Transform Your Backyard: 7 Outdoor Shower Ideas for the Ultimate Refresh
An outdoor shower is a great way to connect with nature. It’s refreshing after a swim or a day outside. Outdoor showers are now popular in many homes and camps. This is due to their versatility. You may want one by your pool, for camping, or as a fancy backyard feature.
This guide covers all you need to know about outdoor showers. It will help you choose the best location, types, installation, and maintenance. If you want to transform your outdoor space or need a shower while camping, you’ve come to the right place.
What is an Outdoor Shower?
An outdoor shower is exactly what it sounds like a shower located outside your home. These showers are usually installed for convenience. They let you rinse off after swimming, gardening, or a day at the beach. They also suit backyard pools, patios, or even remote campsites.
Outdoor showers vary in design and style. Some are permanent and integrated into a home’s plumbing. Others are temporary or portable, like a camping shower that can be set up at campsites.
Why Install an Outdoor Shower?
Increase Home Value
A lesser-known benefit is that it can boost your home’s value. A good outdoor pool shower adds luxury. It appeals to buyers, especially in warmer areas.
Practical Uses
An outdoor shower offers great convenience. A pool lets you quickly rinse off chlorine or salt. This keeps your house clean. It’s also perfect for rinsing off muddy boots, sandy feet, or even pets after outdoor adventures.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Taking a shower in the open air provides a refreshing experience unlike any other. A quick rinse or a relaxing shower after hiking can lift your mood and relieve stress. The fresh air and water help. If you love camping with showers, an outdoor shower is a game changer.
Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Outdoor Shower
Proximity to Plumbing
When deciding where to place your shower, think about how close it is to existing water supply lines. This will make the installation process smoother and less expensive. For example, a wall-mounted outdoor shower is best for homes. It should be on an exterior wall with easy plumbing access.
Privacy vs. Views
Balancing privacy with views is key to choosing the right location. You don’t want to feel exposed while showering outdoors. Consider natural barriers like trees, bushes, or fences, or install a privacy screen. If you have a beautiful view, place your shower to enjoy it, while keeping privacy.
Exposure to Sunlight
Place your shower where it gets adequate sunlight. Sunlight helps with faster drying, preventing mold and mildew from forming. It also keeps the area warmer and more comfortable. This is good if you enjoy outdoor camping showers on cool days.
Types of Outdoor Showers
Wall-Mounted Showers
Wall-mounted outdoor showers are popular in homes where plumbing is easily accessible. They install them against an exterior wall. This makes them permanent fixtures that require professional installation. This type of shower is great for homeowners looking for a more sophisticated setup by their outdoor pool.
Freestanding Showers
For more flexibility in placement, freestanding outdoor showers are an excellent option. They don’t need to be attached to a wall, which makes them versatile for placement anywhere in your yard or by your pool. Freestanding models are available in different materials, such as stainless steel or wood.
Portable Showers
Portable outdoor showers are ideal for temporary use, like camping or beach trips. These showers can be set up anywhere and don’t need complex plumbing. A portable camping shower often comes with a tank and a simple hose for easy rinsing.
Solar Showers
Solar-powered outdoor showers are eco-friendly. They use solar energy to heat the water. They are great for sunny areas. They are often used in both permanent and camping showers.
| Type | Best For | Ease of Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted | Permanent installations, homes | Requires plumbing work |
| Freestanding | Flexible placement, poolside | Moderate |
| Portable (Camping/Temporary) | Camping, beach trips, temporary showers | Very easy |
| Solar | Eco-friendly and energy-saving setups | Moderate |
Essential Components of an Outdoor Shower
Shower Fixtures
Outdoor shower head type matters for your shower experience. Popular options include:
Rainfall Shower Heads: Great for wide coverage and gentle flow, great for relaxation.
Handheld Shower Heads: They are flexible and mobile. It makes it easier to wash pets or to rinse off gear.
Plumbing Considerations
If you’re installing a permanent shower, it will have to be connected to your home’s plumbing system. Be sure to use weather-resistant durable pipes that will not be damaged by the elements. A portable outdoor shower may be all you need for a more temporary setup, using only a garden hose.
If you want to learn more about plumbing basics for outdoor showers, check out this helpful guide from This Old House.
Drainage Solutions
Water needs to drain effectively, so it doesn’t pool near the shower. Common solutions include:
French drains: Surface channels that route water away from the shower area.
Shower pans: Water funnels that have flat bases into a drainage system.
Dry wells: Pits of gravel with simple built-in, so the water is naturally seeping into the ground.
Flooring Options
Flooring should be slip-resistant and water-friendly. Stone, teak, and concrete are durable and weather-resistant materials. Treated wood is also popular for flooring, but be sure to choose wooden flooring that isn’t going to rot.
Outdoor Shower Design Ideas
Rustic Designs
To give the effect of a rustic, earthy feel, you can choose stone, wood, or bamboo. A rustic outdoor shower fits right in with a garden or a forested area.
Modern Minimalist Designs
A modern outdoor space demands sleek, clean lines and materials such as stainless steel. If you want a modern look, use minimalist designs and a large, flat outdoor shower head.
Eco-Friendly Showers
If you want to make your shower more environmentally friendly, try solar-powered showers or water-saving fixtures. Your shower becomes more eco-friendly with recycled materials and rainwater systems.
Luxurious Shower Add-Ons
Want to take your outdoor pool shower to the next level? Add heated flooring, a bench, or even multiple shower heads for a more spa-like experience. A rainfall outdoor shower head combined with ambient lighting creates a tranquil retreat.
DIY Outdoor Shower Installation
Planning Your DIY
Before you start, make a list of the materials and tools you’ll need. A reliable allen wrench is essential for tightening bolts and screws during the installation process. If you’re unsure about the right tools, Master the Allen Wrench: Your Essential Tool Guide can help you choose the perfect set for the job. Consider buying a DIY outdoor shower kit, which often includes the plumbing, fixtures, and instructions.
Connecting to Water Supply
If you’re using a wall-mounted shower, connect to your home’s water supply by tapping into existing pipes. If you have a freestanding or portable shower, cold water may be all you need.
Setting Up Drainage
Make sure that your shower is properly drained. Installation of a simple dry well is easy. For the floor, use permeable materials, as they drain water better.
When to Hire a Professional
For complex tasks with hot water, or tricky plumbing, hire a pro. They’ll make sure your shower is up to code and will prevent any leaks or drainage problems.
Maintenance and Care for Your Outdoor Shower
Routine Cleaning Tips
Outdoor showers are exposed to the elements and so require regular cleaning. To stop the mold or mildew buildup, use a mild soap and a scrub brush. To get rid of mineral deposits, soak the shower head in vinegar.
Seasonal Maintenance
Before winter hits, ensure your shower is ready for the cold. Drain all the water from the pipes and disconnect hoses to prevent freezing.
Winterizing Your Outdoor Shower
If you live where it freezes, winterize your outdoor shower. Turn off the water, remove the pipes, then cover the fixtures to keep them from getting weather damage.
Cost Considerations
The cost to install an outdoor shower varies by materials, design, and method. A DIY portable camping shower might be under $100. The more permanent, luxurious one can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Low-Cost Options
If you’re on a tight budget, a portable shower, or a DIY device that plugs into a garden hose, might work for you. They can be just as functional, without needing to be professionally installed.
High-End Luxury Showers
For a splurge, a custom shower is a great idea. You can get fancy with it, such as custom enclosures, heated water, or copper piping.
Final Notes
An outdoor shower is more than useful. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy nature. It also adds value to your home or camping experience. A portable camping shower or a luxurious poolside one? Knowing your options and how to install them will maximize your outdoor space.
