Outdoor Shower Ideas: How to Create a Stunning Outdoor Bathing Space

Outdoor Bathing Design: Understanding Space, Privacy and Weather Protection

Imagine stepping straight from your back door into an outdoor shower on a balmy evening and letting rainwater, or your own tap water, cleanse you in the elements. This is the ultimate luxury. Often we see ideas like these in brochures for hotels and resorts, but you really can design your own backyard bathing spot.
First and foremost, outdoor showers need space. An outdoor shower requires around 2.5 metres x 2.5 metres and an outdoor bath needs closer to 3 metres x 3 metres. Consider sun exposure too; for most of the year you want your bathing area in the afternoon sun. However, in summer you may be glad for some shade so you aren't baking in the sun when showering. Think about privacy too. Some outdoor shower ideas use timber screens (western red cedar works well for outdoor applications), living screens like hedges and bamboo and even rendered masonry screens. If there is a small area over the space, it will give protection from inclement weather. The same considerations apply to outdoor bathing areas. In coastal areas, keep in mind your choice of materials as you will need to choose products that are weather resistant, able to withstand salt and intense UV conditions.

Drainage and Plumbing Requirements for Outdoor Showers and Tubs

This is where many outdoor shower ideas become reality. Drainage considerations can seem complicated, but they are one of the most important considerations when designing an outdoor bathing area. If there is no plan for drainage, or if you get the design wrong you will simply have standing water, which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
You will need a gravel base to be at least 100mm, a minimum of a 100mm diameter of pipework to drain off the water into an approved stormwater line or soakage system, not just a vegetable garden, and the shower/bath area should have a downward slope of about 3 per cent to 5 per cent to assist with drainage alone. Budget at least $800 to $1500 for drainage. Hot and cold water pipes will need to run to the bathing area. You will be glad for access to hot water, but you don't need it. To achieve this, a solar hot water tank system costs between $2000 to $4000 which, given the benefits, will be more than paid back over the lifetime of your installation. Make sure you turn off the pipes over winter when the area is not in use. You don't need to know your neighbours' pipes burst at 3am.

Material Selection for Durability in Australian Weather

The Australian environment can be harsh on buildings and infrastructure, so if you want your outdoor bathing spot to last you will need to choose materials carefully. Steel (galvanised and painted, $500 to $1200) is very durable, but needs regular painting to stop corrosion. It will take the weight of a full tub. Alternatively, consider the beauty and warm nature of treated timber, such as western red cedar (800 to 1500 dollars). You can still expect a serviceable outdoor bathing area from the timber, but you will need to replace it every 5 to 10 years. You will need to make sure you build a very strong base for the outdoor tub so the ground doesn't shift. Concrete ($1500 to $2500) is an excellent, hard wearing material. It should last 20 years with little maintenance.
The shower fittings are important. If you are close to the coast, marine grade stainless steel is the only choice as standard metal will pit within a year. Non-slip tiles ($40 to $80 per square metre) are the easiest type of flooring to keep safe and dry. When thinking about outdoor tubs, particularly japanese style soaking tubs, ensure that they are suitable for outdoor use. Again, consider carefully the weight that the ground needs to carry, as a filled tub can weigh over 500 kilograms, plus you, the water and the tub itself.

Go Earthy with Outdoor Soaking Tub and Shower Configurations

For those looking to step up a simple rinse, an outdoor soak is the next best option. There is nothing quite like a warm soak under the stars; the very outdoor bath ideas mentioned above sound decadent, but can easily be attained.
Round, timber tubs in the Japanese hinoki style (1,500mm diameter) cost $3,000 to $6,000, and a round bathtub in concrete or stone will cost $4,000 to $8,000. Elevated spa tubs ($2,000 to $5,000) are above ground so there's easy access to plumbing and cleaning. Allow for 1.2m by 1.2m for the outdoor shower area when designing outdoor baths and showers combined. Place a bathtub away from the prevailing wind, and have the entrance facing away from main viewing areas. Think of the outdoor bathtub ideas you see at boutique resorts—that level of comfort is genuinely possible with the right infrastructure.

Building Codes, Permits and Installation Logistics

No outdoor bath or shower would be complete without a little bit of legal legwork. Most councils require planning permits for outdoor structures that are larger than 10m2, and plumbing permits may apply as well for smaller structures.
Typically, a minimum of 900mm setbacks are required from the property boundary, and you're not free to dump all your dirty water anywhere, as drainage outlets are connected to approved infrastructure. Councils may carry out inspections on the finished structure, so allow for some time and expense (typically $200 to $600) for the paperwork. Once you've submitted your permit applications and they've been approved, it may take two to four weeks and then a further one to three weeks for construction works to be carried out. While you can build your own outdoor bath, hiring a professional builder is recommended for the structural and plumbing work. If you opt for a spa with bathtub, electrical certification to the plumbing work and the electricals associated to pump work will be needed too. Among the many outdoor shower ideas out there, the ones that last are those built on solid outdoor bathroom ideas foundations—proper drainage, compliant permits, and weather-appropriate materials.