How to Build a Simple Outdoor Shower

The runoff from an outdoor shower can help to water nearby plants.

After a long day, nothing feels better than a cool, relaxing shower. A private, outdoor shower is an ideal option for people wanting to rinse off before entering their home or for those who enjoy the experience of showering in nature. A simple outdoor shower with privacy can be both attractive and practical. This project requires minimal plumbing experience to complete. Plan to get help from a friend and spend a weekend working on this outdoor shower structure.

Things You'll Need

• Auger
• Concrete
• Shower head
• Nylon tape
• Shower arm
• 2 elbow pipe joints, ½ inch in diameter
• 2 pipes, 36 inches long by ½ inch in diameter, threaded at each end
• 1 threaded gate-valve faucet, 1/2 inch in diameter
• 1 pipe, 8-inch-long and 1/2-inch in diameter
• 1 hose coupling (female hose to female swivel), 12 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter
• 2 C-shaped pipe hangers
• 1 garden hose
• 2 corrugated metal roofing panels, 72 inches long and 26 inches wide
• Drill
• 2 boards, 2 inches thick by 4 inches wide
• Sandpaper

Instructions

Plumbing

1. Dig a hole using an auger or post-hole digger. Dig the hole about 1 1/2 feet deep. Place the 8-foot post in the hole and hold it perfectly vertical. Pour quick-drying concrete around the post and allow it to set in.

2. Attach the shower head to the shower arm, then the shower arm to one elbow. Use nylon tape at each joint.

3. Attach the elbow to the one of the long pipes. Attach the long pipe to the 1 1/2-inch threaded gate-valve faucet. This is the handle for turning the water on and off. Attach the second long pipe to the end of the faucet piece. Use nylon plumbing tape at each joint.

4. Attach the second elbow to the other end of the long pipe. Attach the shorter pipe to the elbow. This should form a perfect right angle at the end of the pipe.

5. Attach the hose coupling to the end of the short pipe. This will allow easy attachment of the hose.

6. Use pipe hangers to secure the shower plumbing to the post. Attach the hose to the coupling and turn on the water. Check for leaks and seal with nylon plumbing tape.

Shower Panels

1. Lay a piece of metal roofing flat in your work area. Align a 2-by-4-inch board on top of the roofing sheet horizontally so that it is even with the bottom edge.

2. Repeat Step 1 with the other piece of roofing and the other board. These will be the privacy panels for the simple outdoor shower.

3. Ask an assistant to hold one of the panels against the post with the plumbing. Lay the side of the roofing without the board against the post. Fasten the metal roofing to the post with metal screws.

4. Repeat Step 3 with the remaining panel. Sand all rough edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Stain the woodwork with a high-quality outdoor stain, for a more attractive and a longer lasting shower.

• Make two more panels and a door to make a fully-enclosed shower. To add more privacy, plant fountain grasses around the shower.

• Place pea gravel on the shower floor for better drainage and place a rubber mat on the shower floor for a comfortable standing area.

• Wear leather gloves when working with metal roofing.

References

• Martha's Vineyard Magazine: The Outdoor Shower: A Private Oasis
• Ron Hazelton's House Calls: How to Build an Outdoor Shower
• Sunset: Make Your Own Outdoor Shower

Resources

• Sunset: 12 Refreshing Outdoor Showers