Outdoor Showers: How-to's And What Not To Do's

Whether it’s the romance of showering under the stars, the thought of no more muddy footprints leading to the bathroom, or something else that has you dreaming of an outdoor shower, there’s a bit to consider.

But first, we’re going to bust the myth that outdoor showers are reserved for five-star resorts and upscale homes. Outdoor showers have a place in many Australian homes.

Why Have An Outdoor Shower?

We’ve already touched on outdoor showers being great for washing off mud-lovers. They’re equally as valuable for beach dwellers, messy gardeners, and sweaty sports stars of all ages. They’re perfect for washing puddle-loving four-legged friends too.

Outdoor showers have a place for rinsing off before or after swimming. Depending on where you position your outdoor shower, it can bring a whole lot of relaxation and something extra special to your home for you and your family to enjoy – and this can add to your home’s value.

Outdoor showers can save you from the need to supervise the kids during bath time, and because they’re such fun, they can also help your kids to fall in love with cleaning up! An outdoor shower may even lower your water bill – the transition from bath to shower can add up to less water being used.

So, with the decision made that installing an outdoor shower is right for you, here are our top tips when it comes to how-tos and what not to dos!

Location, Location, Location!

Knowing how you’ll use your shower will help you to decide where to put it. If you want to inspire the kids to wash off before running through the back door, then a shower next to the door should stop them in their tracks. Or if your outdoor shower is for a post-swim rinse, then it’s obvious that a location beside the pool is best. And if your outdoor shower is to help you relax and wash away the day, then find a spot that takes in the beauty of your natural surrounds.

Privacy? It’s Always Personal.

If dropping your clothes is going to be part of your outdoor shower experience, then consider the sightlines of all neighbouring properties, and sightlines from within your home.

You might be able to use elements of the landscape to bring privacy to your outdoor shower space. If not, a privacy screen could be just what you need. They come in a range of different materials in roll-down, folding, and fixed formats.

Fixing Yourself Up With The Right Fixtures

When it comes to choosing your shower tapware and shower rose, you’ll find yourself flooded with options. Make it rain with the Caroma Urbane II Rain Shower which pairs nicely with the Caroma Urbane II Shower Mixer, with both available in in matte black, chrome or brushed brass. We also love the functionality of the Oliveri Monaco Dual Shower Set in matte black or brushed nickel.

Would You Like Hot Water With That?

If your outdoor shower is for rinsing off after a quick dip in the pool, then a cold-water-only shower is probably all you need. But if it’s for more than that, you might like to commit to installing hot water. And once you do that it’s likely your shower will be used a lot.

More water use equals more thought about drainage. In many parts of Australia, hot-water outlets need to be connected to the sewer, and this means some kind of finished surface to direct water to a drain.

Same, Same But Different

When it comes to plumbing an outdoor shower, it’s much like plumbing an indoor one. The same rules and building codes apply to drainage and hot and cold water. Something to consider though is the potential for water trapped in pipes to freeze when the temperature drops. This can result in pipes cracking and costly repairs. A shutoff valve and pipes travelling on a downward slope can help with this.

Plumb Position!

While we’ve touched on location already, plumbing also has a role to play in choosing your outdoor shower location. Putting your outdoor shower close to the bathroom, kitchen or laundry can save time and money because you can tap into established lines. While putting your shower in a secluded grove in the corner of your yard can mean digging a trench and running pipes.

Keeping Things Fresh

Outdoor showers are prone to mould and mildew, just as indoor showers are. To keep things fresh, keep the space well ventilated. You want your outdoor shower to completely dry out between every use. To help with this, elevate any screens off the ground, and if there is a roof don’t extend the walls to reach it. Leave open space to help your outdoor shower breathe.

Take The Pressure Off By Considering These Final Tips…

• Check what your local council requires for outdoor showers because regulations vary across Australia. In Queensland, for example, if you want both hot and cold water in your outdoor shower, it must have a roof and a grated drain that connects to the sewer.

• If your outdoor shower does use hot water, remember the further it is from the hot-water service, the longer it will take for the hot water to reach you. Extra distance doesn’t just add to your wait time, it can add to your water bill.

• Pair your outdoor shower with a bath for added luxury and indulgence. The Raymor Winton Freestanding Bath makes a big, bold statement.

• Consider access. Walking to an outdoor shower across gravel or dirt isn’t ideal. Pave a path or lay a steppers to make the transition to and from the house easy (and clean!).

Looking For More Advice?

Connect with the Tradelink team. You’ll find them in our showrooms, which are an excellent place to visit. You could also book a virtual appointment.

Tradelink showroom consultants can help you with budget, layout, plumbing and styling advice, and so much more.