fresh Water Applications: Cleaner Cars, Lower Costs

By installing The Shaft on the fresh water side of your system, you can:

• Eliminate the need for a water softener (assuming your incoming water is already of reasonably high quality)

• Reduce drying agents - Nanobubble-infused water acts as a natural drying aid by reducing surface tension, making it easier to blow water off the vehicle.

• Reduce chemical waste by 10–20% - Nanobubbles improve how soaps, waxes, and other chemicals mix with water—making dosing more consistent and effective. Your equipment stays cleaner, and your products stretch further.

• Protect RO membranes and enhance drying - Use nanobubbles to pre-treat water before it enters your reverse osmosis system. This reduces membrane fouling and boosts spot-free performance. In some cases, you may eliminate the need for an RO system altogether.

• Cut blower energy use - With water sheeting off faster, you can dry vehicles using less horsepower—saving money every month.

• Prevent scaling in heaters and boilers - Nanobubbles naturally help inhibit mineral buildup, keeping heat exchangers and boilers running more efficiently.

  
  

Reclaim Water Applications: Cleaner Water, Lower Waste

On the reclaim side, nanobubbles (especially with gas injection) deliver serious results:

• Reduce sludge and hauling costs - Nanobubbles help break down solids and reduce sludge buildup, minimizing the frequency and cost of hauling.

• Improve reclaim water quality - You can reuse reclaim water above the windshield—a previously off-limits zone for many operators.

• Minimize odors and discoloration - Odor and color issues from reclaim water can often be eliminated with nanobubble treatment.

  
  

Full Reclaim Possibilities

We’ve seen nearly full reclaim achieved by combining The Shaft with:

• Biologics (used by one of our partners to achieve full reclaim)

• UV/ozone systems (great synergy with nanobubbles)

  
  

Installation Tips: Strategic Placement Matters

While it’s tempting to install one unit on your main water line, flow rates vary too much there. Nanobubble generation only happens when minimum flow thresholds are met—so during low-flow periods, the generator won't work effectively.

Best Practices for Installation:

• Install flow meters first - This helps you understand min, max, and average flows throughout your system.

• Strategically place The Shaft where flow is consistent, such as:

  • In a softened or RO water holding tank using a submersible pump on a timer (recirculating increases nanobubble concentration)

  • Inline before an RO membrane

  • Inline on reclaim water lines

  • Inside bioreactors or biological treatment tanks

  • Feeding chemistry or finishing products inline

    
    

Bottom Line

Nanobubbles aren't just a buzzword—they’re a real way to increase efficiency, reduce chemical and energy costs, and create a more environmentally responsible car wash. With smart installation and strategic planning, The Shaft can pay for itself—while making your wash perform better than ever.