Outdoor shower ideas are one of those rare additions that combine practicality with luxury.
As well as being a beautiful addition to your backyard landscaping, outdoor shower ideas offer endless versatility, from providing a spot to cool off; helping you rinse off before and after using the pool or hot tub, to washing off sand from the beach or mud from a long walk,preventing it from being traipsed through your home.
However, with so many outdoor shower ideas available, it is important to choose the right design, installation process and plumbing for your space and needs.
Outdoor shower ideas
As our summers get hotter, we are all seeking ways to incorporate more backyard staycation ideas into our gardens. Whether you are looking for an outdoor shower to partner with your pool ideas or are looking for a way to cool off after sunbathing in your courtyard garden, an outdoor shower is an invaluable addition.
1. Create a cubical to channel holiday chic
(Image credit: Architecture: Frank Greenwald Architect/Photography: Bruce Buck)
For the perfect mix of privacy and elegance, a purpose-built wooden chalet gets the gold star when it comes to outdoor shower ideas. Instantly invoking holiday chic, this dual-temperature water shower provides the perfect place to wash off after a trip to the beach or cool off on a hot summer's day.
'The practicality of this wooden shower enclosure gives easy access off sandy beaches and serves as a dual-purpose shower and changing area.When designing outdoor shower ideas, the materials should sustain the natural elements. While an Ipe wood enclosure and stainless-steel shower fittings prove to be outdoor performance materials, they also create an environment that’s pleasing and inspiring for the mind, body, and soul,' explains Zuni Madera from Foley & Cox Interiors (opens in new tab), who designed this space.
A solid structure is a great option if you are overlooked and want to maintain the utmost privacy. However, if you want to create a secluded area without building a structure, plants are your best friend. Simply pair your favorite of the best privacy hedges and the best privacy shrubs with a few trees for privacy and you'll be well on your way to creating a botanical oasis.
2. Create a green oasis around your outdoor shower with plants
(Image credit: Alamy)
We all know that plants are an integral part of wellness bathroom ideas, but outdoor shower ideas take this to a new level.
When planting around your shower, you need to be conscious of waterlogging. ‘For water-absorbing areas consider big-leaved rodgersias, astilbes, ligularias, Lobelia tupa, Eupatorium cannabium and Filipendula ulmaria. Be aware that heavily used showers leading to significant localized water-logging in summer, when plant roots are vulnerable to lack of oxygen, will need careful planning if the plants are to thrive,’ says Guy Barter, RHS (opens in new tab) chief horticulturalist.
Plant in well-draining compost and factor in drainage channels to prevent pooling. Don't be afraid of planting too many plants –more plants mean more drainage, which is essential if you're using your shower often.
If you start to notice that the compost is appearing water-logged consider supplementing with additional drainage methods, too.
3. Dress the space with natural stone
(Image credit: Future)
Stone is a popular choice for indoor shower floor ideas and it works well for outdoor shower ideas, too. However, there are lots of different stone flooring types so finding the right one for your specific set of needs is key.
'High-density limestone can be a great surface as it does not retain heat like many other stones, but it is sensitive to acids and cleaners. Granite is very durable but will get very hot in sunlight. Basalt does not build up heat like granite but is almost as durable. We have used some porcelain pavers for showers as they are almost stain-proof. The main drawback is they can get hot in the sun,’ explains Dustin Moore, chief at STRATA Landscape Architecture (opens in new tab).
4. Select a durable design to withstand the elements
(Image credit: Future)
Durability is key when it comes to choosing your fixtures and fittings. ‘Indoor grades of stainless steel are not up to external use and will oxidize and rust,’ says Lucinda Lewis, director at Ingarden (opens in new tab). ‘If adding outdoor shower ideas to a coastal garden, the 316 marine-grade stainless steel is the best; for inland, however, 304 outdoor-grade stainless steel is sufficient. Copper is also good for outdoor showers and has a beautiful aesthetic that ages with time.’
5. Choose a cool shower for rinsing off by the pool
(Image credit: Future)
If you simply want to rinse off before you get in the pool or before you go back to the lounger, then a cold shower offers the perfect solution.
This woodendeck ideahas a concrete base and the outdoor shower is designed so that it can be plugged directly into the garden hose making for easy installation and use. Plus, the gaps in the decking provide ample drainage into the green wildflower garden beyond, reducing the risk of water pooling in a specific spot.
Don't forget shower storage ideas either, here a bench and hook provide the perfect spots for hanging your towel and placing bathing essentials.
6. Install a hot shower for versatile bathing
(Image credit: Pfau Long Architecture/Perkins&Will)
If you have decided that cold outdoor shower ideas are not for you, then you’ll be thrilled to know that they can be plumbed to run hot as well as cold.
This will require professional assistance and will work better if attached to the house or close to the property.
‘Warm water is wonderful to have for outdoor showers and can be as easy as tapping into the domestic hot water from the residence if it is close. For more remote showers, we have installed instantaneous hot water heaters near the shower,' explains Melanie Turner, director of residential design for Pfau Long Architecture (opens in new tab).
Alternatively, for a more straightforward approach that will add to your sustainable garden ideas, a solar panel can be used to heat the water in the summer months.
(Image credit: Alamy)
A popular alternative to tile or stone flooring is wood, whether that’s on a decking or purpose-built flooring. If opting for wood, choose a decking board that is designed for use outside. Just as when looking for pool deck ideas, opt for a ridged design which will help to reduce the risk of slipping when wet. You can also use a non-slip Decking Oil such as Hope's 100% Pure Tung Oil on Amazon (opens in new tab).
However, it is worth noting that wooden decking will need maintenance over time.
8. Incorporate drainage
(Image credit: Marlborough Tiles)
Drainage is essential. Without the correct drainage system in place, your shower area will quickly flood, gather debris, and prove unusable. While this might sound complicated, the reality is surprisingly straightforward.
At its simplest, you can design your outdoor shower so that the greywater soaks into the ground. ‘In moderation, where few people will shower and only occasionally in dry, warm weather the resultant soap-and-shampoo-laced water will do no harm to the soil,’ explains Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturalists.
‘However, would be wise in this case to consult the local authority building inspector via the planning department and also the environment agency if the shower is near ditches, lakes, ponds and rivers. In some circumstances, soakaways might be permissible.’ However, where this is not possible, more complex drainage will be required. ‘Where the shower generates significant run-off it would be prudent to collect this and direct it to the septic tank or the sewage system,’ advises Guy Barter, RHS Chief Horticulturalist.
9. Position on a property wall
(Image credit: Bert & May Tiles/Design by Jessica Alken-Theasby/Photography by Alexander J Collins)
Just as when installing a water feature, the location of your outdoor shower ideas will be partially dictated by your pipework. ‘The best and easiest place to install your shower would be on the kitchen or bathroom outer wall so you can simply run the hot and cold pipes outside without much disruption. The general rule is that the closer the shower is to your house, the easier the plumbing work will be,’ says Rikki Fothergill, style expert at Big Bathroom Shop (opens in new tab).
10. Opt for an eye-catching design
(Image credit: Strand Boards)
If your shower is going alongside a pool or is to be a visible area of your patio, then aesthetics are everything. If you want to create a beachy vibe, then why not opt for an eye-catching surf-board shower, like these from Strand Boards (opens in new tab).
'Strand Boards are a beautiful addition to the garden, plus they are easy to install as the plumbing is integrated inside the surfboard. All you have to do is hang it up, connect the lines and enjoy showering. The surfboard showers are fully customizable with color, logo, and components!' says Samantha Greene from Strand Boards.
11. Pair your outdoor shower with a bath for instant luxury
(Image credit: Victoria + Albert)
Picture the scene. The sun is setting and the sky is illuminated in a beautiful pink hue. The warm day is starting to turn slightly cooler. The birds are chirping as they find their roosts. Now imagine that you are enjoying this beautiful scene from within a luxurious bath, a glass of wine in hand. Idyllic, right?
So, why stop your outdoor shower ideas at a stand-up design, when you could have the ultimate outdoor bathing experience? Plus, it's fairly easy to add a fully functioning bath to your backyard ideas.
'An outside bath is likely to be a regular treat rather than a daily event, so you’ll want to indulge in a long soak when you do use it. Sit (and lie) in the bath before you buy it,' explains Emma Joyce, brand manager, House of Rohl (opens in new tab).
Of course, there are some essential elements to consider when planning an outdoor bathroom. 'Choice of material is critical. Anything residing outside will be exposed to the elements year-round. Opt for a material that is UV resistant, so it won’t go yellow in the sun and is resistant to thermal shock cycles, so the material won’t crack in a change of temperature throughout the seasons,' adds Emma Joyce. Also, consider its heat-retentive properties –it is likely that the ambient temperature of your outdoor bath will be cooler than in your bathroom ideas, therefore it's essential that your bath keeps the water warm.
Can you hook up an outdoor shower to a hose?
Yes, you can hook up an outdoor shower to a hose. Ideal if you just want a cool place to rinse off or to shower off the chemicals from the pool, then this is an ideal solution. There are many kits available online that simply attach to an outdoor tap or hose and mean you don’t need to concern yourself with outdoor plumbing.
Is it expensive to put in an outdoor shower?
Pricing varies depending on the style and position, from a simple cold outdoor hose attachment – the cheapest option –to a fully integrate shower enclosure with both hot and cold water.
'The cost of an outdoor shower can vary widely depending on the type of
shower you choose and the materials used. Simple and basic showers can cost
as little as $200, while more complex and elaborate showers can cost up to
$5,000. It’s important to consider your budget when shopping for an outdoor
shower and look for one that fits both your design and functional needs,' reveals Henna Bell from Gardeninghood (opens in new tab).
FAQs
How do you make a quick outdoor shower? ›
- Decide Where to Place the Shower. Cold outdoor showers might be acceptable, but hot showers are much better. ...
- Find the Water Supply Lines. ...
- Expose the Water Lines. ...
- Tap Into the Water Supply. ...
- Connect the Shower Faucet and Handle. ...
- Set the Posts for the Privacy Wall. ...
- Create the Drainage Area. ...
- Build the Shower Floor.
Use your House's Plumbing
Pipes can be run a short distance up the side of the house to be attached to the shower fixture. If you locate the shower away from the house, you can extend the hot and cold water supply to the outdoor shower via PEX tubing or plumbing buried underground.
Choosing Materials for Outdoor Showers
For shower floors, walls, and fixtures, choose weather-resistant materials. Enclosures made of pressure-treated wood, cedar, teak, Brazilian ironwood, even salvaged window shutters will hold up well outside.
A Temporary Fold-Away Shower is a great solution for temporary situations that require safe bathing. Portable handicap-accessible showers can be set up by anyone, anywhere within 15 feet of a faucet.
How do you build a cold shower? ›The ideal way to take a cold shower is to ease in to the habit. Start by slowly lowering the temperature at the end of a usual shower. Get the water cold enough that you start to feel uncomfortable. Then, stay underneath the water for 2 or 3 minutes.
How do you take a super cold shower? ›It's simple. Start your shower off as you typically would in hot water, staying at this temperature as you wash yourself. Then, quickly turn the water ice cold for the last 30-45 seconds to finish strong.
How do you shower in hot weather? ›Showering in tepid water is better because this will boost blood flow to the skin, increasing heat loss.
Do outdoor showers need a drain? ›Outdoor showers do not generally need complex drainage systems, especially if you locate it at a distance from the house, or if the natural inclination of the terrain directs water away from the house's structure.
What is the best outdoor shower material? ›Weather Resistant Materials
Stainless steel is considered to be one of the best material choices for outdoor showers. Choosing a high-quality stainless material such as Marine Grade Stainless Steel AISI 316L can save you a lot of time and cost on maintenance and repairs.
- Step 1: Drill Holes in the PVC Pipe. ...
- Step 2: Connect the PVC to the Bucket. ...
- Step 3: Seal Around the Hole. ...
- Step 4: Connect the Bicycle Pump to the Bucket. ...
- Step 5: Prepare the 500ml Bottle and Connect It to the PVC Pipe. ...
- Step 6: Cover the Bottle in Duct Tape. ...
- Step 7: Try It Out.
How do you shower in the woods? ›
Just rinsing off in fresh water will remove excess dirt and oils. If that's not your thing or there is no water, bring extra water and biodegradable soap in order to bathe yourself. Just strip down at least 200 feet away from your campsite and 200 feet away from any water source that may exist.
Where is the best place for an outdoor shower? ›The rule of thumb seems to be that the closer the shower is to the house, the easier it will be to set up proper plumbing. Indeed, each designer and landscaper we spoke to highly recommends putting your shower on the side of the house since this offers easy access to existing hot and cold water lines.
Why do people have outdoor showers? ›What Is an Outdoor Shower, and What Is Its Purpose? Outdoor showers are installed for rinsing off after swimming in the pool, sea, cleaning up after exercising outdoors or working in the garden, or it could be just a fantastic and intimate experience that turns into a frequent ritual!
How do you make a camping shower? ›- Step 1 – Boil a kettle of water.
- Step 2 – Fill your bucket halfway with cold water.
- Step 3 – Pour the hot water from the kettle into the bucket.
- Step 4 – Drop your shower pump in the bucket.
Generally, building a walk-in shower requires gutting walls to access plumbing pipes, applying waterproof poly sheeting to the walls and floor, rebuilding walls using moisture-resistant drywall or backer board, installing drains, and pouring mortar to create shower pans.
What is a shower Flipper? ›The wetroom flipper panel acts as a deflector to minimise water splashes, pivoting through 210o for ease of access. It can be fitted to all Aquadart wetroom panels including existing panels.
What is a gravity shower? ›Mains-fed and gravity-fed electric showers
One is fed by your home's mains water supply which generates enough pressure for the shower to operate on. The other is gravity-fed from the cold water storage tank in the attic. There is a pump in the gravity-fed shower to generate enough pressure for the shower to operate.
Also known as a curbless shower, barrier-free shower, walk-in shower, or zero threshold shower, it's a shower that has no curb or surrounding edge to it, making it flush with the bathroom floor.
What is a good cold shower? ›Showering in 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit water is considered a cold shower. Check out the following benefits of taking a cold shower and see if you think it may be worth the effort.
What happens after 30 days of cold showers? ›Cold showers has been shown to stimulate the immune system, increase energy levels, reduce inflammation, improve mood and well-being, and more. So if you've been feeling more energized, healthy, and happy after your 30 days of cold showers, it's likely that the cold water is contributing to these improvements.
What happens if you take a cold shower everyday? ›
Scientific studies have found that taking a cold shower increases the number of white blood cells in your body. These blood cells protect your body against diseases. Researchers believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response. Increased willpower.
Does a cold shower work? ›Researchers have found that taking icy showers may heighten your immune system and make you more resistant to illness. A clinical trial in the Netherlands found that cold showers led to a 29% reduction in people calling off sick from work. Another study even connected cold showers to improved cancer survival.
Can cold showers make you sick? ›Cold showers can make you feel worse if you are unwell as it can have an adverse effect on your immune system. If you already have a cold, cough or fever, you will feel colder and your body will take longer to warm up. So whether you opt for a cold shower or hot, don't shower for too long as it dries your skin.
What is a recovery shower? ›How to take a recovery-boosting contrast shower. Start with a hot shower (but not too hot; it should not burn) for 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly turn down the water temperature from hot to cold. Take a cold shower for 1 minute. Repeat the hot and cold cycle for 5 to 10 minutes for optimal recovery.
How to stay cool in extreme heat? ›- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. ...
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
You can quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly.
Are hot showers good in hot weather? ›But a warm sensation on the skin will lead to increased blood flow to the skin, increasing heat loss from the body. So, keeping cool in summer will be more effective with a warm shower (water temperature about 33⁰C) rather than a cold shower (water temperature 20-25⁰C).
What is the best base for an outdoor shower? ›Wood. Wood is the first choice because you can do it yourself, or you can buy it ready to be placed under the shower. You can build a small deck-type floor made of weather-resistant wood. For wood decking, you should consider mahogany or cedar.
How much does it cost to put in an outdoor shower? ›Outdoor Shower Cost and Installation
Expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a wall-mounted outdoor shower, between $500 and $2,000 for a standalone and $50 to $300 for portable showers. Installation cost also differs considerably and can range from $500 and $8,000.
It all depends on how simple or complex you want your shower to be. A simple outdoor shower with cold water costs approximately $1,000 or less. An outdoor shower with an enclosure and hot and cold water will run about $4,000–$8,000.
What height should an outdoor shower be? ›
Place your new, exterior shower head connection about 7 feet (2.1 meters) from the ground. You may also consider a second exterior showerhead and faucet handle a few feet from the ground to rinse off feet and legs and for shampooing your dog, too.
What is a good size for an outdoor shower? ›The minimum space required for an outdoor shower is 3 feet square, but go larger if you can. A shower enclosure measuring 4 feet square offers a generous amount of elbow room. If an attached dressing area is in your plans, you'll need a 7-foot-long and 4-foot-wide area for the entire enclosure.
What is an ice bucket shower? ›In a Tyrolean bucket shower, a bucket of icy water is “hung” from the ceiling and poured suddenly over the body by pulling on a chain, causing such a thermal shock that it actually makes the body stronger.
How do you make a shower sanctuary? ›- Keep It Clean. ...
- Decorate With Some Greenery. ...
- Upgrade Your Products. ...
- Scoop Up Some Bath Accessories. ...
- Start the Spa Music. ...
- Add Some Plush Towels and a Yummy Robe. ...
- Upgrade Your Shower Head. ...
- Add Some Shower Seating.
beach pebbles & dry wells
The dry well system is great for yards that can't soak in the run-off water. To create a dry well you'll need to install a layer of gravel below the pebbles where the water can drain through and filter. Always check your local ordinances for specifications on dry wells.
- Step 1: Floor. Make a 5x5 base, made out of iron blocks, or any choice. ...
- Step 2: Walls. Make a three-block high wall around 2 sides of the base. ...
- Step 3: Glass Wall. Add a glass wall to create the shower wall. ...
- Step 4: Power. ...
- Step 5: Piston. ...
- Step 6: Done!
For starters, most low- and no-threshold showers have a shower pan that is slightly pitched toward the drain so that gravity will work its magic and simply pull the water down the drain so that it doesn't flow out onto the floor. Other walk-in showers have what is called a trench drain along the entrance.
How to build a French drain for outdoor shower? ›- Plan the Location. Figure out where the excess water is pooling and where you want it to go. ...
- Dig a Trench. ...
- Line the Trench with Filter Fabric. ...
- Pour the Gravel Bedding. ...
- Hook Up the Pipe Connections. ...
- Set the Pipe Drain in the Trench. ...
- Cover with Gravel and Filter Fabric. ...
- Backfill with Topsoil.
French Drain
The trench contains drainpipes wrapped in landscaping fabric, perforated on the downside, lying on a layer of gravel. Above the pipes, there is another layer of gravel and a final cover of soil and grass. The water runs out from the shower, passes through the tubes, and percolates to the grounds below.
What should I wash first? Wash from top to bottom. This will allow the soap to rinse off your skin. Focus on the parts of your body that need it the most such as under your arms, breasts, vulva and feet.
What is the best thing to wash your body with? ›
If you don't have any specific skin concerns, then you really just need water and your favorite soap or body wash. “Water is excellent at washing off sweat and dust and the normal lint that we pick up around us every day, [while] soap is really good at pulling oils out of the skin,” Dr. Greiling says.
Should you use a washcloth to wash your body? ›A washcloth will come in handy when cleansing their body and gently scrubbing their scalp. It can also help with rinsing to avoid getting soap in their eyes, as well as drying off afterward.
What is a no entry shower? ›A curbless shower, or “zero-entry” shower, has no shower pan. There is no elevated curb, lip, or step that separates the shower entrance from the floor. Often, these showers have no door, but a shower curtain can be used to create some privacy.
How do I build a small luxury shower? ›- Add some warmth. ...
- Paint the tiles. ...
- Float your vanity. ...
- Open the vanity. ...
- Go for glass. ...
- Install dimmer lights. ...
- Don't forget the little touches. ...
- Update your fixtures.
A Safer Bathing Experience
Unlike a high-walled tub/shower combination, a low-threshold shower has only a small curb to step over, which makes it much safer to enter and exit the bathing area.
Since lightning can travel through plumbing, “it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands,” the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted. “The risk of lightning traveling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes.
Is a doorless shower cold? ›Doorless showers simply don't retain heat as well as those with doors, and they can even feel cold at times. However, you can install a heated shower floor to help counteract this undesirable effect and keep the space cozy and warm while you're rinsing off.
How do you keep water in a barrier free shower? ›A Water Stopper! aka Water Dam or Collapsible Water Barrier. Water stopper is a flexible rubber strip that adhere to a shower floor and blocks water from running out onto the floor.