Outdoor Showers for Pools: History, Design Ideas & How to Choose the best one

Water has always been more than a way to get clean; it’s how people reset and reconnect with their surroundings. From Japan’s misogi to the Turkish hammam, these rituals remind us that bathing can be both grounding and uplifting. When we design outdoor showers, we tap into that same spirit, creating everyday moments of calm where water, landscape, and architecture work together.

We work together with our client and design a space that complements your  home and outdoor space, NOT just another high-end extra that looks good on Pinterest but never gets used.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• How outdoor showers became part of swimming and backyard culture
• The best types of outdoor showers (and who each one is for)
• Costs, placement, privacy, and maintenance considerations
• Common mistakes to avoid so you actually love and use your outdoor shower

Are Outdoor Showers Really a “Must-Have”

Before we go into history and design, let’s answer the question most homeowners are really asking:

Do I actually need an outdoor shower with my pool, or is it just a nice-to-have?

For most pool and backyard projects, an outdoor shower becomes a “must-have” when you:

• Have kids, guests, or frequent swimmers who need to rinse that chlorine, sand, or grass
• Want to protect your indoor bathrooms from constant wet-foot traffic and avoid slip-ups
• Care about water quality and hygiene (rinsing before and after swimming)
• Want your backyard to feel more like a resort or spa than just a basic pool

If you’re already investing in a pool, hardscaping, and seating areas, an outdoor shower is often a small percentage of the overall budget that significantly upgrades day-to-day comfort and cleanliness.

From Ancient Rituals to Everyday Rinses

Across cultures, bathing rituals have blended function, reflection, and community in ways that still inspire how we design modern outdoor spaces:

• As early as 2000 BC, advanced water systems in places like Minoan Crete allowed people to bathe and rinse under flowing water, sometimes in semi-open spaces.
• In Classical Greece and Imperial Rome, public bathhouses weren’t just about hygiene; they were social and sometimes spiritual experiences where people washed, talked, and relaxed in shared spaces.
• Japanese misogi,  a cold-water purification ritual practiced at rivers, waterfalls, or the sea, focused on clearing the mind and spirit while immersing in nature.
• Turkish hammam is a warm, communal bathing experience that combines deep relaxation, cleansing, and social connection in beautifully crafted spaces.

When we design outdoor showers, we draw from the spirit of these traditions,  creating not just a rinse-off point but a small daily ritual where water, landscape, and architecture work together.

Public Pools and the Hygiene Era

Fast-forward to the 19th and early 20th centuries:

• As public swimming pools became more common, showers were installed to improve sanitation.
• Rinsing before and after being in the water became standard, first in military and communal settings, then in municipal pools.
• Outdoor rinse stations around pools made it easier to keep shared water cleaner and protect swimmers’ health.

Taking a quick rinse before entering the pool removes most of the oils from our skin and sweat, helping maintain the pool’s delicate water balance. This is how the modern “poolside rinse” really begins.

From Practical Fixtures to Design Statements

Once private backyard pools became more common (especially in North America in the mid-20th century), outdoor showers gradually shifted from:

• Simple hose bibs and basic shower heads bolted to a wall
• To incorporate intentional architectural features into decks, cabanas, and garden designs

Over time, high-end homes and resorts started to showcase:

• Sleek, stainless steel columns or wall-mounted fixtures
• Stone, tile, or wood backdrops that matched the pool coping and patio
• Built-in lighting, privacy screens, and even spa-like water experiences (misting, rain heads, and more
• Custom showers disguised as art pieces that blend with the pool design

For many homeowners, an outdoor shower is no longer just about rinsing off; it’s about creating a resort-level experience in their own backyard.

“We have two formal sculptures in the yard,” she said, “and then there’s the shower. The funny thing is, the shower is the one everyone talks about.” -Rose P.

The Guide for Best Types of Outdoor Showers

Instead of one generic “outdoor shower,” there are several types, each better suited to different needs, climates, and budgets. Think of this as your “best outdoor shower for…” guide.

Best for Simple, Budget-Friendly Rinsing

Basic Cold-Water Rinse Shower

If your main goal is to rinse off chlorine, dirt, grass, or sand quickly before heading inside, a simple cold-water unit near the pool may be all you need.

• What it is:
  A straightforward shower head (wall-mounted or freestanding) with a cold-water line, often with a simple drain or gravel base called french drain.
• Best for:
  Families who just want to keep the house cleaner
  Secondary/vacation homes near the beach
  Lower-budget projects that still want that “luxury touch.”
• Pros:
  Lowest cost
  Simple to install and maintain
  Great for quick pre- and post-swim rinses
• Cons:
  Not ideal in cooler climates
  Less likely to be used for longer, relaxing showers

Best for Everyday Comfort in Most Climates

Hot + Cold Outdoor Shower

This is the most popular choice for homeowners who want to actually enjoy using their outdoor shower, not just sprint through it.

• What it is:
  A shower with both hot and cold water, typically using a thermostatic mixing valve to control temperature. This option can be used with solar, gas, and electric heaters.
• Best for:
  Year-round or three-season use
  Homeowners who like to shower outdoors after a workout, sauna, or spa soak
  Families who host guests frequently
• Pros:
  Comfortable in spring, fall, and cooler evenings
  More likely to become part of your daily routine
  Increases the perceived “luxury” of your pool area
• Cons:
  Higher plumbing costs
  May require more planning for freeze protection in colder climates

Best for Wellness and Spa Lovers

Contrast / Wellness Outdoor Shower

Inspired by Nordic and spa traditions, these showers are designed for hot–cold contrast and more intentional wellness routines.

• What it is:
  A shower setup designed for quick bursts of cold after heat exposure (sauna, hot tub, or steam), or alternating hot and cold cycles.
• Best for:
  Homeowners focused on wellness, recovery, or athletic training
  Backyards that already include saunas, hot tubs, or cold plunges
• Pros:
  Delivers a “spa at home” experience
  Great talking point and lifestyle upgrade
• Cons:
  Most valuable if you truly use contrast therapy
  May need thoughtful placement near other wellness features

Best for Resort-Style Luxury and “Wow” Factor

Luxury Water Experience Showers

This is where outdoor showers fully cross into experience design.

• What it is:
  Architect-designed setups with features like:
  Oversized rain heads or multiple body jets
  Integrated misting, aromatherapy, or mood lighting
  Built-in benches, niches, and seating
  Smart controls for presets and timers
• Best for:
  High-end pool and landscape projects
  Homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and hosting
• Pros:
  Maximum “wow” factor for guests
  Creates that true resort feel at home
• Cons:
  Highest upfront cost
  Requires careful design and planning
  Typically needs professional installation and ongoing care

Solar or Eco-Integrated Outdoor Shower

For some homeowners, “best” means most sustainable.

• What it is:
  Solar-heated units
  Greywater-conscious designs, or
  Showers that drain into planted areas (where local code allows)
• Best for:
  Eco-conscious homeowners
  Vacation homes and beach houses
• Pros:
  Lower energy usage
  Aligns with sustainable design goals
• Cons:
  More planning around local codes and drainage
  Solar units may be less effective in shaded or cloudy climates

Key Things to Consider Before You Install an Outdoor Shower - Budget & Cost Range

Costs vary widely depending on:

• Type of shower: basic cold-water vs. full luxury experience
• Plumbing distance: how far it is from your existing water and drain lines
• Materials: tile, stone, composite, wood slats, stainless steel, etc.
• Labor & permits: especially if drains, foundations, or walls are involved

For most of our clients, a simple cold-water rinse shower starts at $800–$1,200, while a fully integrated, hot-and-cold, architect-designed luxury shower can run $3,000–$5,000+, depending on material finishes, installation, and drainage complexity.

Placement, Privacy, and Flow

Questions to answer before you build:

• Can guests move from the pool to the shower to seating without cutting through the main walkways?
• How visible is the shower from neighbors’ windows or nearby homes?
• Do you need screens, walls, or landscaping for privacy?
• Will the shower feel like a natural extension of the pool area, or an awkward add-on?

Climate and Maintenance

• In freezing climates, you’ll need to winterize lines or use freeze-proof fixtures.
• Wood and some metals may need regular sealing or care.
• Drainage must handle frequent use without causing mud or slippery surfaces.

Common Outdoor Shower Mistakes

(and How to Avoid Them)

To keep this practical and honest, don’t skip the “problems” side.

Common mistakes we see:

1. No clear drainage plan
   Water pooling near the foundation or walkways
   Muddy or slippery patches in high-traffic areas
2. Not thinking through privacy
   Beautiful design, but visible from the neighbor’s second story
   Guests feel uncomfortable using it = it never gets used
3. Overspending on features you won’t use
   Multi-jet systems and complex controls that look cool but rarely get turned on
   Aromatherapy or speakers in a climate where the shower is only used 2–3 months a year
4. Choosing materials that don’t match your climate
   Wood that weathers too quickly
   Finishes that corrode in coastal environments

This is where working with a pool pro who has installed multiple outdoor showers in your region can save you from costly mistakes.

Need inspiration tips?

• Mediterranean & European lidos: simple lines, white plaster, stone, and sea-facing views
• California & coastal U.S.: wood slats, greenery, and relaxed surf culture vibes
• Scandinavian-inspired wellness: pairing saunas, cold plunges, and minimal outdoor showers
• Tropical resorts: lush planting, open-air enclosures, and rain heads under the sky
• Art pieces designed and personalized for your backyard

Bottom line on how to choose the Best Outdoor Shower for Your Backyard

• If you mainly want cleaner floors and better pool hygiene, a basic or hot-cold rinse shower is probably your best fit.
• If you want a true spa-at-home experience, look at wellness or luxury multi-feature showers.
• If sustainability is central to you, explore solar or eco-integrated designs that match your local regulations.

If you’re planning a new pool or renovating your backyard, we can help you decide whether an outdoor shower makes sense, which type fits your lifestyle, and how to integrate it into your overall design.

Schedule a design consult, request a quote, or view our outdoor gallery to see what’s possible in a space like yours.