I’VE ALWAYS WANTED... AN OUTDOOR SHOWER
This is one addition to your backyard that will always scrub up well
For summer-loving folk, an outdoor shower can be a godsend: it’s the perfect place to rinse off after a dip in the pool or a trip to the beach, and it prevents sand and drips being traipsed through the house. And an outdoor shower can be as utilitarian or as ultra-luxe as you’d like it to be. “Showering outdoors is no longer an extravagance reserved for resorts; it’s an experience you can enjoy at home,” says Daniela Santilli, bathroom marketing lead for Reece.
“It enhances your connection with nature and can be an invigorating experience.” Here’s what you need to know about putting in an outdoor shower.
1 plumbing
Step one: check in with your local council, because regulations vary across Australia. In Queensland, for example, if you want to use both hot and cold water, your shower must have a roof and a grated drain that connects to the sewer.
“If possible, try not to have your outdoor shower situated too far away from the hot-water service,” says Simon
Cullum, former plumber and the founder of Brooklyn Copper Co outdoor showers. “That way, you won’t waste water waiting a long time for the hot water to arrive. Having pipes of the correct width can also improve pressure.” Whether you’re rinsing off or thawing out on a crisp evening, good water pressure is always crucial.
2 drainage
Seek a plumber’s advice on how best to capture your outdoor shower’s run-off. “This will determine whether installing a drainage system is possible; it depends on the location of your existing sewer drain,” says Michael Micallef, a Hipages plumber and founder of Heritage Plumbing Group. “The cost to install an outdoor shower is usually between $1000 and $5000.”
Drainage is vital, says Simon, particularly once you commit to installing hot water – “because it’s likely your shower will be used a lot!” If you decide to connect only cold water (all you need for a quick post-swim rinse), you can direct water into the stormwater system or your garden, he adds. “In most parts of Australia, certifying authorities require hot-water outlets to be connected to the sewer. Once you install a drainage point, you need some kind of finished surface to direct water into the drain.” This could be tiles, pavers, sandstone or, if the shower is on a deck, a metal tray underneath.
3 position
Location matters a lot. “Privacy is, of course, paramount, so make sure you consider the sightlines of all neighbouring properties,” says Daniela. You’ll also want to ensure the shower is positioned in a spot that (ideally) gets plenty of westerly sun. Even in mid-summer a deeply shaded area can feel a little chilly. Plantings can be key, too: bamboo, ferns and palms all work a treat around an outdoor shower. Team them with timber, stone or pebbles for a beautiful at-one-with-nature feel.
4 storage
The small inclusions will determine how much you’ll love your outdoor shower. Try to design in a niche, ledge or simple shelf for your shampoo and soap. And make sure there’s somewhere to hang your towel and clothes; hooks or knobs are invaluable. “Add a few features like this and you’ll have created a beautiful sanctuary to escape to,” says Simon.
5 materials
“Your outdoor shower should be durable and able to stand up to the weather,” says Daniela. “We advise using 316 marine-grade stainless steel.”
Copper is another excellent choice.
“It doesn’t rust or deteriorate,” says Simon. “Both copper and brass will develop a patina over time. The older a copper shower gets, the better it looks.”
Double check the warranty of any shower you choose because not all are covered for outdoor use, and be prepared to do a little maintenance. “As the taps are outside, they might need servicing more frequently than your indoor taps,” Simon adds. “When their handles are hard to turn, it’s time for a service. That probably means every two-to-three years.”