If you are truly the outdoorsy type then taking an outdoor shower has got to be one of the greatest pleasures. Bathing yourself in the great outdoors as mother nature intended just can’t help but make a person feel right with the world.
But, in these modern times, there are certain considerations that must be taken when thinking about installing an outdoor shower on your own property, not the least of which is privacy.
For those with swimming pools or who live near the ocean, outdoor showers are quite common. Here are six important things to consider before installing an outdoor shower.
Location
First off, you’re going to want to decide where this shower of yours is going to go. It doesn’t do much good reconnecting with nature if you’re sandwiched between a storage shed and a back alley. Choose a spot that has some foliage nearby and that offers privacy.
Ground surface
The surface where you plan to locate the shower will need to withstand some heavy, wet abuse. Choose a spot that has concrete or tile below it and not dirt or wood as these surfaces can deteriorate or cause a mess.
Consider the purpose
What is the purpose of your shower? Is it being used to wash off mud or beach sand if you’re so lucky. Or maybe you just like the novelty of bathing outdoors, not to mention there may be some exhibitionists among you. The purpose behind your shower should dictate in several ways how it will take shape.
Plumbing
A major consideration for an outdoor shower is of course plumbing. Believe it or not, you can place an outdoor shower anywhere that’s connected to a garden hose. There are several designs that stand upright on a tripod. You can also mount a shower head to a wall and simply attach a garden hose. But if you do it in either of these ways, you won’t have hot water. To tap into your hot water system, you are going to need to install a hot water faucet outside next to your garden hose outlet. Or you can hard plumb a new water pipe. Hire a plumber if you want the job done right.
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