Our outdoor spaces truly are an oasis during the warmer months. Filled with beautiful blooms and a private spot to enjoy the sun, it's no surprise more homeowners are choosing to elevate their backyards with an outdoor shower.
For some, it's a part of their outdoor bathroom ideas, but for others, it's a smaller, more manageable alternative to a full suite. Installed next to a pool or tucked away on a deck, there are some truly beautiful ways to bring this functional element into your outdoor space.
Considering adding an outdoor shower to your backyard? There are plenty of things to consider, from plumbing and installation to the more fun design elements. And who better to ask than the experts who have seen it all? These outdoor shower ideas have everything you need to create a beautiful outdoor bathing spot.
15 stylish outdoor shower ideas for 2025
A practical and luxurious element to your yard, it's no surprise that outdoor showers are becoming a popular backyard feature. 'Outdoor showers are no longer just the preserve of Mediterranean villas – they’re becoming a design-forward addition in homes, too,' says Louis Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.
'With the rising popularity of cold showers and their proven health benefits – from improved circulation to boosted mood – more homeowners are choosing to incorporate outdoor showers as part of their daily wellness rituals.'
Whether you are looking for an outdoor shower to partner with your pool ideas or a way to cool off after sunbathing in your courtyard garden, these spaces prove that an outdoor shower is an invaluable addition.
1. Keep it minimal with discreet hardware
There are so many ways to design an outdoor shower, depending on your space, style, and budget. But this year's outdoor decorating trends have seen a shift toward more minimalist shower styles, creating a more simplistic design.
'What we’re seeing now is a real move toward sculptural, pared-back designs that integrate beautifully with architecture and landscape,' says Louise.
'The example here is a perfect case in point: a minimalist matt black fixture set against natural stone textures, softened by the shade of palm foliage. It’s as much a piece of outdoor art as it is a shower; elegant, unobtrusive, and intuitively placed.'
2. Introduce outdoor shower tiles for a stylish space
We often see very rustic, at one with nature outdoor shower designs, but there are cases where something a bit more elevated can be a luxe addition to your yard. A more curated scheme, like this space, can be a real asset to your home.
This outdoor shower is partially covered, with seamless flow between the shower and the yard. But because of the way it's been designed, the curvaceous wall is perfect for outdoor shower tiles.
Much like your regular bathroom ideas, tiles in your outdoor shower are as functional as they are stylish. In this design, white tiles with a black geometric design add visual interest to the largest wall of the outdoor shower while adding damp protection.
3. Use materials that harmonize with your outdoor space
For an outdoor shower to feel seamless and cohesive with the rest of your backyard ideas, it's important to choose the right materials. Consider what feels at home in your outdoor space – for most spaces, wood is always a good fit.
'To create an effortlessly serene outdoor shower, select materials that harmonize with their surroundings. A slim, column-style shower with a gentle rain head in bronze or brushed metal finishes lends an understated luxury, reflecting the warm glow of sunlight,' says Alfie Guard, senior designer at Ripples.
'Frame the shower area with structures crafted from weathered oak or teak, which gently age into silvery hues, blending seamlessly into a yard backdrop. Accessories such as simple shelves or hooks, also in weather-resistant finishes, help keep the look clean and elegant. Together, these thoughtful details ensure your outdoor shower feels tranquil, refined, and naturally connected to its environment.'
4. Color drench an outdoor shower in a subtle hue
Nowadays, outdoor shower ideas can be just as aesthetic as they are functional. Instead of sticking to neutrals, why not inject a muted color to add a touch of interest and personality to the space?
A pretty yet subtle pink shade has been used in this outdoor shower scheme, color-drenched across the walls, tiles, and floors. The space feels warm and inviting, but because the shade of pink is more pared-back, it still feels in-keeping with the natural elements of the yard.
5. Create a cubical to channel holiday chic
For the perfect mix of privacy and elegance, a purpose-built wooden chalet gets the gold star when it comes to outdoor shower ideas. Instantly invoking holiday chic, this dual-temperature water shower provides the perfect place to wash off after a trip to the beach or cool off on a hot summer's day.
'The practicality of this wooden shower enclosure gives easy access off sandy beaches and serves as a dual-purpose shower and changing area. When designing outdoor shower ideas, the materials should sustain the natural elements. While an Ipe wood enclosure and stainless-steel shower fittings prove to be outdoor performance materials, they also create an environment that’s pleasing and inspiring for the mind, body, and soul,' explains Zuni Madera from Foley & Cox Interiors, who designed this space.
A solid structure is a great option if you are overlooked and want to maintain the utmost privacy. However, if you want to create a secluded area without building a structure, plants are your best friend. Simply pair with a few trees for privacy, and you'll be well on your way to creating a botanical oasis.
6. Create a green oasis around your outdoor shower with plants
We all know that plants are an integral part of wellness bathroom ideas, but outdoor shower ideas take this to a new level. When planting around your shower, you need to be conscious of waterlogging.
‘For water-absorbing areas, consider big-leaved rodgersias, astilbes, ligularias, Lobelia tupa, Eupatorium cannabium and Filipendula ulmaria. Be aware that heavily used showers lead to significant localized water-logging in summer when plant roots are vulnerable to lack of oxygen, so it will need careful planning if the plants are to thrive,’ says Guy Barter, RHS chief horticulturalist.
Plant in well-draining compost and factor in drainage channels to prevent pooling. Don't be afraid of planting too many plants – more plants mean more drainage, which is essential if you're using your shower often.
If you start to notice that the compost is appearing water-logged consider supplementing with additional drainage methods, too.
7. Dress the space with natural stone
Stone is a popular choice for indoor shower floor ideas and it works well for outdoor showers, too. However, there are lots of different stone flooring types so finding the right one for your specific set of needs is key.
'High-density limestone can be a great surface as it does not retain heat like many other stones, but it is sensitive to acids and cleaners. Granite is very durable but will get very hot in sunlight. Basalt does not build up heat like granite but is almost as durable,’ explains Dustin Moore, chief at STRATA Landscape Architecture.
'We have used some porcelain pavers for showers as they are almost stain-proof. The main drawback is they can get hot in the sun,' he adds. This outdoor shower has a very natural, rustic feel to it, so it blends beautifully in an outdoor setting.
8. Add a privacy screen with slatted wood
No one will blame you for wanting a little bit of privacy while you use your outdoor shower. However, introducing large walls and installations can look out of place in an open-plan yard space, and it will inevitably block any sunlight reaching the area.
Instead, opt for a slatted wood panel, like in this outdoor shower. It creates an element of privacy without creating a large visual divide. Keeping the privacy screen relatively low allows plenty of sunlight to infiltrate the space, and the beautiful pink wall can really shine.
9. Or create a privacy screen with nature
A fence-style structure is a great way to provide a sense of privacy to your outdoor shower, but it's not the only approach. For a more natural option, why not use trees, bushes, and shrubs to create a nature-filled screen?
It doesn't have to be anything complicated. This simple outdoor shower is hidden behind tall bushes that form a visual divide without feeling out of place in a backyard. This is a great option if your outdoor shower area is surrounded by greenery – it will instantly feel much more at home.
10. Select a durable design to withstand the elements
Durability is key when it comes to choosing your fixtures and fittings. ‘Indoor grades of stainless steel are not up to external use and will oxidize and rust,’ says Lucinda Lewis, director at Ingarden.
‘If adding outdoor shower ideas to a coastal garden, the 316 marine-grade stainless steel is the best; for inland, however, 304 outdoor-grade stainless steel is sufficient. Copper is also good for outdoor showers and has a beautiful aesthetic that ages with time,' she explains.
This outdoor shower has blended the durable stainless steel with plenty of natural textures such as stone and wood, so it feels in-keeping with the surroundings.
11. Design an outdoor shower next to a pool
If you simply want to rinse off before you get in the pool or before you go back to the lounger, then a cold shower offers the perfect solution.
This wooden deck idea has a concrete base, and the outdoor shower is designed so that it can be plugged directly into the garden hose making for easy installation and use. Plus, the gaps in the decking provide ample drainage into the green wildflower garden beyond, reducing the risk of water pooling in a specific spot.
Don't forget shower storage ideas either. Here, a bench and hook provide the perfect spots for hanging your towel and placing bathing essentials. The simplicity of this design ensures the views of the beautiful rural landscape remain uninterrupted.
12. Install a hot outdoor shower for versatile bathing
If you have decided that cold outdoor shower ideas are not for you, then you’ll be thrilled to know that they can be plumbed to run hot as well as cold. This will require professional assistance and will work better if attached to the house or close to the property.
‘Warm water is wonderful to have for outdoor showers and can be as easy as tapping into the domestic hot water from the residence if it is close. For more remote showers, we have installed instantaneous water heaters near the shower,' explains Melanie Turner, director of residential design for Pfau Long Architecture.
Alternatively, for a more straightforward approach that will add to your sustainable garden ideas, a solar panel can be used to heat the water in the summer months.
13. Go for a wooden outdoor shower floor
A popular alternative to tile or stone flooring is wood, whether that’s on a decking or purpose-built flooring. If opting for wood, choose a decking board that is designed for use outside.
Just as when looking for pool deck ideas, opt for a ridged design which will help to reduce the risk of slipping when wet. You can also use a non-slip Decking Oil, such as Hope's 100% Pure Tung Oil on Amazon.
Wooden flooring also looks great in an outdoor shower, offering a nod to the natural environment. However, it is worth noting that wooden decking will need maintenance over time.
14. Ensure there is sufficient drainage
Drainage is essential. Without the correct drainage system in place, your shower area will quickly flood, gather debris, and prove unusable. While this might sound complicated, the reality is surprisingly straightforward.
At its simplest, you can design your outdoor shower so that the greywater soaks into the ground. ‘In moderation, where few people will shower and only occasionally in dry, warm weather, the resultant soap-and-shampoo-laced water will not harm the soil,’ explains Guy.
‘It would be wise in this case to consult the local authority building inspector via the planning department and also the environment agency if the shower is near ditches, lakes, ponds, or rivers. In some circumstances, soakaways might be permissible,' he adds.
However, where this is not possible, more complex drainage will be required. ‘Where the shower generates significant run-off it would be prudent to collect this and direct it to the septic tank or the sewage system,’ advises Guy.
15. Locate your outdoor shower on a property wall
Just as when installing a water feature, the location of your outdoor shower ideas will be partially dictated by your pipework. Most people don't have an existing water supply throughout their garden, so choosing a location that is easy to plum will make the process much simpler.
The best and easiest place to install your shower would be on the kitchen or bathroom outer wall so you can simply run the hot and cold pipes outside without much disruption. The general rule is that the closer the shower is to your house, the easier the plumbing work will be.
If you've only got a small corner to dedicate to your outdoor shower, buying a shower with an integrated privacy screen is a great choice. This design features a round slatted cedar screen that is as stylish as it is functional.
Want to test the waters before investing in a permanent outdoor shower space? This freestanding design easily attaches to your hose to create an outdoor shower without needing to be plumbed in.
If you already have an outdoor shower installed, you might be looking for a way to add privacy. This enclosure kit is perfect, with an option of surface or in-ground mounts. It's also great as a changing room – totally versatile.
Can you hook up an outdoor shower to a hose?
Yes, you can hook up an outdoor shower to a hose. If you just want a cool place to rinse off or to shower off the chemicals from the pool, then this is an ideal solution. There are many kits available online that simply attach to an outdoor tap or hose and mean you don’t need to concern yourself with outdoor plumbing.
Is it expensive to put in an outdoor shower?
Pricing varies depending on the style and position, from a simple cold outdoor hose attachment – the cheapest option – to a fully integrated shower enclosure with both hot and cold water.
'The cost of an outdoor shower can vary widely depending on the type of shower you choose and the materials used. Simple and basic showers can cost as little as $200, while more complex and elaborate showers can cost up to $5,000,' reveals Henna Bell from Gardeninghood.
'It’s important to consider your budget when shopping for an outdoor shower and look for one that fits both your design and functional needs,' she adds.
There are plenty of outdoor shower ideas to inspire your own design. Whether you opt for a simple shower head attached to an exterior wall or something more decorative filled with color and a variety of materials, there are so many ways to create this handy backyard addition.
