An outdoor shower was not on our radar AT ALL until our contractor asked if there’s going to be a shower in the pool bathroom (which will be replacing the downstairs laundry room). There’s only going to be enough room for either a stacked washer and dryer, or a shower, but not both. And so he talked us into adding an outdoor shower, which was not in our original backyard plans. But it did solve our dilemma of having to choose between the two! Also, apparently it’s not that hard to add an outdoor shower if you already have a hose spout plumbed. So we went for it! With the addition of the outdoor shower, the pool bathroom can now include a small washer and dryer set for washing wet suits and towels if we'd like.
Here's what the space looked like before!
Before
For context, that arched window right there peeks into our primary bathroom, right above the big, seashell bathtub.
I found the perfect exposed shower from Wayfair. We kept the controls super low because it needed to be parallel with the hose hookup and accessed through the crawl space. But there is hot and cold water and it's just so luxurious to hop in a warm shower after a dip in the pool. Because the controls are so low we actually had to order two showers to give us another extender piece to make it tall enough.
My favorite feature is the handheld shower head attachment, and it makes washing the girls hair a breeze!
In the original outdoor shower inspiration post, there were a lot of showers with climbing vines on stone. Although that would be lovely here, I don't know how practical it is. There's obviously not soil to plant it in, and this corner doesn't get much direct light. Combine that with frequent waterings and I think it's a bad idea.
The last detail I'm itching to add is a mirror. I think it would be the most unexpected yet functional touch to this outdoor space!
Is there going to be more privacy?
To answer the question I keep getting about the shower... Is there going to be more privacy? Short answer: no.
Long answer: Nobody's going to be showering in here naked during the day. That's not really the purpose of it. We created a privacy screen on the left side because that's the side we have neighbors. We don't really need the privacy on the right side. It's also pretty set back from the rest of the yard. Planting a bush in front of the shower is also going to help add a bit of screening!
I set some shampoo and conditioner out on the steps so after a swim, you can hop into the shower with your suit on, get all clean, then head inside and change into some warm pajamas. Obviously once the pool bathroom is in place we'll be able to drop off all our wet things in there.
Pool Bathroom
Through this archway (which will be gated soon) and in place of that window will be the entrance to the pool bathroom! We don't really have a timeline on this, and you know we're not taking on anything new until we get this project punch list checked off! I would say that by the time next summer rolls around we'll have a functioning, finished pool bathroom!
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I can't quite put my finger on why, but I just love the steps down into the shower!
We have the same type of outdoor shower without privacy and we love it for post beach rinse offs. And if the timing is right and no neighbors are visible, sometimes we live a little and go for it sans suits! Ha!
So nice to be able to wash their hair, rinse off and then head inside to change! I love it!!
The ultimate indulgence in a pool bathroom would be a swimsuit spin dryer!
This is nice. Perhaps adding a small shelf for soaps and a few hooks for towels and cover ups/robes..
Why does there have to be a shutoff valve in the crawl space and pipe parrallel to hose spigot? Is there a concer about freezing pipes in the winter time?
Love how simple and elegant the fixture is!
So beautiful and elegant!! I love everything you guys do! I’ve been trying to search your blog where you mention the neat pavers with the grass in between them; what kind of pavers are they, and is the grass real or faux? We just finished building our house, and I’d love to do something like that off of our lanai. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Emily! Here's a post about it https://chrislovesjulia.com/all-about-our-diamond-pavers-and-artificial-grass/
Thank you so much, Missy!!
How did you add hot water service?
our shower from inside is right behind this wall, so they just split the pipe in the crawl space.
Looks beautiful and luxurious!! I’d love to learn more about how the shower was plumbed, we’re considering a tankless water heater to have hot water in addition to the cold hose water in our outdoor shower plan!
Is that an exterior wall to your house where the shower is attached? How is it protected from waterdamage as it gets wet when using the shower. Also, is there a drain on the ground or where does the water go? Looking to adding one and curious to know all the details. :)
Drain, yes. I'm not sure what you mean by the exterior wall getting water damaged. Do you mean the brick?
Yes, I would assume that if you shower regularly and the brick gets wet every time, it stays moist and does not really dry ever. So I was wondering is there some waterprotection behind the brick as moist could cause the materials behind the brick to get mold?