Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by teamobn
Outdoor showers? Bathing outdoors? Absolutely! One of the greatest experiences in life – IMHO – is showering with a view. Yet, for most of us, our bathroom is the exact opposite… an area designed to exclude the world from viewing us and hence us from the world.
Outdoor bathing in hot tubs and showers that are part of your landscape is a great way to cleanse your body and mind, as well as to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. It’s a way of adding outdoor entertainment to your yard. 
Outdoor showers and baths are relaxing. It’s as if you’re communing with nature. While not everyone would agree, these outdoor baths and showers had always been a favorite of mine.
Outdoor showers and baths are a great way to enjoy nature. There’s no reason to head indoors when you can enjoy the beauty of nature.
Enjoying the great outdoors can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you have to drive to get to your favorite spots. Why not have an outdoor shower or bath installed in your home.
There are many benefits to having an outdoor showers or bath.
Here are a few of our favorite outdoor bathing areas. We hope they inspire you to build your own.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer 😎
Benefits of Outdoor Showers
Natural heat
The source of natural heat is the Earth’s core. Natural heat is the heat that is produced by the radioactive decay of elements in the Earth’s crust. This heat is transferred through the Earth’s mantle, crust, and core to the surface.
By creating outdoor baths or outdoor showers, you will be able to enjoy natural heat.
Sunshine exposure
Most of us spend a lot of money just to achieve the best sun-tanned skin. But do you know that you won’t need a lot of money for that? All you need to do is to invest in great outdoor baths.
When you have your own outdoor showers and baths, you got to enjoy the natural way of tanning thru natural sunshine exposure.
Fresh air
Good outdoor baths or outdoor showers are a great way to relax and unwind. You got to enjoy the fresh air and feel the wind on your face. The bath is able to be used at any time of the year, assuming it is not too cold or too hot, or if rain is in the forecast.
Natural scents
Being outdoors allows you to enjoy nature. The old saying, “you can’t beat the smell of freshly mown grass,” is actually quite true.
You can enjoy the unique scents of nature and the freshness of the outdoors by having an outdoor bath. Of course, there are limits to what you can encounter outdoors, so you may want to invest in a good outdoor bath.
An outdoor bath is one of the best ways to enjoy the scents of nature.
Freshness
But of course, the best reason to have an outdoor bath is to be able to enjoy the freshness. The mists of pine and the sound of the waterfall floating by will calm your senses and refresh you.
As your body soaks in the warm water, clean, refreshing air is forced down from the roof, providing natural aromatherapy. These things will help you rejuvenate and revitalize.
Design Ideas for Different Spaces
Outdoor showers and baths offer a unique blend of functionality and pleasure, providing a refreshing escape right in your backyard. Whether you have a spacious garden or a modest balcony, integrating an outdoor shower can transform any outdoor area into a personal oasis. Here are some design ideas tailored to different types of spaces that can help you seamlessly incorporate an outdoor shower into your home.
Compact Urban Balconies
A wall-mounted outdoor shower can be a perfect fit when space is at a premium. Utilize vertical space by installing a sleek, slimline shower panel against a sturdy wall. This setup saves floor space and adds a modern touch to your balcony. For privacy, consider using foldable screens or tall plants, creating a secluded yet airy bathing spot.
Mid-Sized Garden Areas
For those with a bit more room, such as a mid-sized garden, the options expand. You can build a standalone outdoor shower surrounded by nature. Use natural materials like stone or wood for the shower floor and walls to blend it seamlessly with the environment. Adding a rain shower head will enhance the experience, making it feel more luxurious and closer to nature.
Large Backyards
In a large backyard, you can create a fully-equipped outdoor shower or bath area. Consider a spacious enclosure with full amenities like changing areas and built-in seating. Incorporate landscaping into the design, such as a path lined with fragrant herbs leading to the shower, which enhances the aesthetic and sensory experience of the space.
Rooftop Terraces
Rooftop terraces provide a fantastic backdrop for outdoor showers, offering expansive skyline views or stars at night. Install a glass-enclosed shower to maintain an open feel while protecting your privacy. Equip the area with weather-resistant materials and ensure proper drainage. This setup maximizes the view and turns your rooftop into a luxurious retreat.
By considering the size and characteristics of your space, you can design an outdoor shower that not only fits physically but also enhances your living environment, making every shower a refreshing escape.
Health Benefits of Outdoor Bathing
Outdoor bathing, whether in the form of showers or baths taken in the embrace of nature, offers more than just a cleansing routine—it’s a holistic experience that can significantly benefit both physical and mental health. From the natural backdrop to the soothing sounds and sights, outdoor showers transform a daily necessity into a therapeutic retreat. Here’s a deeper look into the health benefits of outdoor bathing.
Enhanced Mental Clarity and Reduced Stress
Bathing outdoors, especially in a natural setting, can be a profoundly relaxing experience. The exposure to fresh air and natural light has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. This reduction in stress can lead to clearer thinking and improved mood. Moreover, the peaceful environment of an outdoor shower can serve as a form of meditation, allowing for mental rejuvenation and a break from the hustle of daily life.
Improved Physical Health
The act of taking an outdoor shower can also have numerous physical health benefits. For instance, alternating between hot and cold water is excellent for the skin and circulation. This practice, known as hydrotherapy, stimulates blood flow and can help reduce muscle inflammation and pain. Additionally, the vitamin D received from the sun’s rays during daytime outdoor showers is crucial for bone health and has been linked to improved immune function.
Better Sleep Quality
There is compelling evidence to suggest that spending time outdoors, particularly in the late afternoon, can help recalibrate the body’s internal clock and improve sleep patterns. The natural decrease in temperature in the evening aids in cooling the body, a necessary process for deep sleep. Outdoor baths or showers at dusk can enhance this effect, promoting deeper and more restful sleep.
Natural Aromatherapy
Engaging with the outdoors while bathing exposes you to the scents of nature, which can act as a natural form of aromatherapy. The fragrance of nearby flowers, the earthiness of rain-soaked soil, or the fresh scent of pine can elevate the outdoor bathing experience, offering therapeutic benefits such as relaxation and improved mood. These natural scents can trigger positive memories and emotions, further enhancing the mental health benefits.
Boosted Immune System
Regular exposure to a mild natural environment, that which one experiences during outdoor showers, can strengthen the immune system. Regular contact with nature seems to boost natural killer cells, which assist the body in battling infections and disorders. Often called “forest bathing,” this impact emphasizes the need of being outside for preserving and increasing natural immunity.
Connection with Nature
The closer relationship with the surroundings is maybe one of the advantages of outdoor showers that is most missed. This link can help one develop more awareness of the present and respect of it. Regular exposure to natural surroundings via outdoor showers has been connected to higher energy levels, more happiness with one’s own home environment, and even improved creativity.
Encouragement of Eco-friendly Practices
Natural water heating systems and biodegradable soaps are among the environmentally friendly habits outdoor bathing promotes the usage of. By lowering the exposure to strong chemicals sometimes present in standard bath products, this not only lessens the ecological impact but also encourages a better lifestyle.
Outdoor showers and baths represent a unique intersection of nature and nurture, offering a range of benefits that promote a healthier, more connected lifestyle. By integrating this practice into regular routines, individuals can enjoy a myriad of health advantages while also embracing a peaceful escape from the digital world.
You might also want to take the chance to check out our DIY outdoor bathroom projects…
