Take Your Shower Outdoors

Privacy Enclosures

Most people will want some privacy, typically a small fenced-in area. Building a shower enclosure is a fairly straightforward job, using many of the same techniques and building supplies as a deck or a fence. For those not as confident in their building skills, many companies sell ready-made shower enclosures. Walpole Woodworkers sells kits that range in price from $650 to $1,500 and vary from a basic, unstained 1-inch-by-4-inch board enclosure to a customized enclosure with white stain and caps. Enclosures often contain benches, towel racks, and soap dishes. Some even feature a separate changing area. “They feature all the comforts of your shower indoors, plus a nice breeze,” Sicotte says.

Upkeep and Drainage

If your shower is portable, you need only keep the lines protected from damage or cold weather. A permanent shower in cold-winter climates needs frost-proof fixtures, which are more expensive but will endure cold months. If there is no frost-proofing, the pipes must be blown out at the end of the season.

Most outdoor showers simply drain into the ground or through a bed of stone. This is less taxing on a septic system than an indoor shower, but may be in violation of local codes. In many municipalities, outdoor showers are subject to building codes. Some even require a drainage system to protect groundwater and water quality. Before you install an outdoor shower, check with local building officials to ensure your shower meets the regulations for your town or city.