An outdoor shower is the perfect sauna accessory for several reasons. It adds convenience, luxury, and a touch of nature to your sauna routine. Having an outdoor shower next to your sauna lets you cool down quickly without leaving your house, making the sauna experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Outdoor showers come in many styles, so choose one that matches your sauna's look. Some are made of cedar wood, while others are more modern. You can connect them to your home's water supply or use a garden hose. An outdoor shower will improve each sauna session, no matter what type you pick.
Benefits of Integrating an Outdoor Shower With Your Sauna
Adding an outdoor shower to your sauna setup brings many perks. It can boost your health, make things easier, and improve your sauna time.
Health and Relaxation Advantages
After sweating in the sauna, a cool shower helps bring down your body heat. This quick change from hot to cold is good for you, improving your blood flow and boosting heart health. Showering in cool water also helps close your pores after they open in the sauna and also washes off sweat and toxins. This can make your skin look better; some say it also helps them feel less stressed.
Convenience and Practicality
Having a shower next to your sauna is very handy. You don't need to go inside to rinse off, saving time and keeping your house cleaner. You can adjust the water temperature to suit you. After the sauna heat, a cool shower feels great, but you can use warm water. An outdoor shower also lets you clean off dirt before entering the sauna. This helps keep your sauna clean.
Enhancing the Outdoor Sauna Experience
An outdoor shower lets you enjoy nature while you cool down, and you can feel the fresh air as you rinse off. Some people like to switch between the sauna and shower a few times. This can make your sauna time last longer and feel better.
Design and Installation Considerations for Outdoor Showers
Outdoor showers need careful planning for the best results. We'll look at key factors like where to put them, plumbing needs, and what materials work well.
Choosing the Right Location
The spot for an outdoor shower matters, so pick a place with some privacy and easy access to water lines. A spot near the pool, garden, or back door often works well. Make sure there's good drainage so water doesn't pool up. The ground should slope away from buildings.
A partly shady spot can be nice on hot days, but some sun helps the area dry out between uses. Also, think about views - what you'll see and who might see you. Trees or fences can add privacy.
Understanding Plumbing Essentials
Plumbing is a big part of outdoor shower setup, and you'll need a water source - either hooking into your home's plumbing or using a garden hose. We recommend connecting to your home's hot and cold water lines for year-round use. This lets you adjust the temperature.
Proper drainage is a must, and options include:
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French drain (gravel-filled trench)
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Dry well
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Connection to your home's sewer or septic system
Check local rules about drainage because some areas have strict rules about outdoor shower runoff. Don't forget a shutoff valve for winter in cold climates to prevent frozen pipes.
Selecting Materials and Ensuring Durability
Outdoor showers often face harsh conditions. Sun, rain, and temperature changes can damage them, and we recommend using strong materials that can handle the weather.
Good choices include:
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Stainless steel
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Cedar
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Teak
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Stone
Avoid materials that rust or rot quickly.
For the shower itself, look at options like the Sierra Pillar Shower or Savannah Standing Shower. These are made for outdoor use. Ensure all parts (valves, handles, shower heads) are meant for outdoors.
Additionally, the floor needs to be slip-resistant and easy to clean. Tiles, stone, or wooden slats work well. Whatever you choose, make sure it can dry out between uses to prevent mold.
Creating Privacy and Maintaining Aesthetics
Privacy and aesthetics are key when adding an outdoor shower to your sauna space. We'll explore ways to create a secluded oasis that blends with your outdoor design.
Privacy Solutions for Your Outdoor Shower
Natural screens offer a great way to add privacy, such as tall bushes or bamboo that can form a living wall around your shower area. This creates a sense of being in nature while keeping you hidden from view.
Freestanding enclosures are another option. Cedar is a popular choice for shower kits, as it's durable and gives off a pleasant scent. You can also build a simple structure using weather-resistant materials.
For a quick fix, try hanging outdoor curtains. They're easy to install and can be pulled back when not used. This works well for beachside setups, like those seen in Tulum resorts.
Aesthetic Appeal and Outdoor Design
Your outdoor shower should match your home's style, so use materials that complement your existing outdoor spaces. This creates a cohesive look across your property. Consider adding some luxury touches. A built-in shelf for soap and shampoo can be practical and stylish, while a small bench or hooks for towels adds comfort and function.
Lighting is essential, too. Solar-powered options work well in outdoor settings as they can create a warm glow for evening showers. Don't forget about the floor. Composite decking is a good choice. It's sturdy and comes in many colors. You can also use river rocks or tiles for a spa-like feel.
Preventive Maintenance and Seasonal Care
Taking care of an outdoor shower near your sauna is key and requires regular checks and cleaning to keep it in top shape. Here are some essential steps:
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Clean the shower head and drain monthly to stop clogs and keep water flowing well. Use a mild cleaner to scrub surfaces and remove soap scum.
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In cold areas, you need to winterize outdoor showers. Drain all water from pipes and fixtures before freezing temperatures hit, and cover the shower to protect it from snow and ice.
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For year-round use, pick weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or marine-grade wood. These stand up better to sun, rain, and temperature changes.
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Good drainage is necessary for outdoor showers, so ensure water flows away from buildings and doesn't pool. This helps avoid mold and damage.
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Keep towels nearby, hanging them on hooks or a rack near the shower. This makes it easy to dry off before heading into the sauna.
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Rinsing off after swimming washes away chlorine or salt water. This is good for your skin and helps keep the sauna clean.
Regular upkeep keeps your outdoor shower working well. It makes your sauna experience even better. Get in touch to discuss outdoor shower and sauna options for your property.
