There’s something irresistibly refreshing about a summer outdoor shower. Whether you want to rinse off after a dip in the pool or you simply want to have access to a gentle stream of water to use to wash your feet while gardening, a summer shower on your property is a modest indulgence that you can use day in and day out.
In addition to being relaxing, it’s practical, too, reducing what needs to be cleaned in indoor spaces and protecting plumbing from unnecessary wear. And you don’t need to have one prescribed by your ancestors: Setting it up can be as easy or as extravagant as you like it, to suit both your space and your bank account. Some homeowners even apply for landlord loans in Colorado to cover outdoor improvements that enhance comfort and rental appeal.
In this story, we’ll show you how to build an outdoor shower that’s a hands-down winner — both practically and aesthetically. From selecting the best location to the right materials, we’ll cover everything you need to make this invigorating addition as seamless as possible to your summer routine.
Why You’ll Love Having an Outdoor Shower
It may not seem like much, but once you take an outdoor shower, it’s something you wonder how you ever lived without. The best thing about this drink — other than the fact that it’s delicious — is how amazingly refreshing it is, especially on hot summer days. Whether you’ve been on a long hike, you’ve been working in the yard, and need to cool off quickly, the ability to simply go outside and have immediate access is a game changer.”
It’s not just about comfort. It’s practical, too. If you have a pool, it keeps chlorine and unscreened water from getting into your indoor plumbing. If you like gardening or DIY, that’s less dirt trailed through the house. And from households with children or pets? An outdoor rinse-off station can be a time saver in cleaning up for messy outdoor play.
And there’s something liberating about being outside as well. For most, the luxury of having a place to shower at all is one of modern life’s great gifts. A lot of people tell me that it helps them slow down and be more present, even if it’s just for five minutes.
Even better, outdoor showers are relatively easy to install. There’s no need to redo all the plumbing, and countless choices simply attach to a garden hose. That means you can have a working system without digging into your yard or your budget.
Bottom line: The return is big from this small investment. You are receiving comfort, convenience, and a small slice of everyday indulgence — all in the same box.
Choosing the Right Location: Sun, Shade, and Privacy
Your outdoor shower’s location is everything. The goal is to find a place that feels comfortable and secluded, that you’ll want to use. Begin by considering convenience. Do you want it by the pool, by the back door, or squirreled away near the edge of the property? Wherever you put it, be sure that you have access to water to prevent a headache when the plumbing must be brought in.
Privacy is another essential consideration. And that’s even if you’re just rinsing off in your swimsuit — few people want to feel overexposed. Emulating nature: A row of high plants can be a fairly effective barrier on sight lines. Or you could go more low-key and use basic privacy screens constructed of wood slats, bamboo, or fabric curtains. The rule is that you should feel good and comfortable while you’re there in the shower.
What you will need to consider, and which is often ignored, is drainage for your outdoor shower. Water needs to be able to either continue to soak into the ground or run away from your structures so there isn’t any pooling or boggy messes. Options like gravel beds, wooden decks, or pitched concrete pads will all provide effective drainage.
Finally, consider how each addition will contribute to the larger circulation of your outdoor space. It should feel like it belongs in the yard and not scream eyesore. And if played right, that can also mean a beloved hoop in your summer rotation.
Building It Right: Materials That Last and Look Good
The resources you use to build an outdoor shower are also important. This is an installation that will be out in the sun, the rain, and the wind through the year (and perhaps even through the snow!) Wrong materials can cause more traffic, excessive damage, and even dangerous conditions. But with wise choices, your shower will last for years without much maintenance.
Start with the basics: what will hold the thing up? Some of the best frame and privacy wall materials are pressure-treated wood, cedar, and composite woods. These choices do not rot and are resistant to precipitation and wood-destroying insects, but work beautifully with whatever color paint you choose. If a more modern look suits your style, forget wood and metal and decide on powder-coated aluminum and stainless steel for unbeatable strength and the bonus that they will not rust.
Avoid slippery materials on the floor. Stability and adequate drainage are ensured with a natural stone, spaced wood deck, or gravel base. Avoid flat tile or untreated concrete unless you provide a textured finish for safety.
Opt for plumbing-grade stainless steel or brass fixtures — the shower head, valve, and pipes. These are the “good” corrosion-resistant outdoor/indoor materials. Also, if you live in a frigid area, you might want to consider insulation, removable parts, or even frost-proof models to prevent pipes from freezing.
Paying attention and being specific is important as well. For galvanized or stainless screws and nails, to avoid rust stains. The hoses and connectors should be UV resistant if they are going to be exposed to sunlight. Building a basic roof over the shower — like a slatted pergola — can prevent UV exposure and make bathing more comfortable. Here is a brief overview of the core material accents that you’ll need to have a reliable and lasting outdoor shower:
- Frame and Walls: Pressure-treated wood, Western red cedar, Composite, Powder-coated aluminum, Stainless steel
- Flooring: Flagstone, wood decking with spacers, or a gravel bed (but not slippery surfaces)
- Holders: Plumbing grade stainless steel or brass
- Fasteners: Galvanized or Stainless Steel screws and nails
- Accessories: UV-resistant hoses and connectors
- Optional: Basic roof or pergola for shade and shelter
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make something enduring. But skimping out on materials is only going to lead to more work and disappointment later on. Build smart the first time.
