Should You Put An Outdoor Shower By Your Pool?
As homeowners seek to enhance their outdoor living spaces, outdoor showers by pools have surged in popularity. This feature not only improves the functionality of your pool area but also adds a touch of luxury to the backyard experience. Whether you're considering this addition for its practicality or aesthetic appeal, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. This post will guide homeowners through the key considerations and benefits of installing an outdoor shower by the pool, helping you make an informed choice.
Benefits of Having an Outdoor Shower by Your Pool
Convenience
One of the primary benefits of an outdoor shower is the convenience it offers. Swimmers can easily rinse off before diving into the pool, removing any lotions, oils, or dirt that might otherwise contaminate the water. Post-swim, an outdoor shower provides a quick and easy way to wash off chlorine or saltwater, preventing skin irritation and prolonging the life of swimsuits and towels.
Enhanced Hygiene
Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool becomes significantly easier with an outdoor shower. By encouraging swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool, you reduce the amount of dirt, debris, and chemicals introduced into the water. This not only keeps the pool water cleaner but also reduces the workload for your pool’s filtration system, leading to lower maintenance costs and fewer chemical treatments.
Luxurious Ambiance
An outdoor shower can instantly elevate the ambiance of your pool area, creating a spa-like retreat right in your backyard. The sight and sound of running water, combined with thoughtful design elements, can turn an ordinary poolside into a serene oasis. This touch of luxury can enhance your overall outdoor experience, making your backyard a more enjoyable and inviting space.
Considerations Before Installing an Outdoor Shower
Space and Layout
Before installing an outdoor shower, consider the available space and how the shower will fit into the overall layout of your pool area. Ensure there is enough room for both the shower and adequate privacy without disrupting the flow of your outdoor space.
Privacy and Zoning Regulations
Privacy is a crucial factor for most homeowners considering an outdoor shower. You’ll need to think about how to shield the shower from neighbours and passers-by, which may involve fencing, plants, or a dedicated shower enclosure. Additionally, check local zoning regulations to ensure your plans comply with any relevant building codes or permits required for outdoor plumbing installations.
Water Supply and Drainage Logistics
Proper water supply and drainage are critical to the functionality of an outdoor shower. Plan for a reliable water source and ensure that wastewater is adequately drained away from your pool and home foundation. This might require professional plumbing services to install necessary pipes and drainage systems.
Maintenance and Cost Considerations
Consider the ongoing maintenance needs and costs associated with an outdoor shower. Regular cleaning, potential repairs, and possible winterisation in colder climates should be factored into your planning. Additionally, budget for the initial installation costs, including materials, labour, and any necessary permits.
Types of Outdoor Showers
Permanent vs. Portable Showers
Outdoor showers come in two main types: permanent and portable. Permanent showers are fixed installations usually plumbed into your home’s water system, offering a more robust and durable option. Portable showers, on the other hand, are versatile and can be moved or stored away when not in use. They often connect to a garden hose, making them a less permanent but flexible solution.
Solar-Powered Showers
Solar-powered showers are an eco-friendly option that uses solar energy to heat the water. These showers are particularly appealing for their energy efficiency and ease of installation, as they typically do not require complex plumbing or electrical work. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the amount of sunlight your location receives.
Custom vs. Prefabricated Designs
Custom outdoor showers offer the flexibility to tailor the design to your specific preferences and needs, allowing you to choose materials, fixtures, and layout that match your vision. Pre-fabricated designs, available in various styles and sizes, offer a simpler solution that can be quicker and more cost-effective to install.
Design Inspiration for Outdoor Showers
Stylish and Functional Designs
When designing your outdoor shower, balance style with functionality. Consider features such as rainfall showerheads, handheld sprayers, and built-in benches for added comfort and convenience. Materials like stainless steel, stone, and teak wood not only look stunning but also withstand outdoor conditions.
Incorporating Privacy Features and Eco-Friendly Options
Incorporate privacy features such as lattice panels, bamboo screens, or tall plants to create a secluded showering space. For eco-conscious homeowners, eco-friendly options like solar-powered showers, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable materials can enhance the environmental appeal of your outdoor shower.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an Outdoor Shower
Planning the Location and Layout
Start by selecting a suitable location for your outdoor shower, considering proximity to the pool, privacy, and ease of access to water supply and drainage. Sketch a layout that includes the showerhead, controls, drainage, and any additional features like seating or storage.
Choosing the Right Materials and Fixtures
Select durable materials that can withstand exposure to the elements. Stainless steel, brass, and treated wood are excellent choices for fixtures and fittings. Look for high-quality, weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Installation
Decide whether to hire professionals or undertake a DIY installation. Professional plumbers and contractors can ensure a seamless and code-compliant installation, particularly for more complex setups. For simpler installations, experienced DIY enthusiasts may be able to handle the project themselves, following clear instructions and safety guidelines.
Ensuring Proper Water Supply and Drainage
Ensure your outdoor shower has a reliable water supply and adequate drainage. Connect the shower to your home’s water system or a garden hose for portable options. Install a drainage system that directs wastewater away from your pool and home, preventing waterlogging and structural damage.
Conclusion
Installing an outdoor shower can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your pool area, offering a convenient and luxurious touch to your backyard oasis. By carefully considering space, privacy, water supply, drainage, and maintenance, you can create a practical and stylish outdoor shower that meets your needs. Whether you opt for a permanent, solar-powered, or custom design, the key to success lies in thoughtful planning and high-quality materials. Taking the time to plan and execute your outdoor shower project meticulously will ensure you enjoy the benefits and beauty of this outdoor feature for years to come.
Should You Put An Outdoor Shower By Your Pool?
As homeowners seek to enhance their outdoor living spaces, outdoor showers by pools have surged in popularity. This feature not only improves the functionality of your pool area but also adds a touch of luxury to the backyard experience. Whether you're considering this addition for its practicality or aesthetic appeal, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. This post will guide homeowners through the key considerations and benefits of installing an outdoor shower by the pool, helping you make an informed choice.
Benefits of Having an Outdoor Shower by Your Pool
Convenience
One of the primary benefits of an outdoor shower is the convenience it offers. Swimmers can easily rinse off before diving into the pool, removing any lotions, oils, or dirt that might otherwise contaminate the water. Post-swim, an outdoor shower provides a quick and easy way to wash off chlorine or saltwater, preventing skin irritation and prolonging the life of swimsuits and towels.
Enhanced Hygiene
Maintaining the cleanliness of your pool becomes significantly easier with an outdoor shower. By encouraging swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool, you reduce the amount of dirt, debris, and chemicals introduced into the water. This not only keeps the pool water cleaner but also reduces the workload for your pool’s filtration system, leading to lower maintenance costs and fewer chemical treatments.
Luxurious Ambiance
An outdoor shower can instantly elevate the ambiance of your pool area, creating a spa-like retreat right in your backyard. The sight and sound of running water, combined with thoughtful design elements, can turn an ordinary poolside into a serene oasis. This touch of luxury can enhance your overall outdoor experience, making your backyard a more enjoyable and inviting space.
Considerations Before Installing an Outdoor Shower
Space and Layout
Before installing an outdoor shower, consider the available space and how the shower will fit into the overall layout of your pool area. Ensure there is enough room for both the shower and adequate privacy without disrupting the flow of your outdoor space.
Privacy and Zoning Regulations
Privacy is a crucial factor for most homeowners considering an outdoor shower. You’ll need to think about how to shield the shower from neighbours and passers-by, which may involve fencing, plants, or a dedicated shower enclosure. Additionally, check local zoning regulations to ensure your plans comply with any relevant building codes or permits required for outdoor plumbing installations.
Water Supply and Drainage Logistics
Proper water supply and drainage are critical to the functionality of an outdoor shower. Plan for a reliable water source and ensure that wastewater is adequately drained away from your pool and home foundation. This might require professional plumbing services to install necessary pipes and drainage systems.
Maintenance and Cost Considerations
Consider the ongoing maintenance needs and costs associated with an outdoor shower. Regular cleaning, potential repairs, and possible winterisation in colder climates should be factored into your planning. Additionally, budget for the initial installation costs, including materials, labour, and any necessary permits.
Types of Outdoor Showers
Permanent vs. Portable Showers
Outdoor showers come in two main types: permanent and portable. Permanent showers are fixed installations usually plumbed into your home’s water system, offering a more robust and durable option. Portable showers, on the other hand, are versatile and can be moved or stored away when not in use. They often connect to a garden hose, making them a less permanent but flexible solution.
Solar-Powered Showers
Solar-powered showers are an eco-friendly option that uses solar energy to heat the water. These showers are particularly appealing for their energy efficiency and ease of installation, as they typically do not require complex plumbing or electrical work. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the amount of sunlight your location receives.
Custom vs. Prefabricated Designs
Custom outdoor showers offer the flexibility to tailor the design to your specific preferences and needs, allowing you to choose materials, fixtures, and layout that match your vision. Pre-fabricated designs, available in various styles and sizes, offer a simpler solution that can be quicker and more cost-effective to install.
Design Inspiration for Outdoor Showers
Stylish and Functional Designs
When designing your outdoor shower, balance style with functionality. Consider features such as rainfall showerheads, handheld sprayers, and built-in benches for added comfort and convenience. Materials like stainless steel, stone, and teak wood not only look stunning but also withstand outdoor conditions.
Incorporating Privacy Features and Eco-Friendly Options
Incorporate privacy features such as lattice panels, bamboo screens, or tall plants to create a secluded showering space. For eco-conscious homeowners, eco-friendly options like solar-powered showers, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable materials can enhance the environmental appeal of your outdoor shower.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an Outdoor Shower
Planning the Location and Layout
Start by selecting a suitable location for your outdoor shower, considering proximity to the pool, privacy, and ease of access to water supply and drainage. Sketch a layout that includes the showerhead, controls, drainage, and any additional features like seating or storage.
Choosing the Right Materials and Fixtures
Select durable materials that can withstand exposure to the elements. Stainless steel, brass, and treated wood are excellent choices for fixtures and fittings. Look for high-quality, weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Installation
Decide whether to hire professionals or undertake a DIY installation. Professional plumbers and contractors can ensure a seamless and code-compliant installation, particularly for more complex setups. For simpler installations, experienced DIY enthusiasts may be able to handle the project themselves, following clear instructions and safety guidelines.
Ensuring Proper Water Supply and Drainage
Ensure your outdoor shower has a reliable water supply and adequate drainage. Connect the shower to your home’s water system or a garden hose for portable options. Install a drainage system that directs wastewater away from your pool and home, preventing waterlogging and structural damage.
Conclusion
Installing an outdoor shower can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your pool area, offering a convenient and luxurious touch to your backyard oasis. By carefully considering space, privacy, water supply, drainage, and maintenance, you can create a practical and stylish outdoor shower that meets your needs. Whether you opt for a permanent, solar-powered, or custom design, the key to success lies in thoughtful planning and high-quality materials. Taking the time to plan and execute your outdoor shower project meticulously will ensure you enjoy the benefits and beauty of this outdoor feature for years to come.
