Would you like a shower in your backyard? Why not have an outdoor solar shower?  It can be anything from a simple piece of flexible water hose to a proper shower cubicle with decking, drainage and privacy screening.  

We will consider a simple solar heated shower design which will fit neatly into an average backyard, possibly close to a spa or pool, both of which could use the same hot water as the shower.

The most important consideration for an outdoor solar shower is the provision of adequate drainage.  Some local authorities will let you use a simple French drain or run-off into a convenient flower bed.  Others might demand a more elaborate system that drains into the main sewer or septic tank.  Applicable regulations for the drainage of gray water will vary, and you must comply with those in your area.  

The design of your outdoor solar shower will depend on other criteria as well:

Screening.  Do you need to avoid being overlooked? If yes, then you need to find a secluded spot away from upstairs windows for your solar heated shower.

Mains Water.  If your shower is positioned far away from the mains water supply you will experience a drop in shower pressure. If you find this is the case, you can boost the shower flow by mounting an old hot water cylinder or tank above the shower.

Sunlight.  The solar heating system (pipe, tank or both) will need to get adequate exposure to sun for most of the day.  Enough hot water for the next shower should be available in about 15 minutes or so, but it will need much longer if there is shade over the solar heating system for a significant part of the day.

Purpose.  Is the solar heated shower to be used after having a dip in the pool or hot tub?  To rinse off after sunbathing before going into the house?  These things will have a strong influence on your shower design.

Debris.  The shower pan can be a great magnet for every fallen leaf.  A simple wooden cover plate is a good idea to place over pan, and locate the shower as far as possible from your trees.

A typical outdoor solar shower will be a 3 or 4 foot square cubicle raised on decking about one foot above ground, to allow the placement of a simple galvanized steel collector box under the shower to drain the soiled water away to the sewer or cesspit.

The decking can be extended for 4 or 5 feet at the shower entrance, to allow comfortable drying off without getting feet dirty.  Pressure-treated softwood 4×4 posts can be used at each corner of the shower stall, and the side screens can be made from ply, cedar shingles or any kind of paneling that takes your fancy.  

The solar heating system itself is very simple to make. A shower head attached to a length of ½ inch flexible pipe coiled on the roof of the shower and then to the main cold water tap is often sufficient. A better way is to coil the water pipe in an open tray over the shower and facing towards the sun. You can increase the capacity by including an old water tank or cylinder but, if you do this, you will probably need to mount it higher than the shower head – not always an aesthetically pleasing method unless you can somehow conceal it.

If you live in a hot climate you should consider fitting a mixer system, for blending hot and cold water together for a comfortable shower.

If you would like expert advice we have a strongly recommended guide to help you select and build the right outdoor solar shower for you.  There are plans, diagrams and clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the whole process.