An outdoor shower can be a convenient way of cleaning mud and sand from kids, pets and clothes before you come into the house. It also provides a handy way to clean gardening equipment, beach toys and patio furniture. If located in a secluded place, an outdoor shower can also transform bathing with the beauty of showering in nature.
Picking the right shower head is critical to the outdoor bathing experience. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs, budget and outdoor setup.
Types of showerheads
Whether you are looking for a basic setup or one that provides soothing massage options for blissful hydrotherapy, you’ve got plenty of choices. But keep in mind that you never want to install fixtures outdoors that are actually designed for indoors, regardless of the climate where you live. Make sure whatever showerhead you choose is designed to withstand the elements.
There are a range of showerheads available to meet your needs and desires. Here are some of the most popular.
Fixed showerheads
Fixed showerheads are popular because they are also affordable. They are typically installed high above the shower space. This is a no-frills option that’s typically about 5 inches in diameter or less. If you’re looking for more options, a multi-function fixed shower head will allow you to change spray patterns, ranging from a concentrated spray with massaging benefits to a gentle spray that’s soothing.
Rain showerheads
Rain showerheads operate like fixed showerheads but are larger in size and feature a greater spraying ratio. These range from 6 inches on up. The beauty of a wider spray is it more fully encompasses your body, creating a soothing experience that’s more comfortable in the outdoors. Water pressure is minimized for a gentler showering experience that feels like light rainfall.
Handheld showerheads
Handheld showerheads are especially popular for outdoor showers because they make spraying off kids, pets and shoes easier. You have more control over what you want to spray, which can be particularly handy if you don’t want to get your clothes wet. They do cost a bit more than fixed showerheads, but their added convenience is well worth the money.
Consider a body spray panel
By adding body spray or multi spray panels to your shower, you get the perfect hydrotherapy experience that is soothing and relaxing. The sprayers are typically located in vertical rows along the panel of your outdoor shower and provide a criss-crossing shower sensation. A body spray panel is typically an accessory to the showerhead that complements the showering experience.
Choosing the type of outdoor shower
There are generally two ways to set up your outdoor shower.
Freestanding showers
Freestanding showers are standalone fixtures attached directly to the ground or a built-in shower tray. Because no wall is required, it can be installed wherever you like — perfect for a garden or a secluded location.
Wall mount showers
Wall mount showers attach to a fence, the wall of your home or any other existing standing structure. This is a simpler approach than a freestanding shower that does not require any drilling into concrete. You can purchase an all-in-one outdoor shower kit that you connect to the water line and simply attach to an existing structure.
Interested in installing an outdoor shower? Call Plumbers 911!
If you are interested in having an outdoor shower installed, call Plumbers 911. We are a network of plumbing contractors that can install your outdoor shower. We can also provide advice or a quote.
