The Benefits of an Outdoor Shower
There are a variety of reasons why you might consider installing an outdoor shower. If you live near the beach, an outdoor shower provides you with a way to wash off the sand before coming back inside. If you have a pool or hot tub, you can rinse off when you get in and out of the tub or pool. And if you love working in your garden, an outdoor shower is nice to have to spray off dirt before you come back inside your home. Outdoor showers are also great for washing off kids and pets after hours spent playing outside. Or you may simply want to create a relaxing outdoor shower environment that feels like your own personal escape. Below are some ideas for choosing a shower type and inspiration for creating the perfect outdoor shower for your needs and your space.
Types of Outdoor Showers
Outdoor showers can be as simple as attaching a standard shower fixture to an exterior wall or as luxurious as a fully equipped enclosure that’s more than just a place to rinse off. There’s a wide variety of outdoor shower types and styles, including wall-mounted showers and freestanding showers. Which type you choose depends on how often you plan to use it. Permanent options are better for more frequent use.
Wall-Mounted Shower: A permanent outdoor shower option attached directly to your home’s exterior. For more privacy, install an outdoor shower enclosure around it.
Freestanding Shower: A stationary or portable outdoor shower option. Stationary models are installed with underground plumbing, while portable ones connect to a garden hose for more flexible placement.
Think about the type of shower head you want for your outdoor shower, too. Options include:
- Standard fixed shower heads are installed on the wall. They are stationary and come in a variety of sizes and finishes.
- Handheld shower heads detach from the wall mount and can provide a more thorough rinse. They have flexible hoses that allow you to target the spray where you need it, making them great for tasks like washing off feet or bathing pets. Some handheld shower heads have various spray modes.
- Rainfall shower heads are ideal for larger outdoor shower spaces. Though they offer a more luxurious shower experience, they do require more water pressure than a standard fixed shower head.
Inspiration for Your Outdoor Shower
Minimalistic Shower Station
If the purpose of your outdoor shower is mostly for quick rinses, a simple set up on the side of your house is a great option. Whether cleaning up after a few hours spent in the garden or rinsing muddy feet, a wall-mounted outdoor shower gives you all you need to keep from tracking dirt into the house.
Privacy Please
Make your outdoor shower a place for more than just quick rinses by adding a shower enclosure. These stalls instantly create a more luxurious feel and can be closed off with a shower curtain or door, lending you the privacy you need to indulge in a full shower experience outdoors. Add towel hooks, a shower bench and any other accessories you may need to enhance the enclosure and your experience.
Rustic Rinse
For a more rustic look, consider a classic wooden shower. Here, wood planks create the wall for the shower head to attach to. Small shelves provide space for washcloths and a bar of soap, and small plants that enhance the rustic feel. If you want something less open, you can even enclose it and install a wooden seat for more showering convenience.
Pair With Plants
Turn your outdoor shower into a nature-inspired experience by adding plants to the setup. Whether you prefer a tropical escape or want a secret garden feel, the greenery will make you feel like you just stepped into a paradise of your choosing. As a bonus: the plants will benefit from the shower water too. Consider a rainfall shower head to further enhance the vibe.
Landscape Feature
Adding a shower to your backyard doesn’t mean it has to stand out. Instead, incorporate it into your landscape. This enclosed outdoor shower is nestled between shrubs, trees and rock features to make it look like it was always there.
Poolside Shower
Having a shower by the pool makes it easy for you and guests to rinse off quickly before diving in. It's also convenient for washing off after you’re finished swimming for the day. This poolside shower connects to a garden hose for easy set up. If you have a pool house or another structure nearby, consider a more permanent outdoor pool shower with more features — like hot and cold water — and an enclosure.
Beyond Your Basic Shower
Outdoor showers can be customized in many ways, and there are endless features to consider when installing one.
- Flooring: For safety, you’ll want to consider a nonslip floor, such as slip-resistant tile. This will help prevent people from slipping in the shower while also giving it a stylish touch.
- Temperature: Do you want hot water for your outdoor shower, or is a cold-only option all right? You can hook up your home’s hot water to the outdoor shower if you wish.
- Storage: Storage for shower necessities is also something you’ll want to think about. A wooden outdoor storage bench is a nice touch. It adds to the look of the shower while providing a space to store towels, soap and other accessories. Towel hooks and shelves are other options to bring storage to your shower.
- Double duty: If you often have guests at your pool, you can install two shower heads or build multiple stalls to increase the convenience for everyone. Some outdoor showers are designed with two shower heads on one post to make rinsing off easier and faster.
In addition to these details, make your outdoor shower experience even more luxurious by adding frosted glass doors, a stylish backsplash with patterned tile or even an outdoor tub.
For more ideas and ways to transform your yard into a space you love spending time in, check out these articles.
Get Started on Your Outdoor Shower Project
Outdoor showers not only provide a way to clean off before going inside but also a luxurious experience that can combine a warm shower with the great outdoors. Use these outdoor shower ideas to inspire your decisions on what type of outdoor shower you need and how you want it to look. Once you have your idea mapped out, shop Lowes.com or stop by your local store where a Red Vest associate can help you find the tools and materials you need to start your project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Showers
Where should I install my outdoor shower?
Where you install your outdoor shower depends on how you plan to use it. Near a back door is convenient for quick rinses before heading inside. Likewise, a shower station by a pool lets you wash off before entering and after exiting the pool. Or if you’d rather create a spa-like experience, you can set it up in a more secluded area of your landscape. Placement near water access, with sun exposure and away from public view are factors to consider when deciding where to install your shower.
Do I need a plumber to install an outdoor shower?
If you have plumbing knowledge and feel comfortable taking on the task, installing your outdoor shower near existing plumbing, like on an outside wall next to a bathroom or the kitchen, is an option that may not require a professional. But if you’re planning on setting up your shower somewhere else or considering running hot and cold water, a professional might be the best choice for the job. Showers that simply hook up to a garden hose are easy to install and don’t need the help of a professional.
Do I need an enclosure for my outdoor shower?
An enclosed outdoor shower increases privacy, which is important if you’re planning on using the shower for more than just rinsing off after a dip in the pool. Wall panels are the obvious choice for privacy if you want it, but you can also hang up a shower curtain on the enclosure. Elements like greenery or fencing can also help create a private space to shower outside.
Can outdoor showers be used year-round?
It depends on the climate. If you live in an area where temperatures typically don’t fall below freezing, using your outdoor shower year-round is reasonable. But in locations where winter weather pauses the luxury, it’s important to winterize your shower until warm weather returns. This can include turning off the water supply, removing fixtures (like the shower head) and other protective measures to prevent damage while it’s not in use.