In the summer months, no backyard is complete without a shower, so why not have a solar heated shower?  You can make a simple shower with a length of garden pipe, up to a really sophisticated static shower cubicle with a drain, perhaps some decking for comfortable toweling, and screening for privacy.  

We will consider a simple solar heated shower design which will fit neatly into the average backyard, maybe beside a spa or pool, both of which could be heated from the shower’s hot water supply.

The most important consideration for an outdoor solar shower is the provision of adequate drainage.  Your local authorities might permit drainage into a simple pit or into a vegetable patch.  Others might demand a more elaborate system that drains into the main sewer or septic tank.  You will be responsible for following whatever rules apply to your locality.  

Here are the other main criteria for the design of your outdoor solar shower:

Screening.  Do you need to avoid being overlooked? If yes, then you need to find a secluded spot away from upstairs windows for your solar heated shower.

Water Pressure.  You will experience a small drop in water pressure if your shower is a long way from your mains supply. You could boost this by fitting a water storage tank mounted above the height of the shower head.

Sunshine.  The solar heating system (pipe, tank or both) will need to get adequate exposure to sun for most of the day.  Usually it will only take a few minutes to reheat water for the next shower, but it will need much longer if there is shade over the solar heating system for a significant part of the day.

Usage.  How do you intend to use the solar heated shower? After a swim, perhaps?  To rinse off after sunbathing before going into the house?  Your shower design will depend very much on how you want to use it.

Debris.  The shower pan can be a great magnet for every fallen leaf.  Try to cover this with a wooden lid or similar device when not in use, and locate the shower as far as possible from your trees.

Between 9 and 16 square feet is a good size for an outdoor solar shower, and build it on decking about a foot above the ground, to allow the fitting of a suitable galvanized tray under the shower drain, to collect soiled water and in turn drain it into the soakaway system.

The decking can be extended for 4 or 5 feet at the shower entrance, to allow comfortable drying off without getting feet dirty.  Pressure-treated softwood 4×4 posts can be used at each corner of the shower stall, joined by side panels made from pretty much anything you like – plywood, clapboard, cedar shingles are some materials of choice.  

The solar heating system itself is very simple to make. It could be as basic as fixing a shower head to 500 feet of flexible pipe coiled in the sun. A better way is to coil the water pipe in an open tray over the shower and facing towards the sun. You can increase the capacity by including an old water tank or cylinder but, if you do this, you will probably need to mount it higher than the shower head – not always an aesthetically pleasing method unless you can somehow conceal it.

If you live in a hot climate you should consider fitting a mixer system, for ensuring your shower is not too hot for you!

If you would like expert advice we have a strongly recommended guide to help you select and build the right solar shower for you.  The guide includes good quality plans, schematic diagrams and clear instructions to make the whole process easy and fun.