You can easily create a simple outdoor shower head for your backyard—even if you have never tried a diy project before. All you need are basic tools and a few materials. Many people love having an outdoor shower for reasons like rinsing off after a swim, cooling down on a hot day, or washing mud off dogs and kids. Some use it as a compact extra bathroom or just to enjoy the fresh air while showering. Follow these steps and enjoy a refreshing diy outdoor shower at home.
Key Takeaways
An outdoor shower helps keep your house clean. It also looks nice and lets you relax outside. - Get all your tools and materials ready before you start. This makes building easier and quicker. - Pick a shower head that works for you. Make sure it is strong, simple to use, and saves water. - Find a private spot that is easy to reach and close to water. Build a strong frame so it is safe and comfortable. - Clean your outdoor shower often and protect it from weather. This helps it last longer and stay nice.
Outdoor Shower Benefits
Uses in the Backyard
You might be surprised by how many ways you can use an outdoor shower in your backyard. Here are some of the top reasons people love having one:
You can rinse off after swimming, gardening, or playing sports. This keeps dirt and grass outside, so your home stays clean.
You get an extra place to wash up, which helps keep your indoor bathroom dry and tidy.
An outdoor shower can make your backyard look stylish and even boost your home's value. Many people see it as a cool, resort-like feature.
You can enjoy a relaxing, spa-like experience right at home. Imagine showering under the sky after a long day!
Some outdoor shower designs use solar power or let you reuse water for your garden. This helps you save energy and water.
Tip: If you want even more convenience, look for features like adjustable showerheads or a foot wash spigot. Some portable showers, like solar shower bags, heat water using sunlight and are easy to move around.
Health and Comfort
Taking a shower outside does more than just clean you up. It can also help you feel better and stay healthy. Here are some ways an outdoor shower can boost your well-being:
You can try cold-water showers, which may help you sleep better, heal faster, and even lower body fat.
Spending time outdoors while showering helps you relax and enjoy nature. This can make you feel happier and less stressed.
After a sauna, swim, or workout, an outdoor shower helps you stay fresh and comfortable.
You can keep your skin and hair cleaner by washing off sweat, chlorine, or dirt right away.
With the right outdoor shower design, you can turn a simple wash into a daily treat for your body and mind.
DIY Outdoor Shower Materials
Tools and Supplies
Before you start building your diy outdoor shower, gather all the tools and supplies you need. This makes the project go faster and helps you avoid extra trips to the store. Here’s a simple list to get you started:
Garden hose or outdoor faucet connection kit
PVC pipe or flexible tubing (for water lines)
Hose clamps and pipe fittings
Adjustable wrench and screwdriver
Teflon tape (for leak-proof connections)
Mounting brackets or hooks for the shower head
Outdoor shower head (choose one that fits your needs)
Non-slip mat or outdoor flooring
You might want to add a few extras for comfort and safety. These optional materials can make your outdoor shower even better:
Tall plants, flowers, or garden walls for natural privacy
Gravel or permeable stones for drainage
Non-slip flooring to prevent slips
Partial enclosures or pergolas for extra shelter
Tip: Always check that your outdoor faucet works well and has enough water pressure before you start your diy project.
Choosing a Shower Head
Picking the right shower head is important for your outdoor shower. You want something that’s easy to install, strong enough for outdoor use, and gives you a great shower every time. Here’s a quick guide to help you compare your options:
Feature/Type |
Description |
|---|---|
Fixed Shower Heads |
Simple, wall-mounted, and cost-effective. Great for basic setups. |
Handheld Shower Head |
Flexible, easy to move, and offers different spray modes. Perfect for rinsing off pets or kids. |
Rain Shower Heads |
Wide spray, high water flow, and a spa-like feel. Looks stylish in any backyard. |
Install Location |
Make sure you have a sturdy spot to mount your shower head outdoors. |
Ease of Use |
Choose a style that matches your needs—handhelds are great for flexibility. |
Material |
Pick weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or durable plastic. |
Water Flow |
Rain heads give you a strong, refreshing spray. |
Price |
Balance your budget with durability so you don’t have to replace it often. |
Water Use |
Look for water-saving models to keep your bills low. |
Ease of Installation |
Choose a shower head that’s easy to attach to your outdoor faucet or hose. |
If you want cleaner water and a simple setup, try the Cobbe DS Filter Shower Head. It filters out chlorine and heavy metals, protects your skin and hair, and installs in minutes. You can connect it to most outdoor faucets or hoses, making it a smart upgrade for any diy outdoor shower.
How to Make an Outdoor Shower
Location and Structure
Picking the right spot for your outdoor shower makes everything easier. You want a place that feels private and safe. Here are some things to think about when you choose a location:
Privacy: Look for a spot where neighbors or people walking by cannot see you. Use fences, tall plants, or privacy screens if needed.
Accessibility: Pick a place close to your house, pool, or back door. This way, you can reach it quickly and easily.
Proximity to Water Sources: Try to set up your shower near an outdoor faucet or hose connection. This makes the installation much simpler.
Structural Attachment: Decide if you want your shower to stand alone or attach to a wall, fence, or shed. Freestanding showers give you more flexibility, but attached ones can feel sturdier.
Tip: Check your local building codes before you start. Some areas have rules about outdoor plumbing or drainage. Following these rules keeps your project safe and legal.
You can build a simple frame with wood, metal, or PVC pipe. Some people use a sturdy post or even a tree as support. Make sure your structure can hold the shower head and stay steady in wind or rain.
Plumbing and Assembly
Now, let’s get your water flowing! You have a few easy options for plumbing. The simplest way is to connect your outdoor shower head to a garden hose. This method works well for most backyards and does not need special tools.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Attach a hose splitter to your outdoor faucet if you want to use the hose for other things too.
Connect a garden hose to the splitter. Run the hose to your shower location.
Use hose clamps and fittings to attach the hose to your shower pipe or directly to the shower head.
If you want a more permanent setup, use PVC pipe. Cut the pipe to the right length and connect it with elbows and T-joints. Use Teflon tape on the threads to prevent leaks.
Secure the pipe or hose to your shower structure with brackets or zip ties.
Installation tips: Always test your connections for leaks before you finish. Tighten any loose fittings and use Teflon tape if needed. Make sure the water flows smoothly from the shower head.
Installing the Outdoor Shower Head
Time to add the most important part—the outdoor shower head! Pick a shower head that fits your needs and matches your style. Many people like handheld models because they are easy to use and clean. Rain shower heads give you a spa-like feel.
If you want cleaner water, try a filtered shower head like the Cobbe DS Filter Shower Head. It removes chlorine and heavy metals, which helps protect your skin and hair. This shower head installs in minutes and connects to most hoses or pipes. You can switch between spray modes for a custom shower every time.
To install your shower head:
Screw the shower head onto the pipe or hose fitting. Hand-tighten it first.
Use an adjustable wrench if you need to make it tighter, but do not over-tighten.
Turn on the water and check for leaks. Adjust the angle of the shower head so it sprays where you want.
Note: If you use a handheld shower head, add a hook or bracket to hang it up when you are not using it.
Drainage and Safety
Good drainage keeps your outdoor shower area clean and safe. You do not want water to pool around your feet or wash away your garden. There are several ways to handle drainage:
A gravel drain pit works well for most backyards. Dig a shallow hole, fill it with gravel, and let the water soak in. French drains, dry wells, and trench drains with grates are also great choices. These systems move water away from your shower and stop soil erosion. If your yard slopes, place the shower so water runs downhill and away from your house.
The best drainage system depends on your soil, shower base, and how often you use the shower. Wood, concrete, gravel, or stone bases all work, but make sure water can drain through or around them. Always check local rules about greywater and drainage before you start.
Safety tip: Use non-slip mats or textured flooring to prevent slips. Keep the shower area clear of sharp rocks or debris.
With these steps, you now know how to make an outdoor shower that is safe, sturdy, and easy to use. Enjoy your new backyard upgrade!
Enhancements and Maintenance
Durability Tips
You want your outdoor shower to last through every season. Start by picking strong materials that can handle sun, rain, and even snow. Here are some top choices:
Stainless steel stands up to rust and looks great year after year.
Teak and natural stone work well in wet areas and add a touch of style.
Composite decking gives you a sturdy base that won’t rot or crack.
Reclaimed wood and bamboo offer eco-friendly options that still last a long time.
If you live where winters get cold, use frost-proof plumbing and enclose pipes when possible. Black matte fixtures and hidden pipes not only look modern but also protect against weather damage. Always match your materials to your local climate for the best results.
Tip: Add a weather-resistant finish or sealant to wood and metal parts. This simple step helps prevent fading, cracking, and rust.
Aesthetic Upgrades
You can turn your outdoor shower into a backyard retreat with a few creative touches. Try these ideas to boost both privacy and style:
Place potted palms or banana trees around the shower for shade and a tropical feel.
Grow climbing vines on trellises or fences to create a green, natural wall.
Use bamboo fencing, natural stone, or weathered wood to blend the shower with your garden.
Hang decorative privacy screens made from wood, metal, or outdoor fabric.
Add coastal décor like white-washed wood, nautical hooks, or seashells for a beachy vibe.
Try a surfboard-style panel as a fun privacy wall.
These upgrades make your outdoor shower feel relaxing and help it fit right in with your yard.
Cleaning and Care
Keeping your outdoor shower clean is easy if you stay on top of it. Rinse the area after each use to wash away soap and dirt. Sweep or hose down the floor to stop mold and slippery spots from forming. Check for leaks or loose fittings every month.
If you use a filtered shower head like the Cobbe DS Filter Shower Head, you get extra protection for your skin and hair. The filter removes chlorine and heavy metals, so you enjoy cleaner water every time. Swap out the filter as needed to keep your shower working its best.
Note: Regular cleaning and quick fixes help your outdoor shower stay safe, fresh, and ready for use all year long.
You can build your own outdoor shower with just a few simple steps. Start by framing the structure and adding a stone floor. Install the plumbing, protect the wood, and pick a spot that looks great in your yard. You can even add hot water if you want. Try adding your own style or upgrade with a Cobbe DS Filter Shower Head for cleaner water. Share your results or ask questions—your backyard can become your new favorite spot!
Frame the cedar structure for the enclosure.
Add a natural stone floor.
Install easy plumbing.
Protect wood posts from decay.
Choose a good location.
Upgrade to hot water if you like.
Use build plans for guidance.
FAQ
How do you keep your outdoor shower private?
You can use privacy screens, tall plants, or curtains. Try bamboo fencing or a wooden wall for extra coverage. Place your shower in a corner or behind your house for more privacy.
Can you use hot water in an outdoor shower?
Yes! You can connect your shower to your home’s hot water line or use a portable water heater. Some people use solar shower bags for warm water on sunny days.
What is the best way to prevent slipping?
Place a non-slip mat or textured stone under your feet. Sweep away leaves and dirt often. Make sure the area drains well so water does not pool.
How do you clean a filtered shower head like the Cobbe DS Filter Shower Head?
Just unscrew the shower head and rinse the filter under running water. Replace the filter as needed. Check the instructions for your model. Regular cleaning keeps your water fresh and your shower working well.
