An Outdoor Shower is More Practical Than You May Think
The outdoor shower tends to be the luxury item encountered at tropical resorts or found by the beach to wash away the saltwater after a refreshing swim. But there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t enjoy a deluxe outdoor shower experience in your own backyard. Best of all, the cost of installing one could be far more reasonable than you think.
So why exactly would you want an outdoor shower when there’s a perfect indoor bathroom if not to increase the extravagance of a home?
Outdoor showers are actually a highly practical addition with many great uses. Let’s take a closer look:
The Benefits of The Perfect Outdoor Shower
The outdoor shower is the perfect addition for any family that enjoys spending time outdoors. Of course, it’s not necessary for every home. However, well-placed outdoor showers can have far-reaching benefits with a heavy focus on keeping your home clean. Here are some reasons why it’s worth your while to create the perfect outdoor oasis in your own backyard:
- Cleaning pets outside prevents muddy footprints and fur from messing up your home
- You can rinse off sand following family trips to the beach
- Spent the afternoon gardening in the sun? Showering outdoors stops you from tracking dirt inside
- Keeping the kids from trotting dirt and grime into the home
- Rinsing off sweat after a strenuous run or workout
- Washing off chlorine after a dip in the swimming pool
- Helps guests keep your holiday rental clean
Aside from the practicalities of outdoor showers, there’s also just the enjoyment of cooling off in your surroundings, especially in the hot summer weather.
Depending on its intended use, the outdoor shower may or may not require privacy, but of course, it’s up to you, and the intended use and designs for the outdoor space will be defined by budget.
Cost of an Outdoor Shower Space
Essentially you can divide the overall cost of installation into three key areas:
- The shower head and copper fixtures
- The floor and landscaping
- The plumbing materials and labour costs
The total cost of your setup could vary considerably, whether you’re chasing a dedicated outdoor shower nook for privacy or just a shower head mounted to the wall of an outdoor space.
Factor in the Plumbing Costs as Well
You will still need a plumber to connect the outdoor shower to your home’s water supply. The costs of an installation will always depend on factors including location and whether you plan to use cold water only or want access to hot water for outdoor showers.
One cool cost-saving hack is to fix the shower head to the wall adjacent to the bathroom or by the hot water system. This way, you can keep the pipework to a bare minimum by leveraging the existing plumbing.
Stainless steel is the best material for outdoor fixtures, but it is more expensive than the alternatives. Consider chrome-plated or copper fixtures as an alternative to ensure longevity.
Outdoor Space Requirements
Drainage can be a crucial factor as showers produce large quantities of water, and it all needs to go somewhere. Having the water soaking into the lawn or garden can be a great exercise in water saving but ultimately, speak with a professional plumber about building the outdoor shower and check with the local council for any pressing guidelines.
Some Australian states, such as Queensland, require tempered water showers to be fitted with a roof and grated drain that leads to the sewer. Tempered water is the combination of hot and cold water. Should you stick with cool water, then it’s acceptable for it to run off into the stormwater grate.
Every council has its own guidelines, so you should speak to an expert before commencing work or making any pricey purchases.
Ideas For Outdoor Showers
Showering outside is the perfect way to complement an active lifestyle and help clean off before coming inside. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram provide some of the best outdoor shower ideas and visual inspiration to help you get the styling down-pat.
There’s an outdoor shower to suit every home, whether a beach house or rural property with a country style.
Lush greenery with shrubs, gardens and a privacy screen work in unison for a desirable modern style, while materials including timber slats and rendered walls are ideal for a minimalist outdoor shower.
Once you’re inspired, call Metropolitan Plumbing to explore the wonderful world of outdoor showers. We can have a licensed, fully qualified plumber connect the shower to a home’s water supply and advise on what’s required for your area.
Call us today or request a call back online.
Published: 2022-03-09