The allure of an outdoor shower became undeniably clear to us at our Cape Charles beach house. It wasn’t just a luxury; it was a practical necessity, providing a designated spot for everyone to rinse off sand before tracking it indoors. This simple act saved our floors from endless grit and our plumbing from potential clogs. While it took us a couple of summers to fully enclose and perfect that initial outdoor shower experience (which you can revisit in this dedicated post), we were thrilled to discover that our new Florida home already boasted one. Or so we thought. Upon closer inspection, what greeted us was a structure with non-functioning plumbing and walls thick with grime – hardly “ready to go.”
Unveiling the Outdoor Shower’s Potential: From Neglected Nook to Coastal Oasis
Initially, this space presented a puzzling enigma. It resembled an open-air sauna, yet the layers of dirt, leaves, and general neglect made it hard to envision anyone wanting to spend significant time there. Both of us struggled to see its appeal in that state. Consequently, we instructed our contractors to bypass it during the initial renovation phases, directing their focus (and our budget) to other pressing areas of the house. Our extensive outdoor makeover, for instance, involved far more immediate attention (you can explore the full story here). Thus, the photo above captures its forlorn appearance just a week prior to its transformation.
Although we did manage to connect the plumbing for basic use – mainly to rinse sandy feet under a single spigot – the existing showerheads were far from functional. One was a rusty, clogged relic, while the other was stubbornly fixed, spraying directly at the wall. Clearly, this neglected corner demanded attention.
The Journey to a Functional and Inviting Outdoor Sanctuary
Over the course of a few dedicated days, we committed several hours daily to revitalizing this space. Our goal was to transform it into a highly functional and impeccably clean area for showering, washing off, air-drying swimwear, and simply enjoying the tranquil view of green branches swaying overhead – a surprisingly beautiful natural canopy. While we acknowledge that further modifications may come in the long term (which we’ll elaborate on towards the end of this article), there’s no denying the immediate and profound improvement. It has swiftly become a cherished amenity for our entire family, requiring nothing more than a little tender loving care.
And by “TLC,” we primarily mean the transformative power of a good pressure wash (or power wash, as we often use the terms interchangeably).
The Power Washing Miracle: Eradicating Years of Grime
Our initial and most impactful step was meticulously washing every surface within the outdoor shower. The walls, the floorboards, the built-in bench, the top shelf, even the door – no area was spared from the relentless assault on layers of entrenched dirt and grime. We employed this reliable pressure washer, utilizing the medium-intensity orange nozzle. The results were nothing short of miraculous, as you can witness in the highly satisfying video documenting its work. It’s worth noting that some areas required multiple passes, though the first pass always yielded the most dramatic and gratifying transformation.
NOTE: You can also view the satisfying pressure washing video here on YouTube
To further illustrate the astonishing impact, I captured a comparison photo on Day 3 of our mission, before we commenced power washing the floor. This image perfectly highlights the stark difference between the cleaned and uncleaned sections of the floor once both surfaces were dry. The washed wood not only appeared significantly cleaner but also boasted a visibly brighter and more vibrant hue. As the photo reveals, even the “cleaned” portions sometimes needed a second pass to fully restore them to their original glory, emphasizing the depth of the grime.
A crucial word of caution for anyone undertaking a similar project: pressure washing wood requires a delicate touch. Using too high a setting or holding the nozzle too close can easily damage the wood, causing splinters or a “fuzzy” texture from the intense pressure. Exercise particular care if you are cleaning new or pristine wood surfaces. In our case, the wood was neither new nor pristine, and we appreciated this cleaning method precisely because it eliminated the need for harsh, smelly chemicals. However, it’s a vital safety reminder to check your pressure settings and distance before inadvertently damaging your beautiful wood.
The Dramatic Before & After: A Glimpse into the Transformation
Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the dramatic before and after reveal. Let’s start with the “before” shot:
And now, the stunning “after”:
While the transformation is evident, we still have one final touch planned: oiling the wood. We intend to use teak oil, which can be easily wiped on with a rag. This will not only provide essential protection against the elements but also enhance the wood’s refreshed and rich appearance, helping to even out the bench, which appears to be the only wooden component that might have been previously stained. Even without this last step, the improvement is monumental.
Enhancing Functionality and Aesthetics: New Fixtures and Ambiance
Beyond the thorough cleaning, we focused on upgrading the outdoor shower’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. We replaced both the original showerheads, including the addition of a convenient handheld sprayer for versatile use. To facilitate drying, we hung sturdy hooks, perfect for towels and bathing suits. Overhead, we strung delicate LED string lights, which cast a beautiful glow and complement the surrounding greenery perfectly. And, true to form, Sherry introduced several plants, infusing the space with even more natural charm.
The result is a space that our entire family adores. In fact, this outdoor shower has become the preferred choice over our indoor one! Bathed in sunlight and framed by branches swaying gently in the breeze, it offers a truly luxurious and invigorating showering experience.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Privacy in an Outdoor Shower
We anticipated the questions, and indeed, Sherry was deluged with them on Instagram: “Can people see in?!” The straightforward answer is unequivocally no. As individuals who value privacy, we ensured that absolutely no body parts are visible to anyone outside the confines of the outdoor shower. While it’s true that the house in the background features an upper balcony that can be glimpsed through the open roof of the shower from certain specific angles (as you might perceive in the background of the photo below), it’s a matter of perspective.
That particular photo was taken with the phone held high above my head and angled sharply upwards. Realistically, if I were wearing an exceptionally tall top hat, perhaps the very tip of it might be visible. However, no one on that balcony possesses the visual acuity to look across, then execute a perfect 90-degree downward turn to peer into the shower and view actual body parts. Such a feat would necessitate someone literally standing on our own roof.
To provide an accurate representation of the showering experience, I took the next photo at my typical head level from the exact spot where one would stand. As you can observe, the view is entirely private – nothing but a solid wooden wall, backed by lush, leafy trees. Complete seclusion.
Determining privacy within a shower is quite simple: if you can see them, they can see you. Rest assured, if even a glimmer of doubt existed regarding someone’s ability to peer into this space, we would immediately construct a much higher side wall or implement extensive screening with large plants along that top shelf. Our family’s comfort and privacy are paramount.
Illuminating the Space: Smart Lighting Solutions
Regarding the electrical elements, we enlisted the help of an electrician to safely remove and cap the wiring to the old, obtrusive light fixture that previously hung in the shower. In its place, we strategically strung these charming LED string lights across the upper framework. This choice not only modernized the aesthetic but also provided a much more pleasant light source.
The lights are discreetly nailed along the backside of the wooden roof arches, ensuring the wiring remains largely hidden from view. For added convenience and modern functionality, they are plugged into a smart outdoor plug located along the back of the house, allowing us to effortlessly control them with our Alexa voice assistant. Once again, the shot revealing the distant balcony was taken by holding the phone above my head and angling it upwards towards the lights, not from a natural eye-level perspective.
Sherry, ever the enthusiast, even ventured out after sunset last night to capture the enchanting nighttime ambiance. We were particularly impressed by how soft and evenly distributed the light was, a delightful contrast to the harsh, spotlight effect that the old, dangling fixture would have cast.
Future Visions: Evolving into a Comprehensive Pool Bath
As I hinted earlier, this space may undergo further refinements in the future. There’s a strong possibility that this room could evolve into a true “pool bath,” complete with a toilet and sink. In Florida’s climate, such outdoor facilities are entirely feasible, eliminating the need for dripping wet children to trek through the house to use the bathroom. Instead, they could simply pop into this dedicated space before returning to the pool, enhancing convenience and maintaining the cleanliness of our interior.
We are also contemplating adding a doorway that would lead directly to our future pool area. This doorway would likely be positioned where the middle of the existing bench currently sits. Consequently, the bench itself might not be a permanent fixture, although so far, its primary use has been a convenient surface for setting down items to dry. Sherry, however, is keen on integrating a door in the center while retaining the side sections of the bench, ensuring her plants still have a designated spot. She’s quite serious about her greenery!
For now, with the outdoor shower clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, we are in no rush to undertake any major redesigns, aside from applying that fresh coat of teak oil to the wood. We’re simply relishing the joy of not having to shield our eyes from grime every time we need to rinse off sand. A pleasant serendipity: our Trex decking color choice, Havana Gold, which graces the adjacent side porch, perfectly harmonizes with the original raw cedar inside the shower. We couldn’t have planned that better ourselves – it was a total accident, but a delightful one!
Beyond the Shower: Continuing Exterior Improvements
I attempted to unearth a “before” shot from this precise angle, but the best I could find was a screengrab from our initial video tour of the house. This image also serves to illustrate the immense positive impact of opening up the old screened-in porch, a decision that significantly enhanced the outdoor living experience. (For any questions regarding mosquitoes, please refer to this informative post).
Looking at the current “after” picture, it’s clear that our work isn’t entirely done, especially just outside the outdoor shower. The underside of our covered porch currently exposes the raw, unfinished underside of our metal roof, an area that demands our attention.
We’re optimistic that this week we’ll be able to apply some metal primer followed by a few coats of paint. We’ve selected a soft green hue that will beautifully tie into the lush greenery surrounding the house, and we’re excited to see that transformation, along with the installation of a large and inviting exterior fan!
P.S. For a comprehensive overview of our entire Florida house renovation, you can catch up on all 9 posts right here. From the dramatic exterior makeover to the ongoing progress in the living room and kitchen, including projects we meticulously planned from afar, we’ve covered extensive ground.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.