Don’t Install an Outdoor Shower Without Reading This Essential Checklist

Outdoor showers are booming in popularity. These luxurious additions suit beachside homes and properties with outdoor swimming pools.

A day at one of the Mornington Peninsula’s stunning beaches can quickly be ruined if you track sand through the house. While homeowners with pools will want to avoid wet footprints dripping on clean floors.

For summer-loving Melbournians an outdoor shower is the ideal place to rinse off after that dip in the pool or swim in the ocean. All while still enjoying the weather and the great outdoors. Less time spent cleaning and less muck finding its way in your home only means one thing - more time relaxing.

More than a way to keep your property clean, adding an outdoor shower is perfect for providing an elegant touch to your next holiday getaway. Or to help fill the calendar with extra Airbnb bookings. Yet, there are some essential planning and design tips you’ll need to follow to get the most out of your outdoor shower set up.

From the super practical to the extravagantly luxurious, here is everything you need to know about waking up to your own outdoor shower.

Location, location, location

The location of your outdoor shower is key.

For outdoor pool showers you’ll want to install your shower as close to the pool as possible. This will avoid unnecessary drips and water damage as people move from the pool to rinse off. In contrast, an outdoor shower designed to rinse off sand from the beach should be positioned as close to the front of the property for ease of access.

If your backyard is surrounded by neighbouringproperties, you may need to consider a privacy screen. This won’t matter if you plan on using your shower to rinse off after a surf and head inside. But if your outdoor shower is part of a more luxurious outdoor bathroom design, privacy should be a priority. Try getting creative and incorporating this shower screen into your existing yard decor. You can use bamboo, ferns or palm fronds to create natural protection.

Finally, keep in mind the need for direct sunlight exposure. Even the most inviting of outdoor showers can feel a little cold without direct sun during Victoria’s chilly months. As a bonus, outdoor showers enjoying more sunlight help keep the area dry which will go a long way towards preventing mold.

Choose your materials wisely

An outdoor shower is an investment. Be sure to choose materials that can stand up to the harsh weather conditions of the Mornington Peninsula, not to mention the constant splash of water during use. Marine-grade stainless steel will keep rust at bay with the added benefits of circulation and sunlight protecting your hardware from mold.

Chrome and copper are also common choices for outdoor shower hardware, notable for their durability and rust-free properties. Whatever shower heads you choose, paying for durable materials will save you money in the long run.

Of course, outdoor showers are only as enjoyable as what’s under your feet. Choose style over comfort at your peril. Any flooring you choose should also be completely level and have adequate space for water to drain away. Another reason why a well-planned shower build always pays dividends.

Stone is a popular flooring choice, but you’ll need to make sure it’s comfortable underfoot. You may find an outdoor shower base made of wood offers more benefits than stone. By leaving space below your wooden base and the ground you’ll help air circulate and keep mould from growing.

Looking for some outdoor shower inspiration? Untreated timber flooring provides a rustic, outdoor vibe that adds a touch of charm to your new shower space.

Hot or cold water?

Average winter temperatures in the Mornington Peninsula fall to a chilly 9.8 °C. So you’ll have to decide if your outdoor shower setup will be used in colder months as well as the balmy summer.

The convenience of warm water means you can return home after a swim or surf, or jump out of your backyard pool, and into a nice warm shower. You can achieve this convenience simply by using your home’s existing plumbing.

If your outdoor shower is installed close enough to your home’s water source you can use fixed plumbing pipes to connect everything up. Or, you can have a plumber install a hot water faucet next to your existing garden cold water faucet. If you choose this option be sure to use heavy-duty hoses that won’t wear down over time. Stainless steel washing machine hoses can give you the durability and support you need so you can set and forget.

Drainage options

Unless you’re using your shower as a simple cold water rinse after a trip to the beach, you’ll need to find the right drainage option to suit your needs and reduce the risk of water damage.

Poor drainage can flood your property, leading to water damage at the foundations of your home as well as contaminated groundwater. Getting your drainage sorted also reduces the build up of mold around the base of your outdoor shower as water flows away smoothly - making the construction of your shower floor an all-important task.

There are many ways to solve your drainage problems, from garden drainage to Frenchdraining; stone and pebble bases to a collection tray. The most effective and efficient method though is to consult a plumber and connect your shower to the wastewater system. This prevents any water damage, keeps you on the right side of the local council, and makes sure your excess water doesn’t end up where it shouldn’t.

Optional extras

The beauty of your outdoor shower is that it can be as simple or spectacular as you like. If you plan on using your new shower to rinse off the kids after a family day together, why not add a hook to hang towels? The more sand you keep outside, the better.

For Melbournians looking to add a touch of class to their holiday homes, outdoor showers can also include built-in shelves to hold soap and shampoo. With the addition of a timber bench you will have the perfect spot to wash away the stress of life with a drink in hand.

Now that’s living.

Looking for more outdoor shower ideas? The right shower turns your outdoor space into a private, relaxing oasis. Say goodbye to sand throughout the house and wet footprints up the stairs - and hello to luxury.