installing an outdoor shower

Big Bathroom Shop’s style expert Rikki Fothergill outlines the essentials for alfresco showering

First things first, you’ll want to establish how much it will cost to run an outdoor shower and, surprisingly, if used wisely, it doesn’t have to increase your water and heating bills. If you swap your inside shower for an outdoor one in the warmer months, you will use the same amount of water. No extra showers mean no extra water usage. Plus, imagine waking up and stepping outside into the heat on a warm summer’s morning to shower surrounded by nature before your working day starts.

Assess the plumbing, as if you would like your outdoor shower to run both hot and cold water, the plumb work requires a little more planning. The best and easiest place to install your shower would be on the kitchen or bathroom outer wall so you can simply run the hot and cold pipes outside without much disruption. The general rule is that the closer the shower is to your house, the easier the plumbing work will be.

Drainage is equally important. Every shower needs a drain, or you could end up with a flooding situation. Your plumber should advise you on the best drainage options for your home and region. Most people run a separate drain into a manhole to avoid any cross contamination.

Portable showers are great for those on a budget and not too bothered about the aesthetic. With a portable shower you can use them wherever there is a water supply and a hose. If you’re looking for something to pack up and put away for the winter or take on a camping holiday this could be the outdoor shower for you.

Wall-mounted showers on the other hand are a commitment as they are attached to your home. You can build an enclosure around it for added privacy and the minimal look will give your home a real holiday vibe.

Freestanding outdoor showers are usually located away from the house and placed in a hidden corner of the garden. They generally require their own underground plumbing so can potentially be a little more costly to install. That being said, they are a great option to create a small piece of paradise in the privacy of your own back garden.