When it comes to creating a resort-like ambiance outdoors, attention to detail is key: the plushness of a lounge pillow, the strategic placement of an umbrella, the convenience of a nearby side table for holding a book and beverage. Among these seemingly minor yet crucial resort amenities is a portable outdoor shower.
While it might seem extravagant, akin to the bowling alleys and movie theaters inside those mega mansions on TikTok, once you experience the convenience of rinsing off after a day of swimming without needing to trek indoors, there’s no going back on your opinion of them as the MVPs of outdoor furniture.
Outdoor showers are particularly beneficial if you own a pool, as they allow you to rinse off before and after swimming, notes Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. ‘When it’s warm outside after outdoor activities, it’s nice to not have to go inside in your sweaty sports clothes,’ adds Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal designer at Planner 5D. Outdoor showers enable you to wash away grime and sunscreen residue from your skin, thereby keeping the pool cleaner and protecting your skin and hair from chlorine damage.
‘If you live near the sea or have a swimming pool, an outdoor shower will help to keep sand and dirt outside,’ Evelina explains — both for you and your pets. ‘In the hot summer, an outdoor shower can help you and your furry friends cool down,’ she continues. ‘Washing your pets outside lets you keep your indoor shower free (for the most part) of their hair and dirty paws,’ the designer quips.
I'll be frank: portable outdoor showers come in a wide range, from the dingy camptime, 'wait, that's a shower?’ to showroom status, with most skewing toward the former. So, anyone in the market has their work cut out for them. Luckily, finding the gems is what I do for a living, so I've taken it upon myself to uncover the options that aren't going to ruin your outdoor space's good looks. Sourced from the best outdoor furniture brands, it's time to bid farewell to sunscreen-filmed pools and chlorine footprints inside the house once and for all. Meet your new poolside obsession.
Portable Outdoor Showers
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Price: $191.85
Material: Teak
Kicking off this list is a freestanding shower crafted from premium fir wood. Its warm hue exudes a definitive spa-like feel and is complemented with a shelf to hold all of your bathroom essentials. At under $200, it costs less than a facial in a major city. If you think this sounds too good to be true, then think again. Judging by the reviews, this shower won’t knock your socks off in terms of quality, but given its price, it is far more durable than one might expect.
Price: $599
Did you know that Pottery Barn makes outdoor showers? Naturally, I was intrigued. They offer a few options to choose from, but none as sleek as this one. It’s a unique combination of wood-plastic composite and stainless steel hardware, creating a luxurious, edgy look. Simply connect your garden hose, and you have a designer-caliber backyard feature.
Price: $300.78
Material: Stainless steel
Go for gold with this gleaming stainless steel outdoor shower from Amazon. It won’t corrode — ever — so rest assured it will look just as sparkling for years to come. It's also perfect for the eco-conscious, as it uses solar power for all of its heating functionalities, which are carried out with an 11-gallon tank. Happy reviewers rave about how easy it is to assemble.
Price: $129.99
Material: PVC
This outdoor shower is powered by solar energy to warm the water inside its 9.2-gallon tank. It even features a temperature control option for a comfortable user experience, which is uncommon for showers at this price point. Complete with a rain shower head and a handheld, this shower might rival some indoor ones.
Price: $343.99
Material: Teak
Teak wood is a spa staple for good reason. It’s durable, naturally weather-resistant, and exudes undeniable luxury charm. This shower features a fair bit of the favorite wood, even at the base, which helps prevent slipping. Some assembly is required, but if you're willing to put in a little elbow grease, you’ll have a very expensive-looking shower for a song.
Price: $659.99
Material: Metal, wood composite
This stands out as one of the more unique outdoor showers on this list, notably due to its arched shower head. It's a great stylistic option for minimalists or anyone who wants an outdoor shower without it looking too obvious. Luxe accents like a shiny adjustable knob and a beautiful non-slip standing surface add to its appeal.
Price: $1,425
Material: Cedar
It’s hard to believe that this stunner of a shower is portable. Even with its privacy-centric design, no plumbing is needed for the alfresco shower of your dreams. With rustic cedar boards, this would look great next to an outdoor sauna or cold plunge, if you have one. And if you don’t, it's also fantastic for bypassing the need to purchase a shower enclosure for privacy. This pick is more than worth the splurge.
Price: $569
Material: Brass
Elevate your outdoor living with this stunning brass shower from Perigold. With a flow rate of 4L/min, it promises a refreshing shower experience. Plus, with a guarantee of up to 400,000 shower cycles, you won't need to worry about replacing it anytime soon. Pair it with stone or position it near lush greenery for maximum visual impact.
Price: $809.99
Material: Stainless steel
I am absolutely smitten by this rain shower design by DAX. I'd argue it's one of the most beautifully modern designed outdoor showers I've ever seen, and I'm frankly gobsmacked that it doesn’t cost at least double the price. Whether placed poolside, on a deck, or in a garden, this is sure to become the envy of the neighborhood. Who needs to shower indoors when you have this?
Price: $2,697
If you want to be absolutely, completely, 100% certain that your beautiful shiny shower will never rust, no matter the conditions, then let me introduce you to marine-grade stainless steel. This shower also boasts an incredibly unique design, complete with barely-there waterfall-style spouts which blend seamlessly into its linear design. When not in use, it doubles as an art piece.
Price: $910
Was: $1,882
This shower wall makes for an incredibly luxe-looking take on portable shower varieties. Incredibly versatile, you can leave it as a freestanding unit or attach it to another structure. With this much beauty, it's hard to believe that all that’s needed to get it going is a hose. At over 50% off, I’d hop on this deal as fast as possible.
Price: $189.95
Was: $285.99
Using 100% solar to heat its internal tank, this sleek design is modern as ever. I love its no-fuss design, which makes for another brilliant minimalist option. It also has a bottom wash spout, which, according to reviews, works great for rinsing off furry friends. I won’t say it’s the most artistic pick on this list, but it's incredibly well-made for its price.
Where should I place a portable outdoor shower?
When considering the placement of a portable outdoor shower, ‘The three big factors to consider here are privacy, convenience, and drainage,’ explains Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. Regarding privacy, it's advisable not to position the shower too close to your outdoor living space, to avoid guests being in plain view. Ideally, place the shower close to the pool for convenience but far enough away to ensure the user feels comfortable.
Given that we're dealing with portable showers here and you're unlikely to install a dedicated outdoor drain, Rafi emphasizes the importance of situating it on a slope with adequate drainage leading away. This prevents the formation of unwanted rivers or muddy patches.
What are the dos and don'ts of a portable outdoor shower?
As for the dos and don'ts, according to Evelina Juzėnaitė, ‘Do: Choose materials that can withstand outdoor conditions for several seasons, not just a few months out of the year.’ Additionally, reiterating the above response, consider drainage and flooring to ensure the floor is non-slip and comfortable. ‘Place the shower where you will feel confidential, cozy, and safe,’ Evelina advises.
On the other hand, ‘Don't forget about the maintenance of the shower; it will need to be looked after and cared for,’ cautions the designer. And for my personal favorite, ‘Don't overlook the aesthetics of the shower’ (as if I could). ‘It's best not just to make it but to complement the place where it will be installed — the wall of the house, the pool, and the landscape,’ Evelina suggests.
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