How to Design Your Perfect Outdoor Shower

How to Design Your Perfect Outdoor Shower

Nothing beats the feeling of a refreshing outdoor shower. An outdoor shower can bring you closer to nature, whether you’re at the beach, poolside or in a lush, green garden. It also adds an air of luxury to any outdoor space. Imagine coming out of a pool or hiking and rinsing your sweat and sand under an open sky. Consider these design elements when adding an outdoor shower. They will help you achieve a beautiful result and make the installation process easier.

If you are building a new outdoor shower or renovating an old one, choosing the right materials, plumbing, drainage and privacy will make a huge difference to the final product.

The Design of an Outdoor Shower

1. Plumbing – Connecting Water Supply When planning an outdoor shower, the first thing to consider is plumbing. Connect the water supply to your shower head and taps. It can be as simple as connecting a hose with a faucet, or as complex as connecting cold and hot water pipes. It may be worth installing a hot water line if you intend to use the outdoor shower often, especially in the colder months. To ensure comfort all year round, make sure the water supply to your shower is well insulated. This will prevent it from freezing in winter.
2. Drainage – Managing Water Flow It is important to have a proper drainage system in place so that water does not pool around the outdoor shower. You can choose natural drainage options such as gravel, pebbles or a sloped surface to help direct water away. Installing a traditional drain pipe that is connected to the stormwater system, or garden to use greywater as a source of water can also be an option. If the outdoor shower is part of a raised structure, you may need to use a more advanced drainage system.
3. Flooring – Non-Slip, Functional When selecting flooring for an outdoor shower it is important to choose a material that offers both safety and style. You’ll need to choose a surface that is not slippery, but durable enough to resist weather elements. Popular options include treated timber, stone, concrete and pavers. These materials can all be tailored to your garden’s aesthetic while still providing effective drainage. For example, stone can give a rustic look, while tiles add elegance or a coastal feel.
4. Protecting your Surroundings When your outdoor shower is connected to your house, you should consider the damage water can cause. It is important to waterproof the shower if it is going up against wood, plaster, or weatherboards. Water damage can be prevented by installing a splash guard or waterproof membrane along your wall. A rain barrier, such as a shower curtain or screen can help reduce water exposure in the surrounding area.
5. Privacy – Creating a Private Space Privacy is a major concern when planning an outdoor bathroom. If you plan to use the shower regularly, it may be better to have a more private space. Installing a wooden screen or tall hedges can provide privacy. You can also use outdoor fabrics as a shower curtain. Climbing plants or bamboo is a natural way to create privacy around the shower. They also enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
6. Fittings – Choosing Durable and Functional Elements You’ll want to take into consideration the material and type of fitting you choose. Some of the most popular options are overhead shower roses and handheld showerheads. These are great for cleaning off sand and washing pets. Exposed pipes give an industrial feel, while a low low-level is perfect for rinsing dirty feet. Be sure to choose fittings that are resistant to rust, since they will be exposed. Brass and stainless steel are popular choices because of their corrosion resistance and durability.
7. Lighting for Your Shower Area Installing adequate lighting is essential if you intend to use your shower area at night. Solar-powered garden lighting or wall-mounted fixtures that emit a soft, ambient light can create an ambience without being too harsh. Make sure your lighting is water-resistant and positioned well so that it will not be directly in the path of the spray. Install fairy lights to add a touch of magic around the perimeter.
8. Storage: Keep Essentials Close Outdoor showers can be simple and functional. However, the storage of essentials is important to keep your area clean and organized. Add built-in shelves or niches to store shower supplies like shampoo, soap or loofah. Add hooks and a small bench to store towels and clothes. Towels can be stored in a woven basket, bucket or bucket by the door.
9. Seating is Comfortable and Convenient By including seating in the design of your outdoor shower, you can improve its functionality and comfort. It’s a great idea to add a small wooden bench or stool to your outdoor shower design. This will give you a place for you to sit and dry off after a shower. This is a great solution for families who have small children and pets to bathe.
10. Design Harmony – Blending in with the Surroundings Your outdoor shower design should be harmonious with the surrounding garden. You should pay attention to both the material you choose for the structure of the outdoor shower and the landscaping. If your home has a rustic look, an outdoor wooden shower with natural stone accents will give it a cohesive appearance. Include design elements like stone sculptures or nautical accents to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

Shopping for Outdoor Showers

You can find the right materials for an outdoor shower at a variety of specialty shops and suppliers. You can find reputable landscaping and plumbing suppliers like Heritage Bathware or The English Tapware Company. Businesses like Aquapole Outdoor Showers and Rainware Outdoor Showers, both based in Australia, offer a variety of outdoor shower fittings. Bunnings sells solar-powered outdoor shower poles that allow you to be eco-friendly and add a modern touch to your installation.

Plan Your Outdoor Shower with These Five Key Points

1. Select the Perfect Location It is important to choose the right location for your outdoor shower. Consider factors such as sunlight, privacy and accessibility to plumbing. Ideally, you should place your shower where it gets plenty of sunlight and drainage is easy. Avoid placing your shower in an area that is low and where water could pool.
2. Privacy Is Important Privacy plays a major role in the creation of a relaxing and comfortable outdoor shower. Consider placing the shower against the wall of your house or behind tall plants and trellises if you are concerned about privacy. For added privacy, you could create a screen with wood slats. You can also use a shower curtain.
3. Plan your Drainage System Simple systems such as gravel or natural slopes work well for outdoor showers at ground level. If you are building an elevated outdoor bathroom, you may need to use a more complex drainage system, such as a French Drain or Dry Well, to make sure that the water drains away properly.
4. Enjoy The View An outdoor shower offers the chance to immerse oneself in nature. Choose a place that has a stunning view, such as a garden or ocean. Add decorative plants and water features to the shower area to enhance the experience.
5. Maximize your Space Outdoor Showers can be easily integrated into existing landscape. Use the natural features in your yard to improve the beauty and functionality of your outdoor shower. You can enhance the look of your outdoor shower by adding houseplants, wood, or rocks.

15 Outdoor Shower Ideas for Your Outdoor Oasis

1. Blending into the Landscape For those who enjoy nature and privacy, an outdoor shower in a secluded corner of your garden could be the ideal solution. Climbing vines and bamboo screens can be used to create privacy. This shower is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape.
2. Waterfall shower Bring tranquility to your outdoor shower with a waterfall. With a waterfall-style showerhead, it will feel like you are bathing in a gentle rainfall. This design is perfect for creating a private, serene oasis with natural stone walls.
3. The Bamboo Forest Retreat This versatile, eco-friendly material is perfect for outdoor showers. Bamboo fencing or poles can create a tropical, serene atmosphere around your outdoor shower. Bamboo is both a privacy screen and an attractive aesthetic.
4. Bali Shower Design Inspired by the lush tropics a Bali-style outdoor shower embraces materials such as bamboo, teak and stone. To create a spa atmosphere, you can incorporate stone flooring, tropical plants and wooden accents.
5. Slatted-Roof Showers Imagine a shower under the open sky, while still maintaining some shade. A slatted-roof outdoor shower offers indirect sunlight, ventilation and a relaxing vibe. The natural rainwater also makes for a refreshing shower.
6. Moroccan Luxurious Shower The vivid colours and patterns in Moroccan design will make your outdoor shower luxurious and exotic. Choose blue tiles, bronze fixtures and plush fabrics for a luxurious experience.
7. All Wood Outdoor Shower To create a rustic, yet stylish appearance, you can use wood on the walls and flooring. You can add privacy to your outdoor shower by using a wooden feature wall or pergola.
8. Indoor-Outdoor Shower Create a shower with a partial outdoor portion if you want to have the best of both. Enjoy the fresh air and still have the privacy and comfort of an indoor shower.
9. Stone Slab Bath A truly luxurious shower

Stone slabs can be used for the walls and flooring of your shower to create a rustic, natural feel. Stone’s texture adds grip and safety while its natural beauty enhances your shower.

1. Tropical JungleShowerr Decorate your shower with tropical flowers and plants to create an enchanting jungle-inspired environment. Natural stone floors, a durable outdoor showerhead and natural stone flooring will make you feel as if you are in your private rainforest.
2. Spiritual Shower Design your outdoor shower in a way that reflects a spiritual retreat if you want to create a relaxing, Zen-like experience. Include natural materials such as wood, stone and plants to promote peace and tranquillity.
3. Mediterranean Style Shower This style is a combination of vintage charm and luxurious design. This style is perfect for outdoor showers or pool houses. It uses hand-painted tile, brass fixtures and lots of space.
4. Stone Cave Outdoor Shower Create a luxurious and dramatic outdoor shower by using large rocks or stone walls. This design, which uses large stones or rocks, creates a sense of privacy and luxury, ideal for an outdoor retreat.
5. Tropical Forest Shower Use a combination of wood, stone and lush greenery in your shower to create the feel of a tropical forest. Large shower heads and lots of foliage create a relaxing atmosphere that makes every shower feel like an escape into nature.
6. Minimalist Luxurious Sometimes, less is more. Simple, minimalist outdoor showers with white walls and stone flooring are a great way to create a clean, modern look.

Conclusion 

Outdoor showers can transform your backyard or garden into a relaxing oasis. Your outdoor shower can be transformed into a luxury retreat that is both functional and beautiful with the right design. The possibilities are endless. From a minimalistic design to an exotic tropical retreat, there is no end to the options. Create an inviting outdoor space today!