How much does it cost to install an outside shower – 4 key costs to consider

If your backyard has a pool, swim spa, or tub an outside shower is a practical addition. But whether it’s part of a makeover of the space with planting and landscaping or the feature it’s missing, it’s important to know the cost of outside shower installation so you can draw up a budget.

An outside shower will definitely add to the luxury of a backyard, and it’s always worth considering one as part of your backyard ideas, even if it’s simply there for cooling off in hot weather.

Here, we provide an expert guide to the cost of installing an outside shower to your home.

How much does it cost to install an outside shower

An outside shower can be a huge boon. In a warm climate, it can be a convenient alternative to taking a shower in the bathroom. It’s also handy if you live near the ocean, ensuring sand stays outside. Team it with a pool, hot tub, or tennis court, and it can make life easier, too.

Typically, you can expect to pay from around $100 to over $1,000 for a wall-mounted outside shower. Alternatively, if you opt for a standalone outdoor shower, you can expect to pay between $800 and over $3,000.

Use this guide to understand what else you need to budget for when you’re installing an outside shower.

Labor costs

Along with the cost of the outside shower, factor in the labor costs involved in fitting it.

‘Installing new plumbing for a shower usually costs $600 to $1,600 or more,’ says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.

Materials costs

The materials selected for the shower will have an influence on how much the final bill for the project adds up to.

‘For example, tile can cost anywhere between $2 and $17 per square foot, depending on the type you choose,’ says Angie. ‘Generally, stone tile is more expensive than porcelain or glass tile. You should also keep labor costs in mind when choosing a material. Small tile mosaics or complex materials could lead to higher labor costs than simpler materials.’

If the shower requires an enclosure to create the necessary privacy for its location, remember that you’ll have to factor in the cost of materials for this screening.

Permit costs

There may be a permitting cost involved with adding an outside shower to the backyard.

‘You may need to obtain building or plumbing permits before installing your outdoor shower,’ explains Angie.

‘Every city has different permit requirements and costs, but you can expect to pay around $250 per permit.’

Unexpected costs

The addition of an outside shower can also bring costs you may not have anticipated, including that of backyard landscaping.

‘You might need to level your yard before building an outdoor shower,’ explains Angie. ‘The cost of leveling varies, but you should expect to pay $1,000 or more, depending on the size of the area.'

It’s also a good idea to set aside an extra 10 percent of the project cost to cover any emergencies that pop up during the installation process.

An outdoor shower might be part of your swimming pool ideas or small backyard pool ideas, and its materials a complement to the rest of pool landscaping ideas. But consider installing one when you fit a hot tub since users should shower before and after using one of these to help keep the water hygienic.