How to Build an Outdoor Shower: A Guide to Planning, Design and Choosing the Right Fixtures

An outdoor shower is a great addition to a backyard, particularly if you have a pool, live near the beach or simply want somewhere to rinse off before heading inside. However, as with any reno, there a few things you'll need to work out before installing one.

• Where will the water come from?
• Where will it drain?
• Do you need hot water?
• And can you use regular bathroom tapware outdoors?

At Buildmat, we find that customers often start by choosing the tapware they like first, but it's worth sorting out the practical details first. The location, plumbing and drainage will all influence which shower you can install, how much the project costs and how well it works long-term. Here's what we'd recommend considering when planning an outdoor shower.

Pictured: Caroma Urbane II 200mm Round Rain Shower Brushed Brass

1. Decide Where Your Outdoor Shower Will Go

The first thing to work out is where you're putting it. This affects almost every other decision, from the type of shower you choose to the cost of installation. For most homes, we'd recommend looking at three locations:

• Next to the pool: Ideal for rinsing off chlorine before heading inside. Make sure there's enough space around the shower for people to move comfortably.

• Against an external wall: Often a practical option because the plumbing may be easier to access, particularly if there's a bathroom or laundry on the other side.

• In the garden: Great if you want a more private outdoor shower, but you may need longer plumbing runs and additional drainage work.

At Buildmat, we generally tell customers to speak with their plumber before settling on a location. Moving an outdoor shower a few metres might not seem like a big deal, but it can make a difference to the installation cost.

It's also worth thinking about privacy. A shower positioned against the side of your house might seem secluded until you realise it's directly visible from your neighbour's upstairs window.

In January 2026, we worked through an outdoor shower installation with a customer in Elsternwick who was planning to add a shower beside their backyard pool. The initial plan was to position the shower about five metres from the house, but we also considered mounting it against the external laundry wall, where the existing plumbing was easier to access.

The wall-mounted shower was going to cost them around $800 to $1,500 in plumbing work, compared with $2,000 to $3,500 for the garden location, which would require additional underground pipework, excavation and surface restoration. So, in the end, they chose the wall-mounted shower option. 

It's a good example of why we recommend discussing the shower location with a plumber before committing to a particular design.

2. Choose Between a Wall-Mounted and Freestanding Outdoor Shower

There are two main types of outdoor showers: wall-mounted and freestanding. Neither is necessarily better. It depends on where you're installing it and the look you're going for.

Wall-mounted outdoor showers

A wall-mounted shower is usually the first option we'd explore if you're installing the shower against the house or another suitable wall. These showers can include a fixed overhead shower, a handheld shower or a combination of both.

If you're using the shower mainly to rinse off after swimming, a simple overhead shower might be enough. If you'll be washing sandy feet, rinsing pets or cleaning the shower area, we'd recommend a handheld option.

Freestanding outdoor showers

A freestanding outdoor shower doesn't need to be mounted against a wall, which gives you more flexibility with placement.

We often see customers choose these for pool areas, where the shower can sit on a paved surface or beside the pool without needing a separate wall.

They can also work well in landscaped gardens. The main thing to remember is that a freestanding shower still needs a suitable water connection, drainage and a secure mounting surface.

Which should you choose?

Considerations	Wall-mounted shower	Freestanding outdoor shower
Best location	Against a suitable wall	Open pool areas and gardens
Installation	Requires suitable wall mounting and plumbing	Requires secure floor mounting and plumbing
Space	Often better for smaller areas	Needs room around the column
Design	Can be discreet or built into a feature wall	Often becomes a visible design feature
Our recommendation	Start here if you have a suitable existing wall	Consider this if you want the shower away from the house

3. Work Out Whether You Need Hot and Cold Water

This is one of the first questions we'd ask a customer planning an outdoor shower.If you're only using it to rinse off after a swim, cold water might be fine. But if you want to use it regularly, particularly during Melbourne's cooler months, having hot water makes a big difference.

A hot and cold water supply also gives you more flexibility when choosing your shower fixtures. Before buying, ask your plumber:

• Can the shower connect to the home's existing hot and cold water supply?

• Is the available water pressure suitable?

• How far will the pipes need to run?

• Will any exposed pipes need protection from the weather?

• What temperature-control requirements apply?

We'd recommend getting these answers before choosing your mixer or shower system. Some products have specific installation requirements, and it's much easier to choose the right fittings from the beginning than to change the plumbing later.

4. Plan Your Drainage Before Installing the Shower

Drainage is probably the least exciting part of an outdoor shower, but it's also one of the most important. A common question is whether you can simply let the water drain onto the lawn or into a garden bed.

The answer depends on where you live, how often you'll use the shower and whether the water contains soap, shampoo or other products.

At Buildmat, we'd recommend having your plumber assess the drainage before you install any paving, decking or tiles.

For a permanent shower, you may need a suitable waste connection and a floor surface graded towards the drain.

If you're planning a tiled outdoor shower area, you can explore our floor wastes or drainage channels and grates, but check the suitability of any product with your plumber.

One thing we'd avoid: Finishing the paving or decking before deciding where the water will go. Getting the drainage right from the beginning can save you from having to pull up finished surfaces later.

Pictured: Caroma Urbane II 300mm Round Rain Shower Brushed Nickel

5. Choose Outdoor-Rated Shower Fixtures

Can you use normal bathroom tapware outside? It's a question we get when customers are planning outdoor spaces, and the answer is that you shouldn't assume indoor tapware is suitable for outdoor use.

Outdoor showers are exposed to rain, sunlight, humidity and temperature changes. If you're near the coast, salt in the air adds another consideration. That means the material and finish of your shower matter.

Stainless steel outdoor showers

Stainless steel is a popular option because it's durable and works with a wide range of outdoor designs. However, there are different grades of stainless steel.

316-grade stainless steel offers greater resistance to chloride-related corrosion than 304-grade stainless steel, making it worth considering for coastal locations.

That doesn't mean it's maintenance-free. Even marine-grade stainless steel needs regular cleaning, particularly near saltwater.

Black, brass and other finishes

If you prefer black, brass or another finish, check whether the specific product is approved for outdoor installation.

Not every decorative finish is designed to withstand constant exposure to the elements.

We'd also recommend checking the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and warranty conditions before ordering.

6. Choose the Right Flooring and Surrounding Materials

Once you've sorted out the plumbing and shower fixtures, you can start planning the surrounding area.

For outdoor showers, we'd prioritise surfaces that are suitable for wet conditions, easy to clean and comfortable to stand on.

Some common options include:

• Outdoor porcelain tiles: Available in plenty of finishes, but make sure the selected tile has an appropriate slip-resistance rating.

• Natural stone: Works well in garden and poolside showers, although some stone requires sealing and more regular maintenance.

• Timber decking: Can look great in outdoor spaces, but you'll need to consider drainage, slip resistance and how the timber will handle frequent exposure to water.

• Concrete: A relatively simple option for contemporary outdoor areas, provided the finish and drainage are appropriate.

We'd also think about how the shower will look alongside the rest of your outdoor area. For example, if you already have travertine-style paving around your pool, continuing a similar finish into the shower area can help it feel like part of the original design rather than something added later.

Pictured: Nero Zen Outdoor Freestanding Shower Column Brushed Gold

7. Think About Privacy and Practical Accessories

Not every outdoor shower needs a full enclosure. If it's mainly for rinsing off after swimming, an open shower near the pool might be all you need.

If you want to use it for proper showers, you'll probably want more privacy. Timber screening, masonry walls and suitable planting can all work, depending on the space. We'd recommend checking the view from neighbouring properties before finalising the design.

Then think about the smaller details. For a regularly used outdoor shower, we'd recommend somewhere to hang a towel, a shelf for toiletries and enough room to move around comfortably.

A handheld shower is also worth considering if you'll be rinsing off children, pets or sandy feet.

When choosing accessories, stick with products that are suitable for outdoor conditions. You can browse our outdoor shower range to compare shower fittings and compatible accessories.

8. How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Shower?

The cost depends on how much work is involved. A simple wall-mounted shower connected to existing nearby plumbing will generally be less involved than a freestanding shower positioned at the opposite end of the garden.

You'll need to budget for the shower fixtures, plumbing, drainage, any flooring or paving, and privacy screening if required.

As a broad guide, individual outdoor shower components can cost a few hundred dollars, while complete outdoor shower systems may cost $1,000 or more. Premium freestanding outdoor showers can cost several thousand dollars before installation.

At Buildmat, we'd recommend choosing your preferred shower style and getting a plumbing quote before setting your final budget.

It's also worth checking exactly what's included in the product price. A shower head, arm and mixer may be sold separately, while some systems come as a complete set.

9. What to Check Before Buying an Outdoor Shower

Before ordering, we'd run through this checklist:

• You've chosen a location with suitable access to water and drainage.
• You've decided whether you need hot and cold water.
• Your plumber has confirmed the installation requirements.
• You've chosen between a wall-mounted and freestanding shower.
• The shower and its finish are suitable for your outdoor environment.
• You've checked water pressure, product dimensions and required fittings.
• You've planned the flooring, drainage and privacy screening.
• You've confirmed which components are included and which need to be purchased separately.

Getting these decisions sorted early makes choosing the shower itself much easier.

For more advice on the early planning stages, read our guide to planning an outdoor shower.

Pictured: Nero Zen Outdoor Freestanding Shower Column Brushed Bronze

Shop Outdoor Showers at Buildmat

Whether you're planning a simple poolside shower or something more permanent in the garden, we can help you compare the different options.

At Buildmat, you'll find outdoor shower systems, shower heads and fittings, along with freestanding outdoor showers for pool areas and open spaces. You can also explore our broader outdoor and garden range when planning the rest of your space.

If you're unsure which material, finish or configuration is right for your project, book an appointment at our Buildmat Selection Centre at 45 Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, Melbourne. Our team can help you compare products and check the details before ordering.

Outside Melbourne? We ship Australia-wide, and you can contact us on 1300 123 122 or email [email protected] for help choosing your fixtures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need council approval for an outdoor shower?

It depends on your local council, the type of installation and whether you're adding permanent structures or new plumbing and drainage. Check with your local council and licensed plumber before starting work.

Can you install an outdoor shower yourself?

You may be able to handle parts of the surrounding landscaping or screening, but plumbing and drainage work must be completed by appropriately licensed tradespeople. Check local requirements before beginning.

Does an outdoor shower need drainage?

Yes, you need a suitable way to manage the wastewater. Whether you need a connected drain depends on the installation, intended use and local requirements. Your plumber can advise on the correct arrangement.

Can you use indoor shower tapware outside?

Not unless the manufacturer confirms it's suitable for the installation. Outdoor exposure can affect materials and finishes, so we'd recommend choosing fixtures specifically rated or approved for outdoor use.

What type of outdoor shower is best for a pool?

For most pool areas, we'd look at a wall-mounted or freestanding shower with a simple overhead head. If you'll also be rinsing children, pets or pool equipment, a handheld shower can make it more practical.