Enhance Your Home with an Outdoor Shower
Date: June 15, 2023
Discussions on enhancing outdoor living spaces tend to revolve around entertainment-related amenities such as fire pits, backyard barbecues, outdoor kitchens, porches, decks, and patios. However, outdoor showers are an increasingly desirable addition, with a high return on investment, that adds value to your home. According to a survey by Realtor.com, outdoor showers rank as one of the top five most desirable outdoor features.
Outdoor showers provide an efficient way to freshen up outside and reduce how much of the great outdoors gets tracked indoors. Outdoor showers offer a convenient way to rinse off after outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or swimming, a place to clean up after a day of yard work or gardening, and a better option for where to bathe the dog.
Outdoor showers can be as simple as a shower head attachment on a garden hose connected to the cold water spigot on the side of your house (for the bold) or as elaborate as a full-featured shower with hot and cold water taps, privacy screens, and a drainage system.
Adding an outdoor shower feature to your home requires choosing the type of shower to install and an appropriate location. The two primary types of outdoor showers are wall mount and freestanding.
Wall mount showers are typically attached to an exterior wall of the main house. They are generally less expensive than standalone units, easier to install, and offer convenient access to plumbing – when situated near existing plumbing lines, such as the outside wall of a kitchen or a bathroom.
Providing privacy and a clear pathway to enter the home are important considerations. Preventing water damage and drainage issues is crucial. Pooling water can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and damage surrounding structures. Adequate sunlight and airflow are necessary to prevent mold growth.
For durability, choose fixtures made of marine-grade stainless steel. Take precautionary measures to prevent frozen pipes in winter. Environmentally friendly soaps are advisable, especially if the shower water runs onto the ground.
With adequate planning, you can design an outdoor shower that complements your lifestyle and adds value to your home.