10 Reasons to Love an Outdoor Shower (Beyond the Beach House)

You may think of an outdoor shower as belonging at a beach house, and while that's certainly true (see No. 8 below), sand and salt aren't the only things outdoor showers are good for. Here are 10 reasons to love outdoor showers, whether you live by the coast or miles from it.

Crisp Architects

1. An Outdoor Shower Makes an Ideal Pool House Cleanup and Changing Area

If you have a pool (or hot tub), adding an outdoor shower can make the experience of getting in and out a bit easier. No more dripping water through the house when you can rinse, dry and change in the comfort of a private outdoor shower.

Our Town Plans

2. An Outdoor Shower Is Handy for Getting Kids Clean … Without Mucking Up the House

If you have young children, you're probably well practiced in the art of wrangling a dirty/muddy/wet child (along with all of those wet and muddy clothes) through the house to the bathroom at cleanup time. With an outdoor shower, wee ones can get squeaky clean without the mess ever seeing the inside of your house. Bonus: Fussy kids who resist getting hosed off from a cold-water-only spigot usually love a nice warm outdoor shower.

Shannon Malone

3. An Outdoor Shower Can Be a Lifesaver with a Houseful of Summer Guests

When you're hosting a crowd of overnight guests, bathroom space can quickly feel limited. Ease the pressure on indoor bathrooms by taking your own showers outdoors (and offer guests the option). Just be sure your outdoor shower has privacy walls and a door that latches.

Planned Environment Associates

4. An Outdoor Shower Makes a Convenient One-Stop Dog-Cleaning Spot

Tired of muddy paw prints in the house? Corral your furry friend in a fenced outdoor shower equipped with a hand-held nozzle, and washing up after a day at the doggy park is a breeze.

5. An Outdoor Shower Can Rinse Off Post-Gardening Dirt

Avid gardeners know that planting and maintaining a garden is a messy business. Rinse just your feet and garden clogs with a foot-level nozzle, or dunk your whole head under!

Howell Custom Building Group

6. An Outdoor Shower Is a Refreshing Way to Cool Down on a Hot Day

In areas with hot summers, there are days when cooling down is the only thing on anyone's mind. Position your outdoor shower in a shady, private spot and indulge in the cool water when the heat is unbearable.

7. An Outdoor Shower Can Give You a Resort-Like Experience at Home

Bring home the feel of a tropical vacation with your own outdoor shower, complete with oversize rain shower head. Ramp up the resort vibe by treating yourself to a few fancy bath products to keep in the shower, along with a stack of fluffy white towels nearby.

Mr Jason Grant

8. An Outdoor Shower Is a Must-Have If You Live Near the Beach

If you do reside seaside, an outdoor shower is of course the hands-down best way to keep sand outdoors where it belongs. Installing a foot shower is a worthy addition—even folks who don't want to bother with a full shower can at least rinse off sandy toes before stepping into the house.

Resolution: 4 Architecture

9. An Outdoor Shower Is an Easy Spot to Rinse Off After a Run

Get quick relief for hot, tired muscles after running with a quick jump in the outdoor shower. It's easier than going inside, and the breeze will cool you down even quicker. Just remember to set out towels and a change of clothes ahead of time.

Granada Tile

10. An Outdoor Shower Makes an Everyday Routine Extra Special

As long as it's private enough, there's no reason an outdoor shower can't be used for your daily cleanse, at least in the warmer months. And if it's as beautiful as the version shown here (complete with a jungle of potted plants), it will feel more like an adventure than a routine.

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More: How to Add an Outdoor Shower