Bringing a Touch of Nature to Daily Life – Designing and Building an Outdoor Shower

While I love a long soak in the tub, my preference is still for a steaming hot shower. Whether I’m waking up for work or just finished a run, a shower is the ideal solution – somehow energizing and relaxing at the same time. It’s much the same feeling as I get from interacting with nature, so it’s no surprise that an outdoor shower is high on the list of my dream home must-haves! They’re great whether you live by the ocean, like to rinse off after a swim in the pool, or just like to add something a little special to your everyday routine. Here are some tips for designing and creating your very own outdoor shower.

Working out your budget

Outdoor showers are often thought of as a luxury item, but the reality is that as long as you have the space, you can easily build one – even on a fairly limited budget. It all comes down to how simple or complex you want your project to be. For example, a basic cold-water outdoor shower costs about $1,000 – less if you are doing it DIY – while a hot and cold-water shower can cost between $4,000 to $8,000.

The price of the plumbing, fixtures, accessories and building materials will all impact on just how much your shower project will cost. When choosing materials, select ones that can withstand exposure to the elements and suit the style of your outdoor space without clashing with the aesthetic of your home. Wood looks great but tends to need more maintenance than other materials, while natural stone looks beautiful and is durable but carries a higher cost. Stone tiles and mosaics are both affordable and durable, and maintenance-free concrete is another popular choice, especially when going for a more modern look.

Choosing the perfect location

Outdoor showers work best where they are easily accessible but a bit private too, so many people choose to locate it just outside their home’s back entrance – usually close to the pool or deck. Building it close to or against your home gives easier access to existing plumbing, especially if it is against the outdoor walls of the kitchen or a bathroom.

The other factor to consider is sunshine. Outdoor showers work best in sunny spots, especially if they are cold-water only, as the sun helps provide natural warmth and helps to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Plumbing for your outdoor shower

Plumbing is often the most expensive and labor-intensive part of building an outdoor shower, but there several functional solutions available for your project. The simplest and most affordable solution is an outdoor shower fixture that connects with your existing garden hose. This is ideal for outdoor showers that are primarily used in the summer time and for washing off dirt and sand.

Hot-and-cold hose options are also available but require some plumbing expertise. Essentially, this works like the garden hose version, except your plumber also installs a hot water faucet next to the cold water so that you can control the temperature. It’s more expensive, but it’s great for people who want to be able to use the shower more regularly, even in colder months.

The most expensive and complex solution is a fully plumbed-in outdoor shower, which is essentially the same as your indoor shower. This requires a professional plumber to route hot and cold water to your shower and provide drainage. This option is for the more luxurious outdoor showers where people want to make sure they can use them all year round with the same functionality as an indoor shower.

For any of the three types of outdoor shower, drainage typically means letting the water run into your yard. The ground or base of your shower should ideally be sloped away from your home’s walls and foundations to prevent water damage, and it’s a good idea to install a French drain if you find that the ground is becoming boggy when the shower is frequently in use.

Consider privacy needs

Unless the shower is only going to be used only by people in swimsuits, there will be some privacy concerns you’ll need to think about. Ensure that neighbors are screened from view either by plant growth and boundary walls or consider partially or fully enclosing your shower. You’ll want to keep that outdoor, in-touch-with-nature feel, so consider folding doors, wooden/stone or frosted stall walls, or angling your shower walls to give just enough privacy to ensure bathers feel comfortable.

Essential creative finishing touches

An outdoor shower is a quirky touch to any home and it’s a great opportunity to get creative and give the space some character. Large rainfall showerheads fit the outdoor theme, a wall of flowers and plants creates an enchanting space and sculptures add an artistic, spa-like touch. Practical accessories like hooks for towels and wet clothes, a chair to sit on, a rack for shampoo and body wash, and a light (even solar-powered will do) for evenings are all great for making it a more functional and enjoyable space.

Good luck with your project and I hope you’re soon enjoying your home’s new outdoor shower!