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What is the best outdoor shower in Australia 2024 (Review, cost, FAQ and more)
Who doesn't love the idea of taking a refreshing shower after a long day at work or the beach? Or unwinding in a warm shower before entering the spa to wash away the day’s dirt and grime? Keep reading to learn more.
What is an outdoor shower?
In a nutshell, an outdoor shower is a shower that is installed in an outdoor space. They are used for rinsing off before or after swimming in the sea, spa, or pool. They are also beneficial for washing off after working in your backyard or garden and after doing exercise. Outdoor showers are constructed from heavy-duty materials that will stand up against the elements and weather.
There are two main types of outdoor showers that we'll cover in this article. The first type is the solar-heated outdoor shower. Solar showers are filled with a standard garden hose and are heated by the sun's energy. They can be set up wherever you want and are easily moved around or even taken with you on holiday. Solar-heated showers don't generally require a plumber for installation.
The other outdoor shower type we'll discuss is the plumbed-in outdoor shower. Plumbed-in showers are fixed in one location and are permanently connected to the main water supply for the property. They will require a registered plumber for installation.
Many homeowners created a dedicated outdoor shower area in their backyard with some privacy screening and drainage.
In the following sections, we provide reviews of some of the best outdoor showers in Australia to help you decide which one is right for what you need.
Best Solar Shower: Poolstar 40L Solar Shower With Foot Shower Review
This is a solar outdoor shower made by Poolstar - a manufacturer of premium products for pool, spa and outdoor recreation. With a height of 2.28 m, it can store 40 L or 10 Gal of water.
This model includes a foot shower to rinse feet and is constructed with a heavy-duty aluminium body. The water source is connected to a standard garden hose fitting. To set the water to a comfortable temperature, use the mixer to combine the cold water with the warm water.
Poolstar 40L Solar Shower With Foot Shower
Why it's great
- Utilises a sustainable energy source (sunlight)
- Easy to assemble
- Simple to operate and set up. Just connect a garden hose to fill.
- Stylish design that is a great addition to your outdoor space
- Long-lasting premium aluminium body
- Aluminium has high heat conductivity (88 to 251 W/m K)
- No need for permanent plumbing.
- Includes a foot shower to rinse feet.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Requires a garden hose outlet nearby to operate
- One piece body 2.28m long means this model is not as portable as some
Best Value Outdoor Solar Shower: Poolstar 35L P2608 Solar Shower With Foot Wash Review
The P2608 by Poolstar is a little shorter with a height of 2.18m. It has a lightweight 2-piece PVC body, which means it is can be more easily transported.
The P2608 can store 35 L or 8.75 Gal of water. This model also includes a foot wash for rinsing feet. To fill, it can be connected to a standard garden hose. Similar to the P2606, you can also set the water at a comfortable temperature using the mixer.
Poolstar 35L P2608 Solar Shower With Foot Wash
Why it's great
- Easily filled by connecting to a regular garden hose fitting.
- No plumbing is necessary.
- Portable—can be set up anywhere or taken apart and moved to a campsite or holiday home.
- Has a foot wash outlet so you can wash off those muddy feet.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Smaller water volume, will not last quite as long before refilling is needed.
- PVC body is not as long-lasting as other materials
- PVC has a lower heat conductivity than other materials - resulting in longer warm-up time
Best Plumbed-in Outdoor Shower: Miami Freestanding Outdoor Shower Stainless Steel Review
Miami 316 is a freestanding outdoor shower manufactured in Australia by HydraJet Showers. It is made up of 316 (marine) grade stainless steel with a brushed finish. Its plumbing components are made of brass and chrome.
It features an adjustable 200 mm showerhead and a hand shower with a 1.5m stainless steel hose.
Miami Freestanding Outdoor Shower. Stainless Steel
Why it's great
- Resistant to rust with 316 marine-grade stainless steel.
- Has a 10-year NO RUST guarantee.
- Adjustable water temperature with its brass/chrome hot-cold mixer.
- Big coverage 200mm showerhead
- Watermark-certified: Approved for connection to any standard plumbing system.
- Multiple fixing options: freestanding or wall-mounted.
- Ready to go. Includes a complete set of plumbing fittings
Flaws but not dealbreakers
- Requires plumbing into a main water line by a registered plumber
- More expensive than other outdoor shower models.
Also Great: Waikiki Stainless Steel Outdoor Shower Review
Waikiki is a freestanding outdoor shower also manufactured in Australia by HydraJet Showers. Like Miami, it is made up of 316 (marine) grade stainless steel with a brushed finish.
Its plumbing components are made of brass and chrome. It includes a 200 mm stainless slimline shower head, a brass/chrome water mixer, and a foot wash-shower rose 2-way diverter.
Waikiki Stainless Steel Outdoor Shower
Why it's great
- Has 10-year NO RUST guarantee.
- Rust-resistant material made of 316 marine-grade brushed finish stainless steel.
- Adjustable water temperature with its brass/chrome hot-cold mixer.
- Has ball-jointed rotation for the shower head.
- Watermark-certified: it can be connected to any standard plumbing system.
- Has multiple fixing options: freestanding or wall-mounted.
- Includes a complete set of plumbing.
Outdoor Shower FAQ
Why have an outdoor shower?
An outdoor shower can be a great addition for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Although it’s not necessary to install every home, an outdoor shower can have many benefits. Here are some advantages:
- They are mainly used for washing or rinsing off our body before or after swimming in the sea, spa, or pool.
- For cleaning up after working in your backyard or garden, and after doing outdoor exercises.
- Pets can be cleaned outside to prevent muddy footprints and fur from entering the house.
- Preventing children from bringing mud and muck inside the house.
- Rinsing and cleaning the pool's chlorine after a swim.
- Bringing the relaxing resort atmosphere into your daily life.
Do you need a drain for an outdoor shower?
Before you install an outdoor shower on your property, you should consider a couple of factors–how far away it is from your house, and whether the natural inclination of the ground is going to direct the water away from your structure.
There are many ways to get a simple drainage system for your outdoor shower, and they rarely require much effort or maintenance.
However, there are several factors that will determine the type of drainage you choose, such as the type of soil, location, and local regulations. Each of them has its advantages and limitations that you should take into account before installing it. You'll still want to choose a drain that won't affect the aesthetic appeal of your property.
How to drain an outdoor shower?
The first step is to consult your local council because laws differ from one part of the country to another. In some areas, for instance, your shower needs to have a grated drain and a roof that links to the sewer if you wish to use both hot and cold water.
Ask a plumber how to best catch the run-off from your outdoor shower. If you will only connect cold water, the used water can be directed to your garden or into the stormwater system. However, if you install hot water, a drainage system is needed. This means that the shower will be used frequently.
How to run an outdoor shower from rainwater?
Rainwater harvesting is a smart way to save rainwater so that you can use it as a natural and renewable source of water in your house. There are things you need to prepare when setting up such a system.
First, clean your roof and make it free of debris to ensure your rainwater catchment area is clear. Then, install rainwater tanks or water reservoirs in your house that can hold the rainwater after every rainfall. It is also recommended to install pumps if the collection system isn't driven by gravity. Make sure you have enough room in your yard for the water tanks to fit.
You need a good connection from the reservoir to the outdoor shower to get the right amount of water. If there are leaks in any of the pipes, water will leak out of the system. That means you have less water to use. It's best to make sure that your water tank must be plumbed properly and that all the pipes are connected well.
How to run hot water into an outdoor shower?
You can use the hot water supply from your house. The simplest solution is to have a hot-water tap installed next to your current garden tap. Make sure that a professional plumber does it.
The outdoor shower can then be quickly and simply connected with two hoses. Washing machine hoses made of stainless steel offer greater durability. This solution is less expensive than permanent water lines and its installation is rather straightforward.
Can you use any shower heads outdoors?
When you're looking for the best outdoor shower head, you need to consider many factors. For instance, you'll want to choose the right style based on your outdoor showering needs. Choosing a design that suits these requirements can make it easier to enjoy your outdoor showering experience.
In order to determine what will work best for your needs, it is crucial to consider the installation space that is available, the required water pressure, and its size. For a quick rinse in the summer, a small shower head is all you need. On the other hand, if you're planning to spend hours taking a relaxing shower, a large showerhead is best for you.
Here are the different types of outdoor shower heads:
- Handheld showerhead. The handheld option is a common style of outdoor shower head that you can move around easily. You can choose rain or massage for spray options. It also comes in different finishes, heights, finishes, and materials including plastic or metal.
- Fixed shower head. These shower heads are typically mounted on walls and are stationary. If you need something straightforward and don't want to spend a lot of money on your exterior faucet, fixed heads are good choices to consider. They also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes.
- Rain shower head. To make the outdoors feel more like an exotic resort, choose rain shower heads to provide the highest water flow. They are available in bronze or stainless steel to match your existing exterior fixtures. They also offer more water pressure than the fixed shower head.
Do you need a permit for an outdoor shower?
It's important to determine whether your local council requires that an outdoor shower meet any specific requirements before installing an outdoor shower, and if so, what those requirements are.
This is vital, especially if you're planning to set up your shower with both hot and cold water. Some councils don't have many regulations regarding outdoor showers at all, while others require that they meet certain criteria.
How much is an outdoor shower?
The price of an outdoor shower ranges between $299 to $4,000. Solar outdoor showers are more affordable than stainless steel freestanding outdoor showers.
Where to buy an outdoor shower?
You can find and shop the full range of solar showers and outdoor showers from Spa World™ Australia.
In Summary
If you love outdoor living then you know how important an outdoor shower can be. If you're a spa owner, showering helps get rid of your body dirt, grime, and oils before entering your spa to not compromise the water quality.
An outdoor shower can also be a great addition to the overall appeal of your garden. They can turn an unused part of your outdoor space into an inviting, private, and refreshing retreat.
When looking for an outdoor shower, you need to keep a few things in mind, including the shower’s weight, height, size, and material. The best outdoor shower for you depends on several factors such as your reason for needing one, the amount of space you have for it, and its proximity to a water source.
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