An outdoor shower can be a wonderful addition to any backyard or patio space. Enjoying an open air shower surrounded by nature is an invigorating experience. Outdoor showers are also great for rinsing off after using a pool, hot tub or returning from the beach.
When designing an outdoor shower, one of the main decisions is whether you want the water to be heated or just cold. Installing hot and cold plumbing allows you to have the comfort and relaxation of a hot shower if desired. However, it does require a bit more planning and work to set up.
In this article, we will walk through the entire process of creating an outdoor shower with both hot and cold water. We will cover choosing a location, permitting requirements, materials needed, plumbing and heating options, and construction steps. By the end, you should have a good understanding of everything involved in building your own fully functional outdoor shower.
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Choosing a Location
One of the first decisions when adding an outdoor shower is picking the right spot. Here are some things to consider when selecting a location:
– Privacy – Pick a spot that allows you to shower with privacy from neighbors or other areas of your yard. Fence screening or strategic placement near trees/shrubs can help.
– Proximity – You’ll want the shower relatively close to your home to simplify the plumbing and provide easy access. But make sure it’s not too close to entertaining spaces or windows.
– Drainage – Choose a site where water will drain away from the foundation of your home and not pool. A gentle sloped site is ideal.
– Accessibility – The area should be easy to access from your home while also being able to accommodate supplies during construction.
– Sunlight – Consider how much sunlight the area gets. Full sun will allow the shower to dry quicker after use. Shade can also be appealing for cooling during hot summer months.
– Views – Think about any attractive views from the shower like gardens, landscapes or trees to enhance the overall experience.
– Existing plumbing – Locate the shower near existing plumbing lines if possible to simplify hooking up the water supply.
Once you’ve considered these factors, pick a potential spot that meets your needs. Double check for any buried electrical lines, gas lines or septic tanks to avoid conflicts.
Permit Requirements
In many cases, you will need a permit from your local building department before constructing an outdoor shower. Permits are typically required if you are adding new plumbing lines, electrical work, or structural elements like a pad or privacy wall.
Connecting an outdoor shower to your existing household plumbing generally triggers the need for a permit. The purpose is to ensure your plumbing plans meet code. Your building department will also want to inspect the installation before covering up finished plumbing.
If your outdoor shower only utilizes simple on-off valves and a hose bib without additional plumbing, a permit may not be necessary. The same applies if you are just building a basic structure without plumbing.
Check with your local building department to understand permit requirements in your area. They can also provide key guidelines for your design. Having permit requirements in mind early allows you to plan appropriately.
Some common permit needs include:
– Detailed plumbing diagrams showing water supply lines, drainage, and cutoff valves.
– Electrical plans if installing lighting, a water heater, or other powered elements.
– List of materials to be used like pipe types, hardware, lumber treatment, etc.
– Site plan showing the shower location in relation to other structures/utilities.
– Info on how the shower will be used – household only or public pool shower, for example.
Taking time to get proper permits avoids potential issues down the road. The approval process also ensures your outdoor shower is safe and built to standard.
Outdoor Shower Materials Needed
An outdoor shower requires bringing water supply lines outdoors from your main household plumbing. You’ll also need a way to heat the water if desiring hot water capability. Beyond the plumbing, you’ll need building materials for the physical shower structure itself.
Here are the main component categories and materials needed for constructing a hot and cold outdoor shower:
Water Supply Lines
– Copper, PEX, or galvanized pipe to run hot and cold water lines underground from the house to the shower area.
– Shutoff valves for each water line at the house connection point. Allows turning off water to the shower.
– Hose bibs or other fittings appropriate for your water line type to connect the pipes at the shower.
– Pipe insulation to wrap underground water line sections to avoid freezing in cold climates.
Water Heating
– Outdoor water heater like a tankless propane model sized appropriately for your shower needs.
– Hot water line and fittings like flex hoses to connect heater to shower.
– Gas line and fittings if using a gas water heater.
Drainage
– Gravel and crushed stone to create a drainage base under the shower floor.
– Landscape drainage piping if needed to move water away from the shower area. Connects to municipal sewer/septic.
Shower Structure
– Concrete pad or wooden platform as sub-base for the shower floor.
– Shower floor material – tile, stone, or outdoor shower pans.
– Wall framing materials – pressure treated lumber or moisture resistant boards.
– Siding for walls like tile, stone, or rot/decay resistant wood.
– Roofing materials if having a roof over the shower – asphalt, metal, shingles.
– Doors/curtain – Shower doors, curtains, or other enclosures to contain splashing.
Having all necessary materials on hand will make the installation process go smoothly and efficiently. Consider delivery timelines when purchasing.
Plumbing the Hot and Cold Water Supply
The plumbing work involved with adding an outdoor shower includes:
– Tapping into the existing household water lines.
– Running new supply lines underground from the house to shower.
– Setting up hot water heating.
– Connecting everything at the shower site.
Here are more details on accomplishing each phase:
Tapping Into Existing Plumbing
You will need to access the hot and cold water lines inside your home at the starting point. Common connection points are in the basement, crawlspace, or garage where lines are more accessible.
Use the appropriate fittings for your plumbing type to create new tap points on the existing pipes. For copper, a saddle valve or T-fitting works well. For PEX, you can use elbows, tees and couplers to split off new lines.
Install a shutoff valve at each tap point before the new water lines. This allows you to turn off water supply to the shower separately from the main house. Make sure taps are situated in unobstructed areas allowing access later if needed.
Running Supply Lines to the Shower
From the connection points, the new hot and cold water lines need to be routed underground to the planned shower location.
Dig a trench at least 18 inches deep from the house to shower site. PVC piping can first be inserted to protect the lines.
Determine the needed water line length and cut sections of copper, PEX or galvanized steel pipe to make the connection. Make sure to get the appropriate diameter to maintain water pressure.
Place the lines in the PVC conduit if using. Section off portions of the trench at a time to work on one line segment at a time. Maintain at least 12 inches of line separation.
Use couplings and elbows as needed to create a continuous run to the shower site. Make sure to thoroughly insulate lines with foam wrap to avoid freezing.
Backfill the trench as each section is installed. Avoid sharp rocks or debris that could damage piping. Compact the backfilled soil.
Heating the Water
If you only need a cold water shower, the plumbing preparation is complete at this point. Just finalize shower hookups.
For hot water, install the chosen water heating solution at the shower site according to its specifications. Most outdoor shower heaters utilize propane or natural gas.
Run an additional hot water line from the heater to complete the shower hookup. Insulate this line just like the supply lines. The heater will activate on demand when the hot water is turned on.
Shower Hookups
At the planned shower location, start by preparing a solid base with materials like a concrete pad, gravel or treated lumber. This creates a stable foundation for the plumbing components.
Insert hose bibs or other fittings at the ends of the hot and cold supply lines. Arrange them according to your desired shower layout.
Provide any additional plumbing like a diverter valve if you plan for a rain shower head. Test all water lines and valves for leaks before covering up plumbing. Consider installing access panels for future maintenance needs.
The plumbing portion of the project takes careful planning and execution. But once in place it enables the rest of the shower installation.
Constructing the Shower Structure
With the behind-the-scenes plumbing work complete, the fun part of actually building the physical shower structure begins. Here are the key steps involved:
Frame the Walls
– Cut pressure-treated lumber to frame the desired size walls for your shower area. A moisture-resistant material is important to avoid rot and decay over time.
– Connect upright studs between top and bottom plates using galvanized framing nails or exterior wood screws.
– Place studs 16 inches on center for best support. Add headers over doorways and diagonal bracing.
– Make sure the framed walls are square by measuring the diagonals before moving on.
Build the Floor
– Pour or place a concrete pad sized slightly larger than the shower floor area.
– For a wood base, use treated joists and plywood instead. Leave a 1/4″ gap between boards to allow drainage.
– Install a foundation of gravel, crushed stone and sand. Pack down well. This creates drainage under the floor.
– Choose your finished shower pan or tile material. Measure precisely and cut boards for the floor if needed.
Install Wall Coverings
– Select your desired wall siding – tile, stone, cedar boards, etc. Measure and cut pieces to size.
– For tile, first attach cement board to the framing as a backing material. Use galvanized screws.
– Apply thinset mortar and press tiles into place. Use spacers for consistent grout line spacing.
– For other materials like wood, attach directly to framing with exterior screws. Maintain a 1/8″ gap between boards.
– Seal corners and seams with exterior caulking. This prevents moisture intrusion.
Build the Roof
– Frame a sloped roof with rafters if you want a covered shower. Allows rainfall runoff.
– Deck the roof with plywood and install your desired roofing material – asphalt shingles, metal, etc.
– You can also keep the shower open to the sky if you prefer. No roof framing needed.
– Include roof overhangs to avoid rain from directly entering the shower space.
Add Accessories
– Hang your shower curtain rod or install doors to contain splashing.
– Waterproof any lighting fixtures and install switches. Overhead lighting is recommended.
– Consider amenities like shelving, hooks, mirrors or benches for convenience.
Take time to make the shower structure sturdy and properly waterproofed. This ensures it will hold up well against outdoor elements.
Tips for Enjoying Your Outdoor Shower
Once completed, here are some tips for making the most of your new backyard oasis:
– Add decorative touches like plants, rocks, artwork to make the space inviting.
– Keep basic toiletries and towels stored nearby for easy access.
– Use a plastic floor mat for cushioning underfoot. Remove after each use for drying.
– Install a rack outside the shower to hold items like soap, shampoo and scrub brushes.
– Play calming music, use candles or dim lighting to create a spa-like ambiance.
– Have cozy robes or wraps ready for when exiting the shower into cooler temps.
– In cooler weather, partially close shower curtains to retain some heat inside the shower space.
– In winter, remember to completely drain water lines to avoid damage from freezing.
– Check for leaks, cracks or drips before each use to identify any maintenance needs.
An outdoor shower lets you escape into nature without sacrificing modern amenities. Follow this complete guide to create your own personal backyard sanctuary.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor shower with hot and cold water allows you to enjoy refreshing open-air bathing right at home. By planning ahead and taking it step-by-step, the project can be very manageable.
The key elements covered in this article include:
– Picking the right location based on privacy, accessibility, drainage and more.
– Understanding permitting requirements and getting approval before starting work.
– Gathering necessary plumbing, heating and building materials before installation.
– Tapping into existing lines, running new underground supply lines, and integrating a water heater.
– Framing and waterproofing the physical shower walls, floor, roof and accessories.
While it requires some upfront work, an outdoor shower is a great way to enhance your backyard living space. Just follow our guide to create your own personal oasis! Let us know if you have any other questions as you embark on your outdoor shower project.