What are outdoor showers?
As you can guess by the name, outdoor showers are designed for use… outdoors!
They can be as simple as a shower head attached to a hose, or as elaborate as a full-fledged bathroom complete with running water and electricity.
Most outdoor showers are made of durable materials like stainless steel, copper, or bronze, to withstand the elements.
Now when it comes to the outdoor shower enclosure, there are different schools of thought. Some people like the feeling of being completely open to the elements, while others prefer a little more privacy.
You can use cedar wood for the walls, door, and floor of your shower. Or if you are on a budget, you could use simple PVC pipe and plastic sheeting for your outdoor shower enclosures.
What is an outdoor shower kit?
An outdoor shower kit is a pre-packaged set that includes everything you need to set up an outdoor shower.
They usually include the shower head, shower curtain, hose, and all the necessary hardware. Some kits also come with an enclosure or privacy screen.
If you are handy, you can probably put together your own outdoor shower, however, if you are in a hurry or don’t have enough experience, we recommend going with a kit.
You will find cedar kits, cape cod shower kits, cottage shower kits, and more.
There are also solar-powered outdoor shower kits available, which are a great idea for people who want to save on their energy bills.
Benefits of outdoor showers
Here are some of the key benefits of installing an outdoor shower:
1. Great addition to your garden
If you have a back yard or garden, an outdoor shower can be a great addition. Not only will it add value to your house, but it will also give you a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The outdoor fabrics can make it feel like you’re in a summer oasis and make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.
2. Convenient for washing your pets
If you have pets, an outdoor shower can be a convenient way to wash them without making a mess in your house. Simply hose them down and let them shake off outside. You don’t have to worry about wet floors or getting your house dirty.
3. Save water
An outdoor shower can help you save water since you are not using nearly as much as you would if you were showering indoors. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with drought conditions or water restrictions.
4. Rinse off before going inside
If you’ve been swimming in a pool or working in the yard, an outdoor shower can help you rinse off before going inside your house. This will keep dirt and debris out of your home and save you from tracking mud through the house.
5. Save money
An outdoor shower can also save you money on your water bill since you are using less water overall. Outdoor showers are also less expensive to build than indoor showers since you don’t need to worry about waterproofing or tiling.
6. Get some fresh air
Showering outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great way to start your day or relax after a long day. You can even add some aromatherapy to your shower to further relax and rejuvenate yourself.
7. Environmentally friendly
Since outdoor showers use less water, they are more environmentally friendly than indoor showers. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to conserve water.
How to build an outdoor shower?
So now that we know one or two things about outdoor showers, let’s get into how to build one.
1. Choose a location
The first step is to choose a location for your shower. It should be close to a water source and in an area that gets good sunlight. If you live in a cold climate, you might want to consider building a sunroom or screened-in porch to make sure your shower stays warm.
Also, the ground should be level so that water doesn’t pool in one area. If you have a sloped yard, you can create a platform or build your shower into a hillside.
2. Decide on the type of shower
The next step is to decide what type of shower you want. There are many different types of shower designs available, from simple solar-powered showers to more elaborate cedar showers.
If you are on a budget, a solar shower might be the way to go. If you want something a little more luxurious, a cedar shower would be a better option.
3. Get a shower kit
If you want to save time and money, we recommend getting a shower kit. Kits come with all the materials and instructions you need to build your shower.
They are also usually less expensive than buying everything separately. You can find cedar kits, solar kits, and more online or at your local home improvement store. Most companies ship nationwide, so you won’t be facing any problems in that respect.
4. Gather your materials
If you decide to go the DIY route, you will need to gather all of the necessary materials. For a cedar shower, you will need cedar boards, posts, and rails.
You will also need a drill, saw, screws, nails, and brackets. If you are building a solar shower, you will need a black PVC pipe, a clear PVC pipe, and some fittings.
Or if you are going with kits, you will find all the materials in the kit itself.
5. Assemble your shower
Once you have all of your materials, it’s time to start assembling your shower. If you are using a kit, follow the instructions that come with it.
If you are building a cedar shower, start by attaching the rails to the posts. Then add the boards to the rails. Be sure to use waterproof screws and nails so that your shower will last for years.
It’s better to get some extra posts and boards just in case you make a mistake. That way, you won’t have to start over from scratch.
6. Add the finishing touches
Once your shower is assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches. If you are using a solar shower, add the black PVC pipe to the bottom of the shower and attach the clear PVC pipe to the top.
Then, add a shower head and hose to the top of the clear PVC pipe. Finally, attach the fittings to connect the pipes to your water source.
If you are using a cedar shower, you will need to stain or seal the wood to protect it from the elements. You can find these products at your local home improvement store.
You can also add other accessories like a shelf, hooks, or a mirror. Just be sure to use waterproof materials so that your shower will last for years.
7. Enjoy your new outdoor shower!
Now that you know how to build an outdoor shower, it’s time to enjoy it! Invite your friends over for a pool party or have a family barbecue and enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Now you know everything you need to know about outdoor showers. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying your new shower in no time. Or you can also as a professional to build it for you. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy your new outdoor shower!