How to Design an Outdoor Shower for a Spa-Like Backyard Escape

An outdoor shower may seem like the sort of thing that you can only access at a five-star resort. However, you can easily install one in your own home. Not only does this water feature help you rinse off and relax, it also fosters a stronger connection to nature. It's an effortless upgrade that will make your whole home feel like a tranquil spa.

It seems like a daunting design decision, but adding an outdoor shower to your home doesn't have to be difficult. We asked experts for their tips and tricks, so you'll be enjoying a relaxing rinse-off in no time.

Benefits

With an outdoor shower, you can feel a soft breeze and bask in the sunlight—all while relaxing and unwinding. "You can recreate the feeling of jumping and playing in the rain, all while enjoying the beauty of your surroundings," says Philip Consalvo, principal at PJCArchitecture.

His firm has worked on many of these projects; they're an elegant convenience that homeowners love. For example, for families with young children and pets, the shower is a smart transition place where kids can rinse off after playing outside, so they won't trek dirt into the house.

These showers are also versatile aesthetically and can be designed to fit seamlessly with any architectural style.

Design Considerations

Your design approach will largely depend on the type of residence you have—is it a home or an apartment, for example—as well as the overall architectural style.

"You really want to approach an outdoor shower as an extension of both your home’s architecture and your landscaping," says Jamie Chappell, vice president of brand and product at Fireclay Tile. "It shouldn't feel like an afterthought or a random stall dropped into the yard." Fireclay offers tiles that are perfect for these features, as well as the faucets themselves.

Start by looking at the materials that are already present, she says—whether it's a stone patio or a wood deck. You can choose a tile that echoes the color and texture of these areas, creating a "seamless transition that bridges the gap between the built environment and the natural environment," she says.

Keep in mind that all tile should be durable and slip-resistant. Consalvo recommends faux wood as well; safety should always be top of mind when crafting these spaces. When done right, an outdoor shower will look discreet and will blend in with your home, creating a minimalist, elegant final look.

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Placement and Logistics

Like any bathroom feature, an outdoor shower comes with a few logistical considerations. This primarily comes into play when finding a spot to place one.

"They should be placed near a home's plumbing system," says Consalvo. "If it's near existing plumbing lines and it's easy to connect them, then plumbing costs will be minimal."

Your shower will need drainage, too—he notes that water that drains from your shower can be reused and directed into a garden, provided your shower is near one. Also: "If you live in a colder climate, you absolutely need a system that lets you easily shut off and drain pipes so they don't freeze and burst over winter," says Chappell.

The Verdict

Outdoor showers are increasingly popular, and for good reason. "People are looking at their homes through a much more personal lens now," says Chappell. "We're moving away from generic spaces and leaning into designs that actually bring us joy."

However, keep in mind that proper maintenance and cleaning are key to preventing mold. Also, consider your broader landscaping approach. "Think about the transition underfoot leading up to the shower," she says. "If you have to walk across gravel or soggy grass to get back to the house, it can put a damper on that fresh, clean feeling. Laying down a path of smooth stepping stones or a beautiful outdoor tile walkway keeps the experience seamless from start to finish."