How Much Does It Cost to Install an Outdoor Shower?

You don't need a beach house or even a pool to justify installing an outdoor shower. Muddy kids and pets or just a love of showering outside can make an outdoor shower a worthwhile investment. However, it's worth knowing how the numbers stack up before falling in love with the idea of al fresco showering.

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In this guide, we'll explain how much outdoor shower installation costs, from simple handheld units ideal for rinsing muddy paws to vacation-worthy cabanas. We'll also explore what factors impact the cost to help you determine which option best fits your budget.

What Is an Outdoor Shower — And How Does It Work?

An outdoor shower is a permanent or portable fixture installed outside. Homeowners often install outdoor showers in their backyards, near an outdoor pool or outside a cabin or other outbuilding. They can be handy for removing dirt, sand or pool chlorine before going inside. Freestanding, wall-mounted and handheld showers are the most popular types of outdoor showers.

A wall-mounted shower is usually installed on an exterior wall, often connecting to your home's water supply.

Freestanding outdoor showers are stand-alone units that are either portable or permanently installed on a concrete slab. Some freestanding units connect to an underground water supply, while others come with solar panels to heat the water.

Both wall-mounted and freestanding outdoor showers can include an enclosure for privacy. Common options include wooden slatted screens, bamboo panels and cabana structures.

Handheld showers are the most budget-friendly option, connecting directly to an outdoor spigot. They don't usually include an enclosure but can provide a practical way to quickly rinse children or pets before they enter the house.

How Much Does an Outdoor Shower Cost to Install?

According to Family Handyman, installing a simple outdoor shower can cost as little as $250 (CAD 357), while more complex units can cost several thousand dollars. Costs vary significantly depending on the type of shower you choose.

Basic portable showers typically range from $50 to $300 (CAD 71 to CAD 428), including the unit itself and installation labor. Wall-mounted showers are usually more expensive at $100 to $500 (CAD 143 to CAD 713). Stand-alone outdoor showers are usually the priciest, costing most homeowners between $500 and $2,000 (CAD 713 and CAD 2,853).

Bear in mind that these figures are averages, and the actual cost of your project may be significantly higher if you select premium fixtures or require more elaborate features. A luxury outdoor shower could cost up to $8,000 (CAD 11,413) with professional installation.

What Factors Affect the Cost of an Outdoor Shower?

The cost of installation labor significantly impacts how much you'll spend on an outdoor shower. Homes & Gardens estimates that professional plumbers charge between $600 and $1,600 (CAD 856 and CAD 2,283) for outdoor shower installation. Expect to pay more if you require extensive plumbing work to accommodate your new fixture, such as installing new water lines or drainage.

Common extra costs associated with outdoor shower installation include:

• Hot water line installation: $800 to $2,500 (CAD 1,141 to CAD 3,567)

• Drain installation: $300 to $1,500 (CAD 428 to CAD 2,140)

• Enclosure installation: $200 to $4,000 (CAD 285 to CAD 5,707)

The material you choose can also impact the price. Affordable materials like porcelain tiles start from around $2 (CAD 2.85) per square foot, while premium options such as natural stone can cost up to $17 (CAD 24) per square foot.

Depending on your yard's features and layout, you may require professional landscaping before installing an outdoor shower. For example, homeowners often need to level the installation site. Prices for this type of work begin at roughly $1,000 (CAD 1,427) for small areas.

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Do You Need a Permit to Install an Outdoor Shower?

Whether you need a permit to install an outdoor shower depends on the building rules in your city. Exact permit fees vary according to your jurisdiction, but you should expect to pay around $250 (CAD 357). You can determine permit costs and requirements by checking with your local building or planning department.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.