Outdoor Showers Offer Convenience

Outdoor Showers

Offer Convenience

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By Amanda Demster, House and Home Writer

At first mention, an outdoor shower may seem like a frivolous addition. However, when it comes to lakefront properties or homes with large pools, having a place to wash up or rinse off before and after swimming can be a bonus.

“If you can envision a lot of the lake properties, the homes are perched really high up on a hill, then down below they have a pool or stairs to the lake,” Heather Deal, with H Team of Century 21 Bradley Realty, said. “Down below is where they would have a shower or bathroom or a little poolhouse. If they want to shower off and get changed before going up to the main house, that would be a fantastic idea.”

Much like with a summer home, outdoor showers should be winterized at the end of the season, which means having a way to cut off water flow, draining the pipes and adding chemicals, according to Dan Leismer, a plumber for Mr. Rooter Plumbing of North Central Indiana, Milford.

Another thing to keep in mind is necessity. Many poolhouses already have full bathrooms, so an added shower may be superfluous, except in the case of large gatherings. Likewise, for swimming pools close to the house, there is usually a water spigot close by for rinsing off debris before swimming and chlorine afterward.

An outdoor shower could also potentially boost a home’s value for those looking to sell. However, Deal noted this might not hold true for every home. For smaller homes on smaller properties, an outdoor shower may not be a major selling point, whereas large lakefront properties may benefit greatly from this added feature.

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Installing an outdoor shower is best left to a professional who is licensed, bonded and insured, Leismer said. This person would need to know how to locate where the water lines are from the house and how to connect to them correctly.

Permits would also be needed. Different municipalities have different requirements, and a locally based professional will know which permits are needed and who to contact for the necessary inspections.

The customer will also need to call 811 to have somebody come out and mark where electric and gas lines run below the ground.

When it comes to fixtures and materials, there are numerous options to choose from, such as stone, tile or concrete. Choosing a weather-resistant material is a must for an outdoor shower, and there are a number of local businesses that can help with this. Fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, should also be durable and able to withstand being outside. n

RESOURCES:

Heather Deal, H Team of Century 21 Bradley Realty, Winona Lake, 574-551-5699, www.thehammanteam.com Mr. Rooter Plumbing of North Central Indiana, Milford, 574-281-4133, www.mrrooter.com