Installing an Outdoor Shower

Planning Your Outdoor Shower

Before installing an outdoor shower, consider the location, drainage, water supply, and local building codes. Position the shower near an exterior wall for easier access to water supply lines and drainage. Consider privacy and wind exposure. Check local codes for drainage requirements — many jurisdictions require the water to flow to a proper drain rather than onto the ground surface, especially if you plan to use soap. Greywater systems can be used in some areas to direct shower water to landscape irrigation.

Water Supply Options

The simplest outdoor showers use cold water only — connect a supply line to the nearest outdoor hose bib or tap into an indoor cold water pipe through the exterior wall. For hot and cold water, you will need to run both supply lines from inside the house. Use 1/2-inch copper or PEX pipe rated for outdoor use. If the outdoor shower will not be used year-round, install shut-off valves inside the house with drain valves to allow winterization. PEX is preferred for its freeze resistance, but it must be protected from UV exposure with UV-rated insulation or conduit.

Installing the Shower Fixture

Mount the shower valve and head on a treated wood post, masonry wall, or stainless steel pole rated for outdoor use. Use rust-resistant stainless steel or brass fixtures — standard chrome fixtures will corrode quickly in outdoor conditions. Install the shower head at a height of 72 to 80 inches. If using a freestanding pole, set it in concrete at least 18 inches deep. Connect the water supply lines to the valve using compression or push-fit fittings appropriate for the pipe material. Wrap exposed supply pipes with UV-resistant pipe insulation.

Drainage Solutions

The simplest drainage approach is a gravel pad (river rock over a bed of crushed gravel) that allows water to percolate into the ground. Dig out the shower area 6 to 12 inches deep, lay landscape fabric, fill with 4 inches of crushed gravel, and top with decorative river rock or pebbles. For more formal drainage, install a shower pan or tiled surface sloped to a floor drain connected to your home's drain system or a dedicated dry well. A dry well is a buried gravel-filled pit that collects and slowly disperses greywater into the surrounding soil — this is often the most practical solution for outdoor showers that are not close to existing drain lines.