17 Stunning Outdoor Shower Ideas and Designs

Bring the tropical vacation of your dreams to your backyard. From simple to extravagant, these outdoor shower ideas are so enticing, you’ll never want to use your regular old shower again.  

Standalone Outdoor Shower Ideas

You don’t need to take on an extravagant renovation to have your own backyard oasis. Get inspiration for your space from these simple backyard showers.

1. Bamboo Spigot 

Building an outdoor shower requires the installation of piping systems to move water from your home’s main water source to the new shower. All of that extra piping can become an eyesore if not done correctly. Consider hiding your outdoor shower system in bamboo or wood to give a simple shower a luxury feel. 

2. Portable Camp Shower

If you need a simple outdoor shower that’s portable, a camp shower bag is an easy and affordable option. Simply fill the bag with water and hang it from a tree, fence, car door, or over a deck. Use the handheld shower hose to rinse off outdoors and on the go. 

3. Wood Pallet

DIY an outdoor shower using wood pallets and planks to cover the piping system. Install a high-end rainfall or waterfall showerhead to still give your backyard bathing space a luxurious feel.

4. On the Deck

If you have a pool or a deck in your backyard, an outdoor shower can transform the space into a true outdoor oasis. Install a shower system on the deck to wash off after a swim in the pool or tanning in the scorching summer sun.

5. Tile Backdrop

A tiled wall can give any outdoor bathing area an upscale, coastal feel. Use small tile pieces to DIY your own ocean-inspired mosaic or opt for sea glass tiles in whimsical shades of blues and greens.

6. Stone Wall and Greenery

For an outdoor shower that blends seamlessly with surrounding nature, consider installing a showerhead into a tall stone wall. Add a selection of lush tropical greenery for extra privacy and zen.

7. Brick Wall

A painted brick wall can give any shower space a clean and classic look while providing texture and dimension. Opt for a white brick wall to make surrounding greenery stand out. Or, choose black paint with matte gold hardware for a more modern look.

Luxury Outdoor Shower Ideas

Ready to go all-in on a backyard paradise? Add elements of these luxury backyard bathing ideas to your renovation plan. 

8. Stone and Concrete Platform

For a backyard that feels like a day spa, lay a smooth concrete or tile slab underneath your showerhead. This will help prevent your outdoor shower area and landscaping from becoming a muddy mess. Plus, the platform will warm up throughout the day from the sun, creating a luxurious “heated floor” effect while you shower. Surround the platform with pebbles or white stones to make the space feel even more spa-like.

9. Plant-Inspired Rainforest Shower

If you’re going to build an outdoor shower, you might as well go all in and surround yourself with nature. Start by installing a rainfall showerhead that releases water directly above your head. Then, secure the area with a tall privacy wall made from natural wood. Finish the space with an overflow of lush tropical greenery.

10. Wood Accent

Using wood accents in an outdoor shower is a versatile way to blend the space into nature while creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Drill outdoor speakers or lighting into the surrounding wood walls to make the most out of your addition.

11. Modern Terrace

If modern and minimalistic is more your style, consider building a combined backyard shower and terrace space. This way, you can sunbathe or do yoga and then cool off in a relaxing shower without having to go far.

Additional Outdoor Shower Area Ideas

An outdoor shower is great all on its own, but you may want to add a few bonus features to really make an at-home retreat. Use these additional outdoor shower area ideas to spark inspiration for your own.  

11. Separate Sink

An outdoor sink can always come in handy, especially if you have kids who like to track mud and dirt inside after playing around the yard. Since you’ll be running a water line to your outdoor shower anyway, make room for a stand-alone sink nearby. 

12. Rinse Pad

If you’ll be installing your shower over a grassy area, you’ll want to add a type of rinse pad underneath the spigot to prevent your lawn from becoming a slippery mess—potentially ruining your landscaping. Make a rinse pad with a concrete slab, wood pallets, or even stones or gravel.

13. Soaking Tub with Hand-Held Showerhead

Take your outdoor shower dreams a step further and install a soaking tub instead. Picture it… soaking in a warm bath underneath a magnificent sunrise with a cup of coffee… it doesn’t get much better than that. Add a detachable hand-held showerhead for the best of both worlds.

14. Wood Shelf Storage

When planning the designs of your outdoor project, don’t forget to make room for shelving to place your soaps and toiletries on. A simple floating wood shelf is all you need. 

15. Built-In Shelving

If a floating wood shelf isn’t your style, try embedding shelves within the privacy wall itself. It’s a relatively easy add-on if you plan ahead, especially when building with concrete, brick, or wood.

16. Privacy Rock Wall

Privacy is important, even if your neighbors don’t have visual access to your backyard. Surround your outdoor shower with a tranquil privacy rock wall. You can even use it to hide water pipes. Install a luxury showerhead right to the wall itself. 

17. Whimsical Pergola

A pergola is an arbor-type structure usually made of wood slats. The roof is open, providing slight shade while still giving you a view of the sky. You can even use it as a trellis to wrap vines and other greenery around—the perfect place for a relaxing shower.