Outdoor Shower Ideas
Doesn’t everyone dream of one day having an outdoor shower? There’s something very ‘vacation mode’ about being able to soak in the outdoors while you wash sand and salt off. It’s one of those upgrades that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.
From rinsing off after the beach, cooling down on a hot day or just wanting to take your backyard up a level, here are some outdoor shower ideas to inspire your next project.
Backyard outdoor shower ideas: Placement
Where you put your outdoor shower can completely change how it feels and functions. Think about privacy, convenience and how it fits with your backyard layout.
Whether you want easy access from the pool, a spot near the garden or a tucked-away retreat, here are a few places you could position your outdoor shower.
1. By the pool
Poolside showers keep chlorine and sunscreen out of the house and the pool water clean. Use pool area tiles with a textured finish for their water resistance, grip and durability. You can also carry the same tile palette into nearby decks or paths for a balanced look.
Check out our pool landscaping ideas for inspiration on tying the shower into the surrounding area.
2. Near the beach or garden entry
The perfect spot to rinse off before stepping inside. Putting your shower near an entry point is a great option for those close to the beach. It also helps keep the mess contained; separating it slightly from your house means splashes, sand and dirt stay outdoors.
3. Tucked behind a wall or screen
Putting your outdoor shower behind a wall, fence or screen will give you some extra privacy. You could even create a barrier of tall, lush plants to soften the look and add to the relaxed, retreat-like feel. Just make sure there’s enough airflow to stop mould from popping up.
4. Against the house or fence line
If you’re working with a small area, mounting your shower against an exterior wall saves space and simplifies plumbing. You can tile the wall to match your home’s exterior or use a contrasting finish to make it stand out as a design feature.
Outdoor shower ideas: Design
Once the practical side is sorted, it’s time to think about style. Choosing the right outdoor tiles can set the tone for your shower and tie it into the rest of your backyard. If you need some inspiration, we have an entire blog covering outdoor tile ideas .
Let’s take a closer look at different aesthetics you could explore to create your dream space.
Hamptons
A Hamptons look works beautifully with white, cream or sand-toned tiles to keep things light and fresh. Choose a matte or textured finish to give grip underfoot and a relaxed, natural look.
You can carry the same tile or a matching outdoor paver (our crazy paving tile is a great choice!) beyond the shower zone to connect it to your pool, deck or garden. Adding a pebbled floor base or timber accents can also finish that breezy, beachside feel.
Mediterranean
Warm, textured tiles in beige, terracotta or stone-look finishes are perfect for that Mediterranean feel to bring warmth.
Patterned floor tiles can add dimension; just make sure they’re rated for outdoor or wet areas. Extend the same tone or pattern along nearby paths or planters to create that easy, sun-drenched look right across your backyard.
If you want some more inspiration, check out our blog on choosing tiles for a Mediterranean-inspired space.
Modern minimalist
Modern minimalist outdoor showers focus on clean lines and simple layouts.
Large-format tiles with soft grout lines keep things open and contemporary, while concrete-look tiles are durable and low-maintenance. You can also lean toward lighter neutrals for a bright, airy feel or darker tones for moodiness and depth.
Extending the same palette into nearby paths or garden areas also makes sure your shower doesn’t feel out of place.
Coastal Australiana
For an Australiana ‘beach town in the 70s’ vibe, lean into textures and organic tones to create that natural, lived-in feel. Handmade tiles work beautifully and pair well with weathered timber and stone features for an area that is laid-back, inviting and homely.
Add plenty of greenery to capture that easygoing, beach-meets-bush vibe that feels right at home in an Australian backyard.
Bush retreat
If you prefer an earthy, Aussie bush vibe, go for an outdoor shower that feels calm and connected to nature. Use warm, earthy tones or textured, stone-look tiles that blend into the landscape.
Don’t be afraid to lean on timber accents and surround the area with native plants like grasses, ferns or small gums for a peaceful, tucked-away effect.
Considerations when planning an outdoor shower
Before you start digging or tiling, there are some things to cover off so that your outdoor shower works as good as it looks. From keeping water under control to picking the right tiles and checking local rules, a little planning now can save a lot of headaches later.
- Plumbing: Decide if you want hot and cold water; cold-only showers are simpler and work well near pools or the beach.
- Drainage: Make sure the water drains away safely to prevent pooling; options include gravel pits, soakaways or connecting to stormwater. Make sure the floor slopes away from the house.
- Council approval: Always check local council rules if connecting to sewer lines or adding structures like privacy walls or permanent plumbing.
- Waterproofing: Use outdoor-rated tiles and seal walls and floors properly to prevent leaks or damage.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor area?
Outdoor showers make life easier and your backyard nicer. By choosing tiles you love and creating a well-thought-out plan, you can take your outdoor area up a notch and keep outside mess… outside. It’s the simple things that will make it a spot you’ll want to show off and actually use every day.
Ready to dive in? Book a design appointment or visit us in-store to explore our range of outdoor tiles and kick off your project.
FAQs
Do outdoor showers need a drain?
Yes, most do. You’ll need a way for water to safely drain away, whether through a gravel pit, soakaway or a proper drainage system connected to stormwater.
Do you need a permit for an outdoor shower?
Usually not for simple, self-draining setups. But if you’re adding plumbing connections or permanent structures, check with your local council first.
Can you tile an outdoor shower?
Yes, just make sure to use outdoor-rated, non-slip tiles with proper waterproofing and drainage. You could go for porcelain or natural stone varieties designed for exterior use with textured finishes to add visual interest and grip.
Layla is a creative at heart, with an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and being the Senior Marketing and Ecommerce Coordinator here at TileCloud she has a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends within the industry. Known for going down a rabbit hole on Pinterest and being a sucker for a good mood board to kick off any project.