The Best Way to Enjoy an Outdoor Shower: A Guide for Building and Using One

Imagine stepping out into a heavy summer downpour, feeling the refreshing droplets soak deep into your skin. The experience of a natural rain shower is something that can’t be replicated, and if you’re seeking an alternative to traditional showers, an outdoor shower might be the perfect solution for you.

Creating the Ideal Setup

While some like to mimic the natural rain experience with garden hose attachments or oscillating sprinklers, the ultimate outdoor shower involves a bit more thoughtful planning. Whether you’re setting this up for practical use or simply for fun, here’s a detailed guide on how to build and use one.

Building an Outdoor Shower

Privacy: The level of privacy needed will determine the type of structure. From no walls at all to cedar panels, frosted glass, or even living vegetation as screening. Showerhead: You can opt for a simple showerhead or a large rain showerhead. Even a sink sprayer can work, perfect for conserving water during the lathering process. Water Source: Decide if you need cold, hot, or both. PVC tubing with valves or copper tubing with a full shower control can be used. Ensure a second shutoff valve inside the house for safety, especially in colder climates. Flooring: Depending on privacy needs, no drain might be enough, or you can install a drain to direct the runoff to your home's drainage system or away from the house.

For our current home, we opted for no walls, an overhang to provide shade, a standard shower control, and a rain showerhead. The floor is part of the regular patio, ensuring easy drainage. We’ve found that having a shower near our pool and jacuzzi helps keep them clean. Additionally, it serves as a quick cooldown method for hot days or to wash off from working around the house or riding through the backwoods.

Practical Use and Benefits

The benefits of an outdoor shower extend beyond just providing a refreshing rinse-off. Here are some reasons why an outdoor shower can be a valuable addition to any home:

Pool and Jacuzzi Maintenance: A quick rinse off can help keep your pool and jacuzzi cleaner, reducing the frequency of chemical treatments. Cooling Down: On hot days, a shower can cool you down quickly without interrupting your pool or jacuzzi use. Cleaning After Outdoor Activities: Whether you just came from working around the house or spent a day exploring the outdoors, an outdoor shower can help rinse off dirt and sweat.

For those who enjoy naturism, outdoor showers provide a unique and personal experience. Guests know that birthday suits are allowed, and we ensure that our property is well-marked to respect everyone's boundaries.

Conclusion

An outdoor shower can be a wonderful addition to any home, offering both practicality and enjoyment. Whether you want to emulate a natural rain shower or build a more structured outdoor shower, the possibilities are endless. By considering factors like privacy, water source, and flooring, you can create a shower that suits your needs and enhances your outdoor experience.