Outdoor showers offer a unique blend of luxury, practicality, and connection with nature, enhancing both the functionality and enjoyment of your home’s outdoor space. Whether rinsing off after a swim, cooling down on a hot day, or simply seeking a refreshing escape, an outdoor shower can be a delightful addition to any property. This article will guide you through the detailed benefits, key considerations, and a comprehensive step-by-step process for building an outdoor shower!
Why Build an Outdoor Shower?
There are several incredible benefits to building an outdoor shower. Here are nine of the most popular:
Enhanced Outdoor Experience
Showering outdoors can transform an everyday activity into an extraordinary experience. The exposure to natural elements like sunlight, fresh air, and the sounds of nature can turn a simple shower into a peaceful retreat, offering psychological benefits and a sense of spa-like luxury.Convenience for Outdoor Activities
An outdoor shower is incredibly practical for those who engage in regular outdoor activities such as gardening, swimming, or exercising. It allows for an easy clean-up before entering the house, keeping sand, dirt, and other debris outside where they belong.Saves on Indoor Cleaning
By mitigating the amount of dirt and grime brought into your home, an outdoor shower can help preserve the interior of your house, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning and prolonging the life of your indoor plumbing fixtures.Ideal for Entertaining
Outdoor showers are a perfect amenity during gatherings, allowing guests to rinse off pool chemicals or simply cool down during a hot day without the inconvenience of walking through your home to use a bathroom.Water Fun for Children
For families with children, outdoor showers can be a quick and fun way to wash up after playtime, keeping indoor bathrooms clean and free of messes.Eco-Friendly Options
Designing an outdoor shower with water conservation in mind can lead to more sustainable living practices. Water-efficient fixtures and environmentally friendly soaps can minimize your household's ecological footprint.Therapeutic Benefits
The therapeutic benefits of an outdoor shower extend beyond cleanliness. The natural environment can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and provide a tranquil space for mindfulness practices.Flexibility in Design
The design of an outdoor shower can be tailored to fit any style or size of outdoor space, from minimalist setups to elaborate enclosures. This versatility allows it to integrate into your landscape seamlessly.Increased Home Value
Adding an outdoor shower can significantly boost your property's appeal and marketability, particularly in locales near the beach or warmer climates. It's often seen as a high-end amenity that can enhance the overall desirability of your home, potentially leading to higher resale values.
What to Consider When Building an Outdoor Shower
Location
Choose a spot that balances privacy and convenience. It should be easily accessible but secluded enough to provide a private experience. Consider proximity to the main house for ease of plumbing connectivity and the natural landscape for optimal drainage and environmental integration.Plumbing Requirements
You will need to assess the feasibility of connecting to your home's existing plumbing system or the need for installing new pipes. Consider both cold and hot water access for year-round usability.Materials
Select materials that are durable and weather-resistant. Woods like cedar and teak are popular for their natural resistance to moisture and decay, while metals such as stainless steel or brass are preferred for their durability and resistance to rust. Thanks to its low maintenance and high-quality look, solid cellular vinyl is quickly gaining popularity as the best material for outdoor products. Solid cellular vinyl is an advanced material impervious to water and won't warp, rot, or split, making it perfect for your outdoor shower.Environmental Considerations
Plan for sustainable water use and drainage that protects the surrounding landscape. It could include designing the shower to feed into a gray water system that irrigates your garden, thereby recycling water and reducing waste.
How to Install an Outdoor Shower
Step 1: Design the Layout
Create a detailed plan that includes dimensions, plumbing layout, and design aesthetics. This blueprint will guide all subsequent steps and help visualize the final product.
Step 2: Install the Foundation
Prepare a solid foundation, such as a concrete slab or a wooden deck, that provides stability and ensures proper drainage. Slope the foundation slightly to facilitate water runoff.
Step 3: Set Up the Plumbing
Work with a professional plumber to install the necessary plumbing. This includes running water lines to the chosen location and installing fixtures that provide hot and cold water options.
Step 4: Build the Structure
Construct the enclosure using the selected materials. Ensure all joints are sealed and treated to prevent water damage and decay. Include elements like benches or shelving for added functionality. Walpole Outdoors offers high-quality, prefabricated outdoor shower kits to complement the aesthetic of your home.
Step 5: Install the Shower Fixtures
Securely attach the showerhead, control valves, and any additional fixtures. Position them for easy access and optimal water flow.
Step 6: Final Touches
Enhance your shower with accessories such as hooks for hanging towels, racks for toiletries, and decorative elements that tie into the overall design theme of your garden or backyard.
Building an outdoor shower involves careful planning and execution but results in a valuable and enjoyable addition to your home. With the right approach, you can create a functional, beautiful space that enhances your outdoor living experience and the utility of your property!
Browse Outdoor Shower Options from Walpole Outdoors
An innovator of high-quality outdoor products and designs, Walpole Outdoors has been helping homeowners enhance the beauty of their homes for over ninety years. Our outdoor shower kits are simple yet elegant enclosures designed to attach to your house, cabana, or garage. In some areas, our professional team can offer installation services. We have an exquisite line of prefabricated shower enclosure kits to choose from. If you’re interested in a custom design, we can do that too! Our professional design team can help create a shower enclosure that will enhance and complement your overall outdoor aesthetic. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary design consultation!