Outdoor shower

An outdoor shower is the perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and the embrace of nature. Whether you live by the beach, enjoy gardening, or simply want to add a unique feature to your home, an outdoor shower can be a wonderful addition. This article explores everything you need to know about outdoor showers, from design inspiration to installation tips, and the numerous benefits of having one.

Why Install an Outdoor Shower?

There are many compelling reasons to add an outdoor shower to your home. Beyond the novelty of showering under the open sky, here are some practical benefits:

1. Convenience: If you enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, or gardening, an outdoor shower allows you to rinse off dirt, sand, or chlorine before entering the house. This helps keep your indoor spaces clean.
2. Cooling Off: On hot summer days, nothing feels better than cooling off under a refreshing stream of water outside. It can be more convenient and enjoyable than running into the house.
3. Rinse Off Pets: For pet owners, an outdoor shower is a perfect place to wash muddy paws or give your dog a bath after a day at the park.
4. Eco-Friendly: Outdoor showers allow you to use greywater systems or solar-heated water, making them an eco-conscious option. You can water your garden with leftover shower water, minimizing waste.
5. Adds Value to Your Home: Outdoor showers are often seen as a luxurious, modern touch that can increase the value of your property. They are highly appealing in warm climates or beachside properties.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Outdoor showers can be designed to complement the natural beauty of your outdoor space, creating a serene, spa-like atmosphere.

Types of Outdoor Showers

There are various styles of outdoor showers to fit different needs and aesthetics. Here are the most common types:

1. Freestanding Showers

Freestanding showers are the simplest and most flexible option. They can be placed anywhere in your yard or garden and usually consist of a standalone showerhead connected to a garden hose or simple plumbing. These are often portable and affordable, making them ideal for temporary use.

2. Wall-Mounted Showers

A wall-mounted outdoor shower is typically attached to the side of your home or another structure like a pool house or garden wall. These showers offer more stability and are often more aesthetically pleasing than freestanding models. They also connect directly to your home’s plumbing system for a more consistent water supply.

3. Enclosed Outdoor Showers

If privacy is a concern, consider an enclosed outdoor shower. These are built with walls or screens around the shower area, providing a private outdoor bathing space. They’re great for homes with more exposure or in situations where multiple people may use the space.

4. Shower Towers

A more luxurious option, shower towers offer multiple jets and settings, delivering a spa-like experience. These tend to be more expensive and require professional installation, but they can make your outdoor shower an incredible relaxation zone.

Designing Your Outdoor Shower Space

Designing your outdoor shower goes beyond just picking the right hardware. The surrounding environment plays a huge role in creating a harmonious and functional outdoor shower. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Location

Where you place your outdoor shower is key. It should be easily accessible from areas like your pool, garden, or the back door, but you also want to ensure some level of privacy. Consider whether you’ll need to create barriers or if the natural landscape already provides some privacy.

2. Plumbing

Outdoor showers can be as simple or as intricate as you want. If you're connecting it to your home’s plumbing, consider installing both hot and cold water lines. For more flexibility, many opt for cold-water-only outdoor showers that hook up to a garden hose.

3. Materials

Outdoor showers are exposed to the elements, so choose materials that are weather-resistant. Stainless steel and brass fixtures are corrosion-resistant, while stone, tile, or wood decking around the shower area can enhance the aesthetic and drainage. Teak wood is especially popular for outdoor showers due to its water resistance and durability.

4. Drainage

Good drainage is essential for outdoor showers to prevent water from pooling around the shower area. Proper drainage design can include gravel beds, stone pathways, or connecting the shower to your home’s existing drainage system.

5. Privacy

To maintain privacy, consider adding a natural barrier like hedges, bamboo, or tall grasses. Alternatively, you could build a simple enclosure with wooden slats, screens, or even outdoor curtains.

Styling Your Outdoor Shower

The beauty of outdoor showers lies in their ability to be an extension of the natural world. Here are a few design ideas to inspire your project:

• Rustic Charm: Incorporate natural stone or rough-hewn wood for a rustic, cottage-like feel. Surround the area with wildflowers, moss, and greenery to enhance the earthy vibe.
• Modern Minimalism: Opt for sleek stainless steel or matte black fixtures with clean lines. Use simple, elegant materials like concrete or large-format tiles to keep the look modern.
• Tropical Oasis: Create a lush, tropical atmosphere by surrounding the shower with large-leaf plants, palm trees, and tropical flowers. Choose bamboo for the shower enclosure and add smooth river rocks underfoot.
• Spa-Like Zen: Go for a calming, spa-like atmosphere with teak wood, bamboo screens, and neutral tones. Add plants like ferns or succulents, and incorporate soothing elements like a rainfall showerhead.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

While freestanding or basic wall-mounted outdoor showers can be installed by handy homeowners, more complex setups like shower towers, those with hot water, or integrated drainage systems often require professional installation. If your outdoor shower will be close to your home, running plumbing and ensuring proper drainage might be better left to a professional to avoid any issues down the road.

Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Showers

• Winterizing: In colder climates, you’ll need to winterize your outdoor shower by draining the pipes and detaching the hose before freezing temperatures hit.
• Regular Cleaning: Outdoor showers can be more prone to dirt, mold, and algae. Regularly clean the shower area and use weather-resistant materials to prevent damage.
• Inspect Fixtures: Over time, outdoor elements may cause wear on your shower fixtures. Inspect them regularly for rust, leaks, or other signs of damage, and replace as necessary.

Conclusion

An outdoor shower is a wonderful addition to any home, offering both luxury and practicality. Whether you want a simple place to rinse off after a swim or a full spa-like experience, there are endless options for creating the perfect outdoor shower to suit your lifestyle. With thoughtful design, durable materials, and the right location, you’ll have a functional and beautiful outdoor feature that enhances your home and connects you with nature.