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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
An outdoor shower is a quick way to rinse off—whether after doing yard work, before hopping in the pool, or to cool down on a hot day—without tracking dirt and water to your indoor bathroom.
We spent hours researching outdoor showers from the top brands, evaluating the material, features, and type of each.
Best Overall
PULSE Showerspas 1055-SSB Wave Outdoor Shower
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Homedepot
The PULSE Wave Outdoor Shower is the definition of everything an outdoor shower fixture should be. This freestanding unit features 316 stainless steel construction, which looks modern and sleek but also protects against rust and increases durability. It’s a great pick for any backyard oasis, since it features a classic design and high-quality materials.
In addition to the fixed showerhead, the PULSE Wave offers various functions to suit your showering needs with a slim hand shower wand and foot rinse spout. The built-in diverter controls water flow and makes it easy to switch from showerhead to wand or foot rinse. It offers a flow rate of up to 2.5 gallons per minute and is ready to be connected to your outdoor water line.
Price at time of publish: $847
Best Budget
Aolemi Outdoor Shower Fixture Combo Set
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Amazon
Even with a limited budget, you can enjoy the luxury of an outdoor shower. The Aolemi Outdoor Shower Fixture Combo Set is an affordable model that offers the functionality and features you need to enjoy a refreshing rinse outside. With dual inlets for cold and hot water supply lines, this wall-mounted shower can provide you with warm or cool water temperatures to suit your preference.
This wall-mounted shower is constructed with 304 stainless steel for durability and includes a generously-sized 8-inch rainfall showerhead plus a hand sprayer. Keep in mind that some other outdoor showers are made with 316 stainless steel, which is better able to resist corrosion from salt. This version might not offer the longest life in climates with salty air, but for its budget price point, you can expect to get your money’s worth.
Price at time of publish: $159
Best Solar Powered
Giantex 9.3 Gallon Solar Heated Shower
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Amazon
If you’re looking for a portable outdoor shower that also offers warm water, check out this solar-powered version from Giantex. This freestanding outdoor shower connects to a hose and uses the sun’s energy to provide a quick rinse with warm water.
The reservoir of this solar shower holds 9.3 gallons of water, which is a big reason to pick this version in comparison to smaller solar-powered outdoor showers. Stored water can reach up to 140 degrees in the reservoir tank—depending on the intensity of sun received—but an adjustable faucet lets you dial in the right water temperature for your comfort level. With a height of 7.2 feet and a swivel shower head, this heated outdoor shower can accommodate even tall people or can be used to rinse off paddleboards and beach equipment.
Price at time of publish: $180
Best Freestanding
Wildon Home Noah Freestanding Outdoor Shower
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Wayfair
A freestanding outdoor shower opens up more possibilities for placement; you’ll often spot this type of shower on patios or decks or near the pool. The Noah model from Wildon Home is a great way to rinse off or relax outside, with the help of a stainless steel rain-style showerhead.
You can connect this outdoor shower to a hose for cool water rinsing or position it closer to a water supply for hot and cold water connections. The slatted duckboard is made of Eucalyptus wood, which is naturally resistant to rot and holds up to high moisture.
Price at time of publish: $350
Best Wall-Mount
Outdoor Shower Company ODSC1019 Thermostatic Control Wall Mount Shower
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Perigold
A wall-mount outdoor shower typically means straightforward installation, since this set-up takes advantage of your home’s existing plumbing. You won’t have to worry about a shower tower that is fully exposed to the elements or subject to being blown over by high winds.
The Outdoor Shower Company makes this wall-mount model that seamlessly integrates into an exterior wall, leaving an 8.5-inch square rainfall shower head, showerhead arm, and controls exposed for sleek, easy access. It’s worth noting that this model includes a thermostatic control valve, which regulates water temperature and prevents scalding.
Price at time of publish: $3,196
Best Shower Panel
Signature Hardware Vaughn Stainless Steel Shower Panel with Hand Shower
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Signature Hardware
Another type of wall-mount outdoor shower, a shower panel offers a different aesthetic and, in many cases, more controls and options than other models. This waterfall version from Signature Hardware is a perfect example of how a shower panel can elevate your al fresco shower experience into a spa-like retreat.
The Vaughn model features four body spray jets to soothe tired, achy muscles after working in the yard or to provide a massage after a long day. While the modern design, jets, and rainfall showerhead of this shower panel will catch your eye, Signature Hardware includes other functional features, like a hand shower wand in its space-saving design.
Price at time of publish: $549
Best Modern
Signature Hardware Abner Outdoor Stainless Steel Shower Panel with Bamboo Tray
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Signature Hardware
Outdoor showers run a range of styles and looks, but if you’re seeking a modern fixture for your outdoor décor, check out the Abner model from Signature Hardware. This is a freestanding stainless steel shower panel, complete with a bamboo and steel platform. Features like a pivoting shower head, body sprayer, and hand shower wand make it easy to direct the water exactly where you want it.
This modern outdoor shower combines the aesthetics of a sleek shower panel with the flexibility of placement offered by a freestanding design. As a result, you can position this outdoor shower in any location that's accessible to a hot and cold water supply.
Price at time of publish: $769
Best Portable
Poolmaster Portable Outdoor Shower
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Amazon
If you value function over form, a portable outdoor shower can provide you with a ready water supply anywhere within reach of a garden hose. The Poolmaster Portable Outdoor Shower is ideal for anyone that values function over form and is looking for a quick rinse before jumping in the pool or after working in the garden.
This portable outdoor shower connects to a garden hose and stands 81 inches tall. The showerhead can be used as a handheld shower, with a 60.5-inch detachable showerhead hose. Primarily made of plastic and PVC, this shower is lightweight and easy to move or pack up. For this reason, it’s not the longest-lasting or most sturdy outdoor shower on the market, but it’s cheap and practical for use by the pool, camping, or anywhere else you need a quick rinse.
Price at time of publish: $92
Best Poolside
Southern Enterprises Selma 94.5 in. H Outdoor Shower
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Southern Enterprises
Perhaps the best place for an outdoor shower is poolside to wash off chlorine or salt water before you go back inside or laying down to suntan. The freestanding shower can be placed anywhere in your backyard, so it's perfect for styling beside pools or hot tubs. There's a convenient shelf for bar soap when washing off in the luxurious waterfall-style shower.
Constructed from sustainable Indonesian eucalyptus hardwood produced in an FSC Chain of Custody-certified factory, the wood is designed to withstand weather and last for years. Standing almost 8 feet tall, the shower head easily connects to a water hose or outdoor faucet, while the standing base collects dirt and gravel that you won't find with a shower panel option.
Price at time of publish: $285
The Pulse Wave is our top choice for an outdoor shower, because it features durable stainless steel construction. The simple design with the attached shower wand is practical yet stylish enough for any outdoor shower set-up. However, if you’re looking for a simpler outdoor shower that doesn’t require plumbing, we recommend the Wildon Home Noah Freestanding Shower, which quickly and easily connects to a garden hose for an instant shower wherever you put it, with attached Eucalyptus duckboard.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Shower
Type
Outdoor showers are either wall-mounted or freestanding. Wall-mounted showers generally offer easier access to your home’s existing plumbing connections but may be limited in placement options for this reason. This type of shower often has greater protection from the elements, so you don't have to worry about damage from high winds.
Freestanding showers, like the Southern Enterprises option, have a base with an attached shower head and can be positioned anywhere in your outdoor space with a water connection available. This is a great option for positioning your shower near a pool or hot tub. Some freestanding showers are connected to plumbing for hot and cold water access, while others are simply connected to a garden hose for a simple, straightforward water connection. If placing your shower poolside, just be sure to be aware of hoses or connectors that could become safety hazards.
Material
When shopping for an outdoor shower, consider the materials that a shower fixture is constructed of. Stainless steel is considered the most durable choice, since it provides better resistance to corrosion. In particular, 316 stainless steel (like our best overall pick) is one of the most rust-resistant materials and makes the best choice for climates with salty air. However, other outdoor showers are made from various metal alloys or even plastic components. They can still have a long life of service but may need more regular protection from the elements.
When it comes to wood outdoor showers, look for hardwood that is naturally resistant to moisture and rot. Teak, eucalyptus, and mahogany are most commonly used for wood for the housing and platforms of outdoor showers. Eucalyptus is a great sustainable and weather-resistant option seen in our favorite freestanding pick.
Accessories
A showerhead is an obvious component of an outdoor shower, but there are other accessories to consider as well. A hand shower or shower wand, seen in this Outdoor Shower Company option, can be used to more easily provide a full-body rinse or to rinse kids or the dog before they enter the house. Jets or body sprayers provide a spa-like touch to the outdoor shower experience and are often found on high-end models. A foot rinse is a practical feature to consider, since it makes it easy to wash away sand or dirt without turning on the overhead shower function.
A duckboard is an attached, raised platform to stand on while under your outdoor shower. It allows water to drain away from where you’re standing, while also keeping your feet from becoming dirty from the damp, soggy ground underneath your shower.
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How do you install an outdoor shower?
To install an outdoor shower, you'll need to access your home's existing water pipes, run new pipes to connect to the shower faucet and head, and create a drainage area for water run-off. This job can be accomplished by an advanced DIYer but may require the help of a plumber or contractor.
Some outdoor showers are easy to install than others, so it's important to pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, portable outdoor showers easily connect to your hose, while those with shower panels require mounting hardware on top of a water connection.
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How do you drain an outdoor shower?
The type of drainage you choose for your outdoor shower depends on the site of the shower, local building code requirements for gray water disposal, and how porous the ground is. Natural runoff is the simplest way to drain an outdoor shower but is only effective if the ground around and near your shower is well-draining. If the shower is located close to your home's foundation, there can be concern over water entering the house. A shower pan can be used to direct water runoff into a pipe that is connected to your home's wastewater system (if required by building code) or into a French drain or dry well.
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Do you need a permit for an outdoor shower?
Typically, a plumbed outdoor shower with in-ground drainage will require a building permit. Check your local city or town building code before you begin to build your outdoor shower.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Erica Puisis. With more than 200 articles written for The Spruce since 2017, she has expertise in the products and innovations that make our homes more comfortable and convenient. A background in interior design and an interest in home aesthetics mean that she has plenty of ideas for how to transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis—complete with an outdoor shower.