Gulf Coast Living Online

 If you are intrigued with the idea of an outdoor shower, then you may be considering building one in your own backyard. Outdoor showers can be as basic or as elaborate as you choose and come in many different styles. The simplistic type is placed in a private area of your yard with surrounding plants and consists of a thin, towering pedestal with comfortable wooden slats for your feet. Most likely, you will want an enclosure that is constructed so you can view your yard, garden, or other wonders of nature. The height of the enclosure should be low enough so you can see over the top, while still maintaining your privacy. Keeping it elevated about a foot off the ground will allow for better air circulation and faster drying of surfaces and equipment.

If privacy with a creative flair appeals to you, add some colorful mosaic tiles, paint walls in accent colors, install a tiled floor, and add tropical trees and bushes of varying heights. You can also plant your favorite vines and shrubbery or place flower pots with seasonal blooms around the enclosure. Hanging wind chimes, strings of baubles, and gluing sea shells to the walls of your shower will add to the ambiance and out-door experience.

If you choose to build the ultimate, elaborate and eco-friendly camouflaged shower, consider a stone and rock design enhanced by lush foliage. This hideaway oasis will be so private, that no one may notice it!

 There are a few things to consider when constructing an outdoor shower. When possible, the plumbing should be positioned near indoor plumbing; otherwise, a trench will be needed to extend the water to another location. When tapping in to the existing pipes, you can choose cold water only or control the temperature by adding a hot-water pipe. If only a quick foot wash or body rinse is all that’s needed, then place the plumbing near the back door or pool where you would use it more often. Most shower hardware is relatively weatherproof with pipes, showerheads and shelves made of stainless steel. After proper drainage is installed, standing on a bed of smooth stones or a wooden-slat platform will be more comfortable than placing your feet on a metal drain cover. Be sure to check for local code ordinances if you are doing the project yourself.

If the simplistic or elaborate options are not for you, then the portable shower that hooks up to a garden hose may be the easiest and quickest way to enjoy the benefits of an outdoor shower. Generally, these hang from a frame and are made of plastic; small, solar or plug-in hot water heaters are usually sold separately.

Whichever way you choose to create your outdoor shower, the time spent in nature is not only invigorating, but is a mentally enriching, pleasurable experience!