Splashing out: How to set up an outdoor shower

Author: Georgia Madden on Houzz

Outdoor showers are becoming increasing popular in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. They are a great way to rinse off after a dip in the ocean or pool, and can be a key component in a fully landscaped outdoor bathroom – perfect for the Balinese indoor-outdoor look that’s so popular right now.

Landscaping expert, and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador, Jason Hodges reveals what you need to consider when putting in an outdoor shower.

Which styles work best?
This all depends on the style of your home and landscaped area. You don’t want a brand new outdoor feature to stand out like a sore thumb, so be sure to consider the surrounds. There are many finishes to choose from, including copper and powder-coated steel, but in my view a sleek, chrome rain shower head would be a safe bet in most outdoor areas.

Whatever you choose, remember that the components will be subject to rain, UV, wind and dust, so you’ll want them to be durable, weather-resistant and easy to care for.

What are the main things to consider?
Plumbing: You’ll want to have access to existing plumbing, which should be easy enough for an experienced plumber to connect to.

Drainage: Good drainage is also key, as the last thing you want is for your sensational new shower to become a mud pit. I’d suggest having a wide base with some pavers in the middle to stand on. If you’re doing it yourself, excavate the base to around 400 millimetres to allow space for road base (this provides the structural base for your pavers). Compact the road base and lay pavers on top.

Once you’ve laid pavers in the centre, use draining pebbles or aggregate around them that goes to the edges of the base. This will allow the water to run into the soil and not pool around your feet. Use either a permeable paver such as Adbri Masonry’s Ecopave, where the water can drain through the gaps, or a solid paver with a gentle fall so that water can run off.

Privacy: Whether you have a pool shower or a fully functioning outdoor bathroom, you’ll want privacy from neighbours (and, if it’s an outdoor bathroom, you’ll probably want privacy from those in your house too).

Screening the area with plants and shrubs is an excellent way to create privacy. Or consider using breeze blocks, which are coming back into fashion. A full- or half-height wall of breeze blocks will give you privacy without sacrificing light or airflow, so that the area doesn’t feel like a campground shower.

Positioning: If you’re creating an outdoor bathroom, ensure you have direct access to your house via sliders or bi-fold doors.

If you’re putting in a shower near the pool, ensure the walk from the water to the shower is not across bindies or a shabby section of lawn where there’s more dirt than grass. Installing a stepping-stone path from the pool to the shower is a good solution.

Where should I put my outdoor shower?  
Ideally, choose a sunny spot that optimises the westerly afternoon sun. Keep in mind that you may lose some of this sun if you’re introducing new greenery or privacy screens.

What else is good to know?
Don’t forget the little details that can make a world of difference to your outdoor showering experience, such as adding in somewhere to hang a towel and to stash your clothes, so they don’t have to be on the ground while you’re using the shower. A rack or shelf for soaps or creams is also useful.