If you already have a backyard pool, you may be looking for ways to enhance the comfort, cleanliness, and convenience of your outdoor space. One simple yet powerful addition is the outdoor shower—a feature that blends luxury, function, and modern design.
But is it worth the investment? In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of adding a poolside shower, popular design ideas, and what to consider before installing one at your Rhode Island home.
What Is an Outdoor Pool Shower?
An outdoor pool shower is a permanent or semi-permanent fixture installed near your swimming area. It allows swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool and wash away chlorine, salt, or debris afterward.
Outdoor showers can be as simple as a cold-water rinse or as elaborate as a fully enclosed hot/cold plumbing system with storage and custom tiling.
Top Benefits of Adding a Poolside Shower
1. Keeps Pool Water Cleaner
Rinsing off before entering the pool helps remove sweat, lotions, body oils, and debris that otherwise introduce contaminants into the water.
Result: You’ll use fewer chemicals, reduce strain on filters, and keep water clearer longer.
2. Extends the Life of Your Equipment
Cleaner swimmers mean less chlorine demand and fewer contaminants clogging your filter or pump system. This extends the lifespan of your pool’s infrastructure.
3. Prevents Tracking Dirt Indoors
Outdoor showers help stop grass, sand, and mud from being carried through your home. Families with kids or frequent guests especially benefit from this simple rinse-off zone.
4. Adds Luxury and Convenience
A well-designed outdoor shower offers a resort-style touch. It’s perfect for rinsing off after gardening, workouts, or even a trip to the beach.
Many Rhode Island homeowners also use them for quick warm-ups during cooler months when they’re using a hot tub or plunge pool.
5. Enhances Resale Appeal
Outdoor showers are an attractive feature for buyers, especially in pool-friendly communities. They signal thoughtful design and low-maintenance convenience.
Types of Outdoor Showers
Outdoor showers come in a range of styles, from basic to high-end custom installations.
Freestanding Shower Towers
- Quick to install
- Connects to garden hose or outdoor plumbing
- Minimal setup, great for rinsing feet or suits
- No enclosure or privacy included
Wall-Mounted or Fixed Showers
- Mounted to a home or pool house exterior
- Typically cold-water only
- Permanent fixture with weather-resistant materials
- Can be customized with multiple spray heads or foot rinses
- Mounted to a home or pool house exterior
- Typically cold-water only
- Permanent fixture with weather-resistant materials
- Can be customized with multiple spray heads or foot rinses
Enclosed Outdoor Shower Stalls
- Built-in walls or screens offer privacy
- Can include seating, hooks, and storage
- Often plumbed with hot and cold water
- Ideal for year-round use or multi-purpose outdoor living
What to Consider Before Installing an Outdoor Shower
1. Location
Install your shower near the pool but not so close that runoff affects the water quality. Choose a level surface with easy drainage access.
Consider placing it near:
- A side of the house
- An exterior wall of the pool house or cabana
- The entrance to your deck or patio
2. Plumbing Access
- Cold-water-only showers are simpler and more affordable
- Hot water requires routing from your home’s supply or adding a water heater
- Ensure pipes are winterized or drained before freezing temperatures arrive
3. Drainage and Surface
Avoid pooling water by sloping the ground slightly or installing a small drainage area with:
- Gravel or river stones
- Pavers with drainage gaps
- A French drain system
4. Privacy and Shelter
If your yard is exposed, consider adding:
- Lattice screens
- Tall planters
- Wooden slats or fencing
- A canopy or small roof structure
This makes the shower more inviting and usable beyond just quick rinses.
Cost of Adding an Outdoor Shower in Rhode Island
Installation costs vary based on materials, plumbing, and features. Here’s a rough range:
- Basic freestanding model: $200–$500
- Wall-mounted cold-water shower: $500–$1,500
- Custom enclosed hot/cold shower: $2,000–$5,000+
Add-ons like tile, wood paneling, lighting, or built-in benches will raise the price but add long-term value and comfort.
Let Pools Plus Inc. Design the Perfect Poolside Shower
Whether you want a quick rinse station or a spa-like outdoor bathing space, Pools Plus Inc. can help you choose the right solution. We’ll guide you through:
- Shower placement and drainage planning
- Material selection for New England durability
- Plumbing integration with your existing system
- Winterization and maintenance needs
- Matching your shower design to your patio or hardscape
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Conclusion
Adding an outdoor shower to your pool area is a smart way to enhance comfort, cleanliness, and curb appeal. Whether you’re rinsing off before a swim or winding down after a long day, this small upgrade brings big benefits to your Rhode Island backyard.
Let Pools Plus Inc. help you design and install a shower that suits your needs, complements your pool, and fits your lifestyle.
