There’s something luxurious about showering in the open air. An outdoor shower can add both beauty and value to your property, and if you have a pool, children, or pets, or if you’re an avid runner or gardener, an outdoor shower can also serve to improve your quality of life. If you’re thinking of adding an outdoor shower to your home, consider these tips from the Gainesville plumbers with Quality Plumbing of Gainesville, Inc.
Plumbing
The availability of outdoor plumbing will also have an effect on where you place your shower. The easiest way to set up your outdoor shower is to connect it straight to your garden hose. Since these showers run cold water, this is the perfect setup for outdoor showers fixtures that will primarily be used during the summer.
The outside shower-installation process will likely be more complicated if you want your shower to have hot water. For this, you’ll need to either tap into your home’s hot water supply or add new underground water lines specifically for your outdoor shower. It’s best to consult a professional Gainesville plumber before you embark on this project. Our professional plumbers will make sure your outdoor shower is in keeping with any city regulations. No matter how simple an online video makes outdoor shower installation seem, hiring a professional plumber for the job drastically reduces the risk of emergency plumbing issues down the road.
Drainage
Where the water goes when you’re done with it is just as important as the plumbing. The simplest drainage solution is to just let the water drain into your yard, which offers the added benefit of reducing the time you spend watering your yard. If you prefer your outdoor shower feature an actual drainage system, a plumbing contractor may instead recommend that you install drain pipes that link to your home’s gray water tank. If you do choose to run with the natural drainage option, it’s important to use only biodegradable soap and plumbing-friendly shampoo in your shower.
Location
The first consideration for installing an outdoor shower is the location in which the shower will be installed. The best placement for an outdoor shower varies depending on how the shower will be used. If you have a backyard pool, you might want your shower close by to rinse-off chlorine after taking a dip. If you’re a runner or gardener, you might prefer to have your shower by your home’s back door to avoid tracking mud and sweat through the home.
Privacy will also factor into the placement of your shower. Unless you intend for everyone who uses your shower to stay clothed, you’ll likely want a location away from prying eyes, such a private backyard. A freestanding folding screen or a partial wall are both great ways to protect a showerer’s privacy.
Materials
Finally, you’ll need to decide what materials to use to build your outdoor shower in Gainesville. It’s important to choose weather-resistant materials — stainless steel is easy to clean and holds up against salt in the air and outdoor moisture better than other plumbing materials, such as brass. To clean stainless steel, wash it with warm soapy water every few weeks and wipe it dry with a soft cloth. If you want a more woody appearance, pressure-treated wood, cedar, teak, or even salvaged window shutters will likewise endure the environmental elements. For the fixtures, bronze or copper is best because they develop a natural patina as they age.
An outdoor shower may be just what your home needs for a touch of luxury, but please don’t tackle this project on your own! Do-it-yourself plumbing projects are often plagued by misfortune, and won’t hold up nearly as well in the long run. For help plumbing your outdoor shower, contact our experienced plumbers at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville, Inc.