Get a refreshing clean with an outdoor shower kit that turns your outdoor space into a luxurious spa.
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Nothing is quite as refreshing as the feeling of bathing in crisp, outdoor air—especially on a hot day when you need to beat the heat. Have a pool and need to rinse chlorine and other pool chemicals off after a swim? Live by the beach and want to wash off the sand before heading inside? Invest in an outdoor shower kit.
Anyone who loves spending time outdoors may also consider purchasing an outdoor shower to keep themselves clean on their adventures. Buying one is a godsend for parents who want their kids to spend their summer days getting messy in the yard but don’t want them tracking dirt inside the house. Here are our picks for the best outdoor shower kits for all sorts of lifestyles.
XtremepowerUS Solar Powered Freestanding Outdoor Shower
Pros:
- Solar-powered for warm showers
- Adjustable water pressure and temperature
- Low maintenance
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Limited water tank capacity for enough hot water for one or two hot showers at a time
By harnessing the power of solar energy, this freestanding shower effortlessly heats water supplied by your garden hose, allowing you to bathe al fresco at the perfect temperature. Additionally, it’s crafted from high-quality materials including non-corrosive brass and strong PVC piping. This durable and stylish outdoor shower kit offers adjustable water pressure for maximum enjoyment.
Mount it securely to any flat surface with the included screws and set this outdoor shower kit up on your deck or patio. An included foot spout is ideal for rinsing off sand from the beach or mud from a hike. With no electrical cords or batteries, it’s incredibly easy to assemble and store in the winter.
“This outdoor shower has served us well for the last eight years,” writes verified buyer Ronelle. “The sun heats the water inside the shower’s tower and the on-off mixer valve delivers a wonderful warm or cold shower for swimmers. This is an excellent product.”
Nemo Equipment Helio Pressure Shower
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact for maximum portability
- Pressurized water flow
- 7-foot hose
- Solar heating for warm showers
- Includes carrying case
Cons:
- 2.9-gallon reservoir is best suited for couples or solo travelers—not families
- Privacy shelter sold separately
Enjoy camping, van life, off-grid adventures and explorations while staying clean with the Helio Pressure Shower. This lightweight and compact pump-pressurized shower has a 2.9-gallon reservoir to wash away dirt and debris at your campsite. What’s more, when exposed to direct sunlight, this outdoor shower kit has a black water reservoir that heats up water to comfortably warm temperatures.
A foot pump provides pressurized flow, and its lengthy seven-foot hose makes showering comfortable for people of all sizes. One full pump provides five to seven minutes of continuous, steady water pressure. When it’s time to pack up and head home, the Helio Pressure Shower neatly fits in the included carrying case for transport and storage.
“This pressure shower is a must-have item for any outdoor adventure,” writes five-star reviewer Sydnee J. “I take it with me on most of my car camping trips. I use it to wash dishes, clean off my gear, rinse my doggos feet off, and take quick showers at camp. It’s easy to fill and you can either leave it in the sun to heat up the water or even directly pour hot water into it.”
Homewerks Outdoor Shower Kit
Pros:
- Ideal for creating a custom outdoor shower
- Eco-friendly
- Rust-resistant
- Soap dish storage
Cons:
- Might require professional installation if you're not a skilled plumber
Designed to withstand the elements, the corrosion-resistant Homewerks Outdoor Shower Kit is ideal for building a simple spot to rinse off. Or, if you’re looking for something more luxe, pair it with privacy shrubs or a gazebo kit for a secluded spa of your own design. The two-handle kit gives precise control of hot and cold water, and it includes a convenient soap dish. Lastly, this outdoor shower kit is WaterSense certified, meaning it conserves water for a greener shower without compromising performance.
Advanced Elements Summer Shower
Pros:
- Wallet-friendly
- Lightweight
- Convenient toiletry pouch
- Insulated panel for optimized heat retention
Cons:
- Takes several hours for the water to warm up
Experience the luxury of a hot shower in the wilderness or your backyard with the Advanced Elements Summer Shower. This portable 5-gallon solar shower is designed for ultimate convenience and performance wherever you go. Efficient two-layer construction ensures optimal heat retention. Simply fill it with water, lay it out in the sun with the clear side facing up and get a soothing hot shower in almost no time at all!
With its durable build, wide handle grip and easy-to-use shower head, this outdoor shower kit is perfect for camping, hiking or boating adventures. For an affordable outdoor shower at home, hang it on a hook outside of your shed, garage or mudroom. Moreover, it features an extra-large filling valve, twist-off cap and strong Velcro straps to hold essentials like soap and shampoo. After use, simply roll it up for effortless storage.
Five-star reviewer Nenial says this is an absolute must for camping. “On our nine-day excursion through the great Southwest we did mostly wild camping and this was essential. Nothing like bathing in the wild. It heated up fast and the capacity was perfect for both of us to shower. Love the thermometer. Very easy to use and clean. Light but very tough. Great product.”
Yakima RoadShower Pressurized RV Shower
Pros:
- Pressurized tank is efficient and satisfying
- Easy to refill
- Included hose for better reach
- Tough and durable
- Available in three size options
Cons:
- Must be mounted to top of vehicle or storage rack
- No built-in heater, uses sun for heat
Camper vans and RVs provide a comfortable balance between home and camping, and the Yakima RoadShower offers a similar solution for outdoor showers. While less convenient than a permanent setup, it outshines many camping showers easily. Available in three reservoir sizes, the RoadShower mounts to your vehicle’s roof rack and delivers up to 55 psi of pressure—enough to wash off dirt from both you and your gear without overwhelming force.
The shower is easy to refill and includes a hose attachment for better reach when cleaning your gear or yourself. Although it doesn’t come with a built-in heating element, the water heats up when left in the sun. Keep in mind that the RoadShower needs to be mounted on a vehicle to function properly, as it’s too heavy to move around easily and isn’t freestanding.
“Just buy it; it is worth it,” says Lisa Dickey in her verified five-star Amazon review. “I should have bought it earlier and not wasted time or money on a PVC copy or shower bags. Bottom line, I am very happy with the purchase.”
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Shower Kit
Keep the following factors in mind when purchasing an outdoor shower kit:
Material Durability
An outdoor shower kit should be constructed from weather-resistant materials like PVC, aluminum, stainless steel, or treated wood to ensure durability against harsh conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. These materials extend the life of the shower, preventing rust and deterioration. For portable shower setups, it’s essential to choose materials that can withstand frequent packing, unfolding and travel without damage. Durability and ease of transport should be key considerations.
Privacy
When deciding on an outdoor shower, consider how you’ll use it. If it’s just for rinsing off after a swim, privacy might not be a big concern. However, if you’re planning to use the shower for full bathing, privacy becomes more important. Look for a model that includes a privacy curtain, or ensure it can be easily fitted with one.
For permanent outdoor showers, a fence or partition can provide added privacy. In contrast, portable camping showers often don’t have built-in privacy features, but you can always set up a foldable shower curtain for quick and easy privacy while traveling.
Installation and Plumbing Access
Many outdoor shower kits are designed to be freestanding, with their own water reservoirs, meaning you won’t need to connect them to a water source or have any plumbing skills. This makes them easy to install and use anywhere. However, if you’re planning to install a permanent outdoor shower connected to your home’s plumbing system, it may require hiring a professional, especially if you lack plumbing experience.
Capacity
Capacity is not an issue for outdoor showers connected to your home’s plumbing, as they have a continuous water supply. However, you must manually fill portable or standalone outdoor showers with reservoirs. Larger capacity reservoirs are convenient since they require fewer refills, but they can be more cumbersome to manage. If you’re in a location where accessing potable water requires effort, a smaller reservoir may be more practical and easier to refill regularly. Consider the balance between convenience and portability when selecting the right size.
Types of Outdoor Shower Kits
- Freestanding: Ready-to-go outdoor showers have a showerhead, faucet, and base or platform. They can be installed on just about any flat surface within the range of a garden hose or outdoor spigot. Freestanding kits are excellent for poolside setup but can also be paired with privacy enclosures.
- Wall-Mounted: These showerheads are designed to be mounted on an exterior wall of your house, garage, or shed, along with existing plumbing.
- Portable/Camping Shower Kits: Lightweight outdoor shower kits are designed to be taken on beach or wilderness trips. They’re also excellent to use at home if you’re looking to save money and only plan on using your outdoor shower occasionally, like after a busy day in the garden or working on a messy outdoor project.
- Solar-Powered Shower Kits: Environmentally friendly kits harness the sun’s energy to heat water in a reservoir tank for a warm, comfortable shower.
Why You Should Trust Us
Allison T.S. Robicelli has nearly 20 years of experience testing and vetting appliances for Family Handyman, MyDomaine, Epicurious, Food Network, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Wine Enthusiast, Washington Post, Serious Eats, Food52, Eater, The Takeout, Taste of Home and more. The Baltimore-based author has penned titles such Robicelli’s: A Love Story, with Cupcakes, 11 Places in Baltimore That You Must Not Miss, The Official Back to the Future Cookbook and The Official WWE Cookbook. She is also a James Beard Award nominee. Allison is also a former cooking teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and Kings Cooking Studio in New Jersey.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Outdoor Shower Kits
Our experts researched the best outdoor shower kits before compiling our list. We considered each one’s features, functions and the materials that each one is made with. From there, we tested many on this list to ensure each product is worth spending money on. Our team also combed through thousands of shopper reviews to learn what real-life customers like about the kits you don’t have to. Lastly, we considered advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value and covered every price point.
FAQs
Do you need a drain for an outdoor shower?
Whether you need a drain for your outdoor shower depends on where you’re setting it up. In some instances—like if you’re setting it up near an in-ground pool or on a raised deck—you may not need to install any additional drainage. Consider water drainage before any installation, ensuring excess water is directed away from the shower space to reduce slipping hazards, mud puddles or ground saturation.
If you’re installing a permanent outdoor shower structure, check local building codes or HOA regulations before proceeding. They may require drains for proper wastewater management and to prevent environmental contamination. It’s important to check with your local authorities to determine if a drain is mandatory in your area.
Installing your outdoor shower on naturally absorbent surfaces like gravel, grass and sand may eliminate the need for a dedicated drainage system. If you still have oversaturation, consider a French drain system, which is easier to DIY than running a traditional outdoor plumbing line.
Does an outdoor shower add value?
Depending on the location of your home, adding a permanent outdoor shower structure can potentially increase its value. Houses in areas known for outdoor activities—like beaches, lakes and hiking trails—may benefit from having one installed. In warmer climates, a relaxing backyard area that is usable year-round is attractive to potential buyers.
What is the best material for an outdoor shower?
Cedar, teakwood or pressure-treated wood are the best materials for outdoor showers. Pre-treating the materials will help them last longer and prevent mold.
