How to Build a DIY Outdoor Shower with Hot Water

Building a DIY outdoor shower with hot water requires some planning and preparation, but with the right materials and a little creativity, you can enjoy a refreshing shower under the stars.

A key consideration is the water temperature, which can be achieved with a solar water heater or a gas-powered water heater, as discussed in the article.

To start, you'll need to choose a suitable location for your outdoor shower, ideally in a spot with good drainage and easy access to electricity and water supply.

For a more rustic look, consider using reclaimed wood or stone for the shower enclosure, as shown in the article's example of a shower built using reclaimed wood.

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Before you start building your DIY outdoor shower with hot water, you'll need to prepare the site and gather the necessary materials.

First, choose a location with good drainage to prevent water from accumulating around the shower area. Make sure the ground is level and compacted to ensure stability.

Next, select a suitable location for your water heater, such as a nearby shed or a designated area behind the shower. Consider the distance between the water heater and the shower to ensure it's easily accessible.

You'll also need to plan for the water supply and drainage. Determine the water pressure and flow rate required for your shower, and choose a suitable water heater and piping system to meet these needs.

To ensure a safe and efficient installation, consult the local building codes and regulations for outdoor showers in your area.

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To create a DIY outdoor shower with hot water, you'll need to gather the right tools and materials. Research different designs online and in home and garden books and magazines to determine which style will best suit your needs.

The tools and materials you'll need will vary depending on your design decisions, but here are some essentials to get you started.

You'll need a tankless water heater, such as the Camplux Tankless Water Heater, which can be connected to a propane tank and hoses. Other necessary tools include a miter saw or circular saw, a drill/driver, and stainless steel water hoses.

Here's a list of tools and materials you might need:

The tankless water heater can be connected to a propane tank, hoses, and a hose quick connect fittings to create a hot water system.

For a DIY outdoor shower with hot water, you'll need PVC pipes (for cold water) and CPVC pipes (for hot water). Choose shower fixtures made of bronze, copper, or brass, as these materials won't lose their sheen over time.

You'll also need to purchase pliers, glue, PVC cutters, thumb and pipe wrenches to install pipes and fixtures. Many people opt to hire a plumber to handle this part of the project, but if you're doing it yourself, make sure to consult your local home improvement store to ensure you have the right materials.

For another approach, see: How to Change Outdoor Light Fixtures

To install plumbing against the exterior wall of your home, place your new, exterior shower head connection about 7 feet from the ground. You may also want to consider a second exterior showerhead and faucet handle a few feet from the ground for rinsing off feet and legs, or even shampooing your dog.

To fit the tapware, you'll need to remove some of the boards to give the plumber access. The plumber will then drill holes for the pipe through the side of the posts, making sure the pipes will sit level from the tap.

Use a spade bit to drill these holes, as it will make the job easier. The plumber can also drill holes in the centre of two boards for the shower and mixer while they install the fittings.

Building the splashback first is a good idea, as it allows the tapware to be centred and pipes to be hidden behind the boards. This will give your outdoor shower a clean and finished look.

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Installing an outdoor shower near your pool requires some planning and consideration. It's essential to check the rules and regulations of your local council before starting your project.

You'll need to decide on a mounting point for the plumbing, which can be achieved using a DIY outdoor shower assembly fixed to your cement floor with DynaBolts or a ChemSet Kit, or a Pryda Post Bolt Down Anchor and a 90x90 Treated Post.

Engaging the services of a registered plumber is recommended for running the hot water into your outdoor shower, as using a garden hose from the hot water tap can lead to soft and failing fittings.

A copper pipe can be run from the hot water line to the outdoor shower, and it's a good idea to install a shut-off valve at the connecting point for emergencies.

Cold water can come from your garden hose, but running both hot and cold lines to the outdoor shower is recommended if your budget allows.

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Galvanized pipes can be used for the outdoor pipe fittings as a DIY option, but copper pipes may require more plumbing work for the plumber.

Make sure to consider where the extra water will drain to, as it can affect the chemical balance of the pool water if it drains into the pool.

A cement backer board is a popular choice for walling off the back of an outdoor shower, keeping moisture out and requiring only screws for installation.

This material is designed to provide an excellent surface for laying decorative tile, allowing you to beautify the back wall of your new outdoor shower with tile after setting the base of your outdoor shower flooring.

Building a shower wall can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. If you don't need privacy, you can leave the outdoor shower open on three sides with no walls.

A border at the base can be a nice touch, and you can read more about borders in other sections. Glass block walls, freestanding shower privacy screens, and wood stalls made of weather-resistant materials like cedar, teak, or treated-wood are all great options for adding some seclusion to your outdoor shower.

You can also create a less expensive shower enclosure by installing a semi-circular shower curtain rod with a shower curtain. This is a great option if you're on a budget or want a more casual look.

Cement backer board is a popular choice for walling off the back of an outdoor shower. It's easy to install and keeps moisture out, but you'll need to measure and mark where you need holes for the plumbing fixtures, then cut the holes.

Always wear goggles when cutting cement, and use a utility or scoring knife as a low-tech way to create the holes. Drilling holes in the corners of the demarcations will be a little easier, and then you can use a jigsaw drill to complete the openings.

Ceramic, slate, and glass tiles are popular choices for the back walls of outdoor showers. You'll need a thinset mortar to apply the tiles to the cement backer board, which will allow them to adhere properly.

Stacked river rock tiles are a great option for the back wall of the outdoor shower because they can be resized by cutting the mesh to which the stones are attached, making it easier to get a smooth edge.

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Your outdoor shower needs a floor that's comfortable and safe to stand on. A non-skid surface is a must, and you have several options to choose from.

One option is to lay pavers, which are easy to install and provide a solid surface. You can also build a small deck-type floor made of weather-resistant wood.

Gravel isn't the most comfortable option and tends to shift around, so it's not recommended. To create a concrete floor, you'll need to dig out a square or rectangle in the earth and frame it with wood to hold the concrete in place.

A bed of gravel is poured at the bottom, leveled, and then concrete is poured over it up to the tops of the wood border. The border wood frame should be tilted slightly to allow water to run off in the right direction.

A broom finish can create an attractive, non-skid concrete surface. This is achieved by using broom bristles to give the surface a swirly pattern when the concrete is partially hardened.

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The finishing touches are where you get to add the personality to your DIY outdoor shower with hot water. This is where you can customize the look and feel of your shower to match your outdoor space.

To start, you'll want to add a showerhead that's designed for outdoor use, such as a rain showerhead or a handheld showerhead with a long hose. This will give you more flexibility and make it easier to clean the shower area.

A shower caddy or shelf can be a great addition to your outdoor shower, providing a convenient place to store soap, shampoo, and other essentials within easy reach. This is especially useful if you plan to use your outdoor shower regularly.

Don't forget to add a drain cover or grate to protect the drain from debris and keep the shower area clean. This is an easy and important step that's often overlooked.

A towel rack or hook can be a thoughtful touch, providing a convenient place for guests to dry off after their shower. This is a nice detail that can make a big difference in the overall user experience.

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