Standard vs Deluxe Porta Potty: Which Should You Rent?

If you're confused about whether you should rent a standard or a deluxe porta-potty, you're not alone. Managing an event or a job site is hard enough by itself without worrying about what type of bathroom you need. The purpose of this guide is to help you choose between a standard porta-potty and an upgraded deluxe porta-potty. We'll break down all of the exact differences in features, hygiene, and pricing so you can find the perfect unit for your setup. So without any further ado, let's get started.

Everything you need to know about standard porta-potties

Standard porta-potties are designed to be reliable and budget-friendly. They are the backbone of portable sanitation, providing a turnkey option if you need to provide bathroom services to people on your site when regular fixed bathroom facilities aren't available. Standard porta-potties are usually single-occupant units featuring a non-flushing chemical toilet or urinal. You've probably used them yourself when you've been camping or attended events. Many have wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers or fresh running water with soap for conventional hand washing. Most standard porta-potty units are 4 ft. wide, 4 ft. deep, and around 7.5 ft. tall to accommodate taller users. They have a 60- to 70-gallon waste tank, which you fill with a chemical sanitizer before use. We recommend standard porta-potties for high-volume environments where getting people through faster is more important than a luxury experience. Standard porta-potties are designed for quick use in high-volume settings, prioritizing efficiency over extended comfort. You'll usually find them on basic construction sites, public parks, or disaster relief zones. They are, of course, a mainstay at music festivals as well, although you may want to upgrade if you're entertaining VIPs or guests who expect a better experience. In general, we think standard porta-potties should be viewed as one of the best ways to meet OSHA requirements efficiently. Standard manufactured units contain all facilities required to meet regulatory necessities.

Everything you need to know about deluxe porta-potties

On the flip side, there are, of course, deluxe porta-potties. These provide some premium features you may not have considered before, but they are often well worth the investment, depending on your use case. John To Go offers multiple luxury options that allow you to impress your guests who might not feel comfortable using standard porta-potties. The first thing you'll notice about deluxe porta-potties and bathroom trailers is the interior design. Many feature designs that mimic traditional restrooms, avoiding the stark, utilitarian look of standard plastic units. They also feature premium interior lighting so people can see what they're doing, and they have conventional toilet paper. The game-changing feature, though, is the flushing mechanism. Usually, this is operated by a foot pedal and conceals waste while blocking odors at the same time. When you walk into a deluxe porta-potty, you don't get that chemical smell mixed with human waste, which you get with the standard versions. Secondly, there is an in-unit freshwater sink with soap and paper towel dispensers. Usually, units come with mirrors and coat hooks for additional guest convenience. Who should use a deluxe porta-potty? Generally speaking, these are for:

corporate retreats
backyard parties
family reunions

You can also use them at:

food festivals
for events where high-standard hygiene facilities are required, such as food service areas.
for long-term commercial construction operations to keep workers comfortable and motivated

Sometimes it's nice to have a deluxe porta-potty option so that you have a place for guests to wash their hands, just like they would in a regular bathroom. This often beats chemical hand sanitizers, which can be sticky and leave a lingering residue after use.

A head-to-head feature comparison of standard porta-potties and deluxe porta-potties

If all of that was a bit confusing, we've consolidated everything you need to know into the following table. It lists the various features of standard and deluxe porta-potties and how they compare.

Feature	Standard Porta-Potty	Deluxe Porta-Potty
Waste System	Open holding tank (chemical drop)	Closed trap with foot-pump flush
Hand Hygiene	Hand sanitizer dispenser	Built-in sink, running water, soap
Odor Control	Standard ventilation	Superior (flushing conceals waste)
Interior Extras	Toilet paper, urinal	Mirror, coat hook, paper towels
Relative Cost	Most budget-friendly. Best for cheaper operations.	Moderate upgrade investment

How to decide which type of porta-potty to rent for your specific application?

Knowing the differences between standard porta-potties and deluxe porta-potties is nice, but how can you decide which type is best to rent for your specific application? You may prefer deluxe porta-potties over standard options based on the features listed above, but determining whether they are necessary for your specific event requires weighing a few factors. Before choosing which type of porta-potty to rent, it's best to ask yourself the following questions:

Are food and drink being served?

If food and drink are being served on the site that will host the porta-potty, then generally speaking, your best option is to go for a deluxe option. Deluxe porta-potties are not only more convenient, but they let people wash their hands properly with soap and water. This is particularly important for food service staff who require high standards of hygiene when permanent facilities are unavailable.

How long is the rental?

The length of time of the rental also matters. If the rental is just for a single morning to host a 5K race, then it's fine to go with a standard porta-potty. Most attendees won't be particularly fussy. If you plan for a longer-term installation, perhaps on a construction site or for a festival that's going to last all week, then you might want to opt for a deluxe option instead. Deluxe facilities keep guests happier for longer and recreate a standard bathroom experience.

What's the dress code?

Finally, you might want to consider the dress code. If people are just wearing standard clothing like jeans and a T-shirt, then a regular porta-potty will suffice. If you're expecting guests who are wearing their finest tuxedos or gowns, then the deluxe option is better. It gives attendees the ability to hang blazers and suits.

When you need restroom trailers

Sometimes, of course, deluxe porta-potties aren't sufficient. You may also need restroom trailers. These are for situations where deluxe flushable porta-potties simply aren't upscale enough. You may need, for example, to use a restroom trailer for weddings, black-tie galas, and VIP lounges. They're also useful on high-end film sets. If you're interested in a truly upscale experience, then head over to VIP To Go. Here you will find all the options you need.

Permit Requirements and Legal Considerations

When planning to use either a standard or deluxe portable toilet, you'll need to consider permit requirements and the legalities of any installation. Regulations are determined at various state, city, and county levels, so you'll need to check with your local health department or municipal office to confirm what's allowed. For private gatherings like backyard weddings and family reunions, you rarely need a permit for a portable toilet as long as it is a temporary placement. By contrast, if your event takes place on a sidewalk or a street, you'll need a temporary sanitation permit. Generally, these are easy to obtain for public property, and you can often get the company you're renting the portable toilets from to do it for you. For construction sites, the rules are slightly different. Often, you're allowed to use porta-potties under existing building permits and OSHA regulations. But it's always a good idea to consult your local building permit documentation to ensure that temporary sanitation facilities are explicitly authorized for your site. Finally, for HOAs and private communities, you'll need to consult Homeowner Association rules. Some HOAs will allow porta-potties to be installed on site for a maximum duration without requiring a permit, but others may have specific rules. For example, you may be able to place a porta-potty on the site for up to 48 hours, as long as you remove it after that window. In other situations, you may have to apply specifically and specify the length of time that the porta-potty will be on the premises, up to an imposed maximum (for example, two weeks). Make sure you research the permitting process thoroughly. Contact your local health department or municipal office to find out how long the permitting takes. Sometimes you'll need to pay fees, though many rental providers can handle the permitting process on your behalf.

Conclusion and next steps

In this guide, we discussed the differences between standard and deluxe porta-potties. We said that standard units are best when you're looking for unbeatable efficiency and value, whereas deluxe options are superior for comfort and overall hygiene. If you're interested in using standard or deluxe porta-potties on your site, get in touch with John To Go. We have an online calculator that helps you determine exactly how many units you need plus clear buttons and links you can use to request quotes or complete your booking right now. So what are you waiting for?

Standard vs Deluxe Porta Potty: Which Should You Rent?

Everything you need to know about standard porta-potties

Everything you need to know about deluxe porta-potties

A head-to-head feature comparison of standard porta-potties and deluxe porta-potties

How to decide which type of porta-potty to rent for your specific application?

Are food and drink being served?

How long is the rental?

What's the dress code?

When you need restroom trailers

Permit Requirements and Legal Considerations

Conclusion and next steps

Portable Toilet For Rent

Insurance

Additional Servicing Per Week

Attached lock

Full Setup

Standard vs Deluxe Porta Potty: Which Should You Rent?

Everything you need to know about standard porta-potties

Everything you need to know about deluxe porta-potties

A head-to-head feature comparison of standard porta-potties and deluxe porta-potties

How to decide which type of porta-potty to rent for your specific application?

Are food and drink being served?

How long is the rental?

What's the dress code?

When you need restroom trailers

Permit Requirements and Legal Considerations

Conclusion and next steps

Portable Toilet For Rent

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