Build an Outdoor Shower
If you decide to build an outdoor shower its easier than you think. An outdoor shower can complement a pool or just be used as a way to rinse off so as not to track any dirt into the house after a day in the garden. Plus, in the summer heat it can be fun to shower outside!
First you need to decide what type of shower you want. Must it be fully enclosed for privacy or can it simply be a shower head coming out from the wall? The latter is the easiest to install and with some decorative stone it can add some flair to your yard without taking up space.
Step 1: Mark Location, Install Plumbing
Determine the shower's size and location on the rear or side of the house. Mark out the back wall of the shower on the side of the house using a measuring tape, pencil and level. Use a circular or reciprocating saw to remove the siding or shingles and expose the house's interior walls. Hire a plumber to run hot and cold plumbing to the site.
Step 2: Install Cement Board
Cover the exposed wall area with cement board, which acts as a moisture barrier and provides a masonry surface for the tile and thinset to bond to. Make sure to mark and cut openings for the plumbing hardware. Secure the cement board to the side of the house with screws. Cover seams with mesh tape and a skim coat of thinset.
Step 3: Pour Concrete Pad
Plot out the dimensions of the concrete pad using stakes. Excavate the area to a depth of 8". Use 1" x 4" boards to create forms to hold the wet concrete. Pour gravel to a depth of 4" and tamp down to a level surface. Prepare pre-mixed concrete according to manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the form. Work the concrete with a trowel until it is smooth and has the desired pitch. Let it cure for several hours.
