How to Plan Your Own Outdoor Shower

Whether you want an easy way to wash off chlorine after a dip in the pool, a convenient place to wash your dog, or simply another option for bathing, an outdoor shower might be the answer. Outdoor showers come in many forms, including freestanding, built-in, store-bought, and DIY (do it yourself). Before buying or building your own, take some time to think about what you really want. Here are five features of outdoor showers to consider:

• Location, location, location. Where do you want to put your outdoor shower? Some of that depends on your intended use. Options include your garden, the side of the house, near a door for easy access, and next to the pool.

• Style. Outdoor showers are as varied as builders' imaginations. From a more natural look – with rock walls and wood tones, surrounded by foliage – to minimalist designs, there's something for everyone. Make your outdoor shower match your personal style.

• Open vs. private. If you're nervous about a neighbor potentially catching a glimpse while you shower – especially if you intend to use it as a regular shower and not just a place to wash off after swimming – plan to enclose it with a tent, shower curtain, or built-in wall. On the other hand, if you like the idea of showering among nature, keep the area open.

• Eco-friendliness. Determine how "green" you want your shower to be – and we're not referring to color. Will you use a low-flow showerhead? What's your plan for preventing leaks? Make sure any hardware and plumbing is easy to access.

• Extras. Jazz up your outdoor showers with several accessories, including benches, towel hooks, a shower caddy, lights, and more. Consider how to make your shower more user-friendly.

Regardless of what you plan for your outdoor shower, harsh weather conditions could corrode materials and cause damage to the outdoor plumbing. Prepare in advance and ensure that you keep any outdoor showers properly maintained throughout the year.