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Outdoor Showers
There is nothing like the relaxing experience
of an outdoor shower to bring you closer
to nature. Whether it is at the beach or
lake, by the pool, or just in the backyard,
an outdoor shower allows you to enjoy the
breezes, sounds ,and sun or moon light. It
is also a practical way of washing off without
trekking outside debris indoors. Outside
showers are extremely useful for children.
Consider the following if you
are thinking
of installing an outdoor shower:
- Since an outdoor shower will have to endure
all kinds of weather, you should select only
the most durable plumbing parts. Stainless
steel or brass valves and shower heads will
resist rust and corrosion. This is especially
important in salt air environments. Outdoor
shut off controls should be in an insulated
location if temperatures drop below freezing
in the winter. Also consider the distance
between the shower and the water heater if
you wish to have hot water. A metal tank
will heat a limited amount of water if it
is placed where it gets full sun.
- If you want the privacy of an enclosure,
you will need to use materials that resist
water damage and mold. Wooden structures
should be built from rot resistant woods
such as cedar, teak, mahogany, or pressure
treated lumber. Also good choices are canvas,
stainless steel mesh, or lightscreen panels
made from translucent marbles suspended in
an aluminum grid that block the view but
not the light create an airy, light filled
atmosphere.
- Shower floors can be made from stone, such
as limestone or bluestone, rot resistant
woods, synthetic decking or shallow concrete blocks. There needs
to be enough space between the flooring materials
for water run off; drainage should be away
from building walls and foundations. If possible,
crushed gravel and an underground drain should
be installed beneath the shower.
- Outdoor showers that are installed against
the wall of the house will
have better air
circulation if only one wall
of the house
is used. Showers placed beneath
a deep overhang
or deck will lose the enjoyment
of showering
under the open sky but will
gain privacy
from second floor views.
- Depending on how much space you have for
your shower, amenities such
as shelves for
shampoo and soap, towel pegs,
a bench or
enclosed dressing area can
be added. Avoid
installing bright lights next
to the shower,
as they will attract unwanted
insects.
To avoid damaging surrounding
plants remember
to use only environmentally sensitive
soaps
and shampoos when showering. |
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