Should you have outdoor shower by pool?

Having an outdoor shower by your pool offers many benefits that can enhance your backyard experience. As you consider adding an outdoor shower, asking a few key questions can help you determine if it’s right for your needs.

Is an outdoor shower practical for your climate?

Outdoor showers work best in warm, sunny climates where you can enjoy them for much of the year. If you live in a cold winter climate, an outdoor shower likely won’t get much use for several months of the year. However, they can still be enjoyable during spring, summer and fall if you don’t mind braving chillier temperatures on some days.

Look at the typical weather patterns where you live. If you get a reasonable amount of warm, sunny days, an outdoor shower could still be worthwhile. Just expect to shut it down or winterize it during the coldest months.

Do you have space in your backyard?

You’ll need adequate space in your backyard to install a shower enclosure or position a freestanding shower. Look at the area around your pool and determine if there’s a good spot to place a shower without encroaching too much on other activities.

For a privacy wall or enclosure, you may need a space that’s at least 5 feet x 5 feet. Freestanding showers take up less room but still require some space. If you have a larger yard and pool area, there may be plenty of options. But if your property is small, space limitations may make an outdoor shower challenging.

How much privacy do you need?

When positioned by the pool, an outdoor shower won’t have the same privacy as an indoor bathroom. Think about if you need your shower to be more enclosed or if an open-air style is fine.

For more privacy, look for shower enclosures with curtains or full walls on three sides. Bamboo, wood or other privacy fences also help contain the area. If you don’t need total seclusion, more open showers like those with privacy screens or no walls can work well.

Do local codes allow outdoor showers?

Most areas allow outdoor showers, but some neighborhoods or homeowner’s associations may have rules against them. Check with your local zoning office for any regulations in your city or county.

Outdoor showers require running water, drainage and electricity, so proper building codes apply. Be sure to pull any needed permits and have the installation inspected when complete.

Will you use the shower regularly?

Consider if your family is likely to use an outdoor shower often or if it may end up being a novelty that rarely gets used. An outdoor shower right by the pool can be hugely convenient for rinsing off after swimming and encourages more frequent use.

If positioned further from the pool in a spot that’s less convenient, it may not get utilized very much. Decide if the shower will be located where you and your family would naturally want to clean up after pool time.

Do you already have a pool house?

If your backyard has a pool house, this can be the perfect place to add an outdoor shower. The plumbing and electrical are nearby, and you can frame a shower into one of the walls or integrate it into an existing bathroom.

Combining an outdoor shower and changing area with the pool house creates one convenient area to get ready for the pool and clean up after swimming. It also provides privacy and shelter from the sun or rain.

Should you choose an enclosed or open shower?

enclosed shower:

• Provides more privacy
• Feels more like a normal bathroom
• Offers shelter from sun, rain and wind
• Usually costs more to build

Open shower:

• Better for limited yard space
• Less expensive
• More natural, outdoorsy feel
• Less privacy

If total privacy is essential, an enclosed shower is best. If you want more of an outdoor feel and don’t mind being exposed to the elements, an open style can be a good choice.

Should you have a stand-alone shower or build an enclosure?

Stand-alone showers are typically prefabricated units you connect to plumbing and electrical. Building a shower enclosure involves constructing walls and installing shower plumbing and fixtures.

Stand-alone outdoor shower pros:

• Faster, easier installation
• Usually less expensive
• Portable – can move or remove later

Custom shower enclosure pros:

• More permanent fixture
• Tailor size, features and aesthetics
• Can match pool house or landscaping

Prefabricated showers are quick and convenient. Custom showers allow more design flexibility but require a bigger investment.

What type of floor is best?

Outdoor shower floors need to stand up to water as well as be slip-resistant. Good options include:

• Tile
• Stone
• Concrete
• Decking
• Poured epoxy

Choose matte finishes over polished, smooth surfaces to prevent slippery conditions. Proper slope and drainage are also crucial for keeping the floor puddle-free.

Do you need a roof or ceiling?

A roof or ceiling on your outdoor shower:

• Keeps you out of the sun and rain
• Adds architectural interest
• Increases building cost
• Could require meeting building codes for a permanent structure

Freestanding showers often come with an open top to keep costs down. But they leave you exposed to the elements. A roof offers better shelter if you want covered comfort.

What features do you want?

Consider which features will enhance your ideal outdoor shower experience:

• Shower head: Standard, rainfall, handheld or dual shower heads available.
• Valves: Single handle or dual temperature and volume control valves.
• Flooring: Tile, stone, concrete, wood decking or epoxy flooring.
• Enclosure: Glass, plastic panels, bamboo or wood privacy walls.
• Bench: Built-in bench for changing or seating.
• Storage: Shelves, hooks or cabinets for towels and toiletries.
• Lighting: Skylight, recessed lighting or decorative fixtures.
• Mirror: Fog-free mirror to check hair and makeup after showering.
• Heat: Heated floors or heated water to allow using shower in colder weather.

Add the features that fit your needs and preferences to create a shower customized for comfort, function and style.

What’s your budget for the project?

A basic freestanding outdoor shower can cost $500-1,000. More complex shower enclosures with custom tile, lighting and features can run anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.

Here are approximate costs for materials and installation:

Outdoor Shower Element	Cost
Basic prefab shower unit	$500 – $1,000
Lumber, siding and roofing for enclosure	$2,000 – $5,000
Tile walls and floors	$1,500 – $4,000
Plumbing installation and fixtures	$500 – $2,000
Electric and lighting	$500 – $2,000
Excavation, grading and concrete	$2,000 – $5,000

This gives you an idea of potential costs. Simple showers can be very affordable. More elaborate designs with woodwork, tile and custom touches can run up to $10,000 or more.

Permits

Most areas require permits for:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Grading and excavation
• Permanent structures over a certain size

Building codes often apply to:

• Shower pan size and waterproof lining
• Proper drainage slope
• Non-slip shower floors
• Required clearance around fixtures
• Allowable roofing and wall materials
• Electric GFCI outlet required if lighting or other powered features included

Check with your local building department to learn about requirements in your area before getting started.

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY Installation

You can either hire a professional contractor or install your outdoor shower yourself:

Hiring a contractor pros:

• Handles entire process from start to finish
• Can create a custom design to match your vision
• Has expertise building and installing showers properly
• Can pull needed permits
• No DIY hassle and labor for you

DIY installation pros:

• Cost savings from providing your own labor
• Personal control over all details
• Learn new construction skills
• Tailor and build shower exactly how you want

For basic prefab showers, DIY is very doable. But for more complex shower enclosures, hiring a contractor is often worth the investment.

Conclusion

The ideal outdoor shower for you depends on your climate, space, privacy needs, local codes, design preferences and budget. Consider all these factors as you decide what type of outdoor shower is right for your yard.

With so many styles and customization options available, there is an outdoor shower perfect for just about any home. An outdoor shower can provide a refreshing oasis by the pool for all your warm weather fun and relaxation.