ATTRIBUTION: Nicolás Boullosa (Flickr)
You don’t have to have a beach house to enjoy the convenience of an outdoor shower. I love mine, as it keeps guests from tracking dirt and sand indoors. They’re also great for rinsing off muddy kids and pets at the end of a long day of outdoor fun. Even if you don’t own a pool or spa, an outdoor shower is a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day. While often associated with luxury homes, an outdoor shower doesn’t have to be lavish or expensive. In fact, you likely have the skills to build or install an outdoor shower in your own backyard.
Hose and Shower Curtain
One of the easiest DIY outdoor showers includes a single hose and a shower curtain. Drape a hose over a tree branch or affix it to a pole or the side of your house. For privacy, sew a shower curtain around two large hoops to create a simple shower enclosure.
Creative Shower Fixtures
To mimic the spray of a traditional shower fixture, be creative when choosing your showerhead. Punch some holes into the bottom of a tin or aluminum can to create a rain-style spray. If you prefer a wider showerhead, use a wooden bucket with small holes drilled into the bottom.
Organic Shower
By using natural materials, you can create an organic shower that’s both environmentally friendly and beautiful to look at. Hollow bamboo poles work well to transport water from your home to your shower fixture, and you could use stone to create a privacy wall surrounding the shower.
Industrial Tin Shower
The sound of rain on a tin roof can be soothing. Create this relaxing sound in your outdoor shower by building a privacy screen from corrugated metal on a frame made of wood. Use galvanized pipes instead of PVC for your plumbing to create a more aesthetically pleasing shower setup.
Wooden Pallet Showers
There are many ways to incorporate wooden pallets into your outdoor shower design. Pallets work great as privacy walls or as dividers between your pool and shower areas. They can also be configured to support the plumbing and fixtures while providing extra space to hold soap, shampoo, and other shower essentials.
Free-Standing Shower
Short on space? Create a free-standing shower in the corner of your backyard. There are several ways this can be done. The easiest option is to attach a standard showerhead and pipes to a fence post. With the right connector, you can attach your hose directly to the plumbing. Build a wooden frame on the ground below the shower and fill it with smooth rocks to filter the water and prevent a muddy mess.
Shower With a View
Enhance your outdoor shower experience by building it in an area with a spectacular view. Cool off after gardening with a shower that overlooks your array of colorful flowers. You may also place your shower in a spot that provides unobstructed views of nature, whether it’s a nearby river, mountain, or woodland.