Set Up an Outdoor Pool Shower
Part of our Home Spa & Outdoor guides.
An outdoor shower keeps sunscreen, sand and chlorine out of the pool and the house.
Pick a shower
A two-head solar shower works off a garden hose. A 9.25-gallon column is the budget choice.
Drainage
Place it on gravel, pavers with gaps, or a deck with drainage, away from the house foundation. Check local rules about soap runoff.
Winter
Drain fully before the first freeze: winterizing steps.
Location tips
- Near the pool entrance, so swimmers rinse before getting in.
- Away from the house foundation to keep water out of the basement.
- In full sun if it's a solar shower; morning-to-afternoon sun heats it fastest.
- Within reach of a garden hose bib.
Flooring
Pavers on gravel, a slatted wood or composite platform, or river stones drain well and feel good underfoot. Avoid smooth tile that gets slippery when wet.
Privacy and convenience
A simple screen, plants or a curtain gives privacy for rinsing off swimsuits. Add hooks for towels and a small shelf for biodegradable soap.
Water temperature safety
Solar showers can heat stored water to around 140°F on sunny days. Always mix with cold and test before letting kids use it.
Frequently asked questions
Do outdoor showers need a drain?
A simple gravel bed often works for rinse-off showers; heavier use may need a drywell.
Can I use soap in an outdoor shower?
Use biodegradable soap and keep runoff away from the pool and plants.
Do pool showers reduce chlorine use?
Rinsing off sunscreen and body oils before swimming keeps the water cleaner, which can reduce chemical demand.
How far from the pool should the shower be?
Close enough to be convenient but far enough that soapy runoff doesn't enter the pool; a few feet away on a separate drain area.
Can I connect a solar shower to hot water?
Most solar columns use only a cold hose; the sun heats the stored water.
What's a foot tap for?
Rinsing sand off feet without using the main shower, handy at beach homes and pools.