Haha. This little sign proudly sits at the entrance to our neighbor’s outdoor shower at the beach. Year after year, I love coming back to our same house and laughing at that little sign. But the truth is, you’d have to pay me to take a shower in that place. Alot. It’s dark and dingy and there is no way I’d go in there!

In contrast, here’s the shower at the house where we stay. Much brighter and cleaner, but it still doesn’t quite work for me. Nope. I’m still going to shower inside. It’s nothing against outdoor showers. In fact, I love them. When they’re done right, of course:)

The beach house I stayed in as a child had an exquisitely wonderful outdoor shower, so wonderful, in fact, that I can only recall having used the indoor shower once or twice over the entire twenty years that I visited. It wasn’t elaborately designed or fitted with expensive fixtures. But it was well thought out. . . built for function. So, after standing in that wonderful shower year after year, analyzing what made it so great, here’s what I think makes the best outdoor shower:

Air Flow

There simply must be air flow. From above and below the shower walls. Proper ventilation is key to allowing the shower to dry out, preventing mold, bugs, and all kinds of other yucky things.

A Raised Floor

I want to feel comfortable standing barefoot in an outdoor shower. Who wants to walk barefoot onto a moist, slippery surface that may or may not have been recently cleaned? By creating a raised floor, the moisture (and gunk!) can wash down to the drain below, leaving a clean surface for you to stand on. Try a beautiful teak shower mat!

An Easily Accessible Shower Handle

No one wants to have to stand under the showerhead in order to turn on the water. . .brr!! Be kind to your showering guests and place the controls where they can be easily reached.

Proper Hooks

There must be several hooks. The more the better. And they must be spaced generously. No one wants a fresh, fluffy towel to get soaked from a drippy swimsuit that has just been hung nearby.

Door Latches, Inside and Out

True, you will occasionally find yourself locked in the shower by a scheming family member, but an outside latch is essential in keeping the shower door from slamming back and forth during a rainstorm. Those who are a little more adventurous can forgo the interior latch:)

A Bench

A drop zone is a must for an outdoor shower. . . a place to leave a change of clothes or a bottle of shampoo.

 

And here are a few more pictures, just because:)