DIY Resort-Style Outdoor Shower

Bring Holiday Vibes to Your Backyard for Under $40

There’s something about an outdoor shower that instantly makes a home feel like a coastal resort.

Whether you're rinsing off after a swim, washing sandy feet after a beach trip, cleaning muddy kids after backyard adventures, or simply cooling down on a hot summer day, this DIY outdoor shower is one of those projects that adds both style and practicality to your home.

The best part?

You can build it in less than an hour using basic PVC plumbing parts from your local hardware store, with no specialist plumbing skills required.

Why I Love This Project

Outdoor showers aren't just for luxury resorts.

They're incredibly useful for:

• Beach houses

• Backyard pools

• Kids covered in mud

• Washing pets

• Cooling off on hot days

• Camping and off-grid setups

• Keeping sand and dirt outside where it belongs

And because it's mounted directly to an exterior wall or fence, it takes up almost no space.

Project Snapshot

DIY Level: Easy

Build Time: 1 Hour

Approximate Cost: $30-$40

Tools Required: Basic DIY tools

Plumbing Experience Required: None

What You'll Need

PVC Pipe Components

• 1 x 15mm PVC pipe (cut to desired shower height)

• 1 x 225mm extension pipe

• 1 x 80mm extension pipe

Fittings & Adapters

• 2 x threaded 90-degree PVC elbows

• 15mm male threaded adapter

• Step-down adapter

• Female threaded adapter

• Male hose adapter

• Shower head

Mounting Hardware

• 20mm pipe brackets

• Appropriate screws for your wall type

Consumables

• PVC cement

• Thread seal tape (PTFE)

• Spray paint

• Sandpaper

Tools

• Tape measure

• Marker

• Saw or PVC pipe cutter

• Drill

• Screwdriver

Step 1: Build the Shower Head Section

Start by assembling the top section of the shower.

Wrap thread seal tape around both ends of the longer extension pipe before attaching the two threaded elbows.

Once both elbows are installed, attach the shorter extension pipe to create an offset "L" shape.

This section forms the top of the shower where the pipe extends outward before directing water downward through the shower head.

Total Dad Tip

Before tightening everything completely, stand back and check your alignment. Small adjustments now will save headaches later.

Step 2: Connect the Main Vertical Pipe

The main vertical pipe forms the body of the shower.

Attach the threaded adapter to the top of the pipe using PVC cement.

Once secure, screw the pipe into the upper shower-head assembly.

At this point you'll start to see the final shape come together.

Important

Check that:

• Hose connection remains at the bottom

• Threaded shower connection sits at the top

• Everything lines up straight before the cement cures

Step 3: Paint and Mount

One of the best things about this project is that you can customise it to suit your space.

Want a modern look?

Paint it matte black.

Want something coastal?

Try white or a soft grey.

Lightly sand all PVC components before painting to improve adhesion.

Apply several light coats and allow adequate drying time between coats.

Mounting the Shower

Once dry, mount the shower using pipe brackets.

A typical setup includes:

• One bracket near the base

• One bracket in the middle

• One bracket near the top

This keeps the pipe secure and prevents movement during use.

Wall Types

Timber Walls

• Use stainless steel screws

Brick or Masonry

• Use wall plugs before installing screws

Step 4: Install the Shower Head

Now for the fun part.

Apply thread tape to the threaded extension pipe and install the shower head.

Tighten by hand and position it so the water flows directly downward.

At the bottom of the shower, install the hose adapter and connect a standard garden hose.

Turn the water on and test for leaks.

Drainage Tips

To keep the shower performing properly over time:

• Install with a slight downward fall

• Allow water to drain completely after use

• Turn the hose off when finished

• Let residual water empty naturally

This helps prevent water sitting inside the pipe and extends the life of the fittings.

Ways to Upgrade This Project

Once you've built the basic shower, consider adding:

Timber Shower Platform

A simple deck platform instantly creates a resort-style look.

Privacy Screen

Perfect for pool areas and family backyards.

Towel Hooks

Mount nearby for convenience.

Tropical Plants

Potted palms and greenery transform the area into an outdoor retreat.

Hot Water Connection

For more advanced DIYers wanting a premium experience.

Perfect For

• Families with kids

• Pool owners

• Beach homes

• Holiday rentals

• Campers

• Pet owners

• Anyone who loves spending time outdoors

Total Dad Take

This is one of those projects that looks far more expensive than it actually is.

For less than the cost of a family takeaway dinner, you can create a practical outdoor feature that gets used all summer long.

Simple, affordable, functional, and surprisingly stylish.

That's exactly the kind of DIY project we love.