Imagine soaking in a clawfoot tub with the sound of birdsong in your ears and the rustle of leaves all around. Or offering your kids the simple pleasure of a refreshing shower without having to walk in the door.
An outdoor bathroom can be anything you want. Simple or luxurious, it’s the ultimate indulgence for a decadent Australian summer.
How to create the perfect outdoor bathroom? Read on.
Choose the right location
Situating your outdoor bathroom is key.
First, take into account the practical considerations. If you’re eyeing off an outdoor tub, you’ll need to be able to fill it easily. A hose will work as long as it’s hooked up to a hot water supply (make sure you buy a hose that can handle hot water, as some degrade). You’ll also need to empty it without causing flooding. Ideally, the ground will be sloped away from the house and the water directed onto grass or a creek or dam.
Secondly, make sure the spot feels secluded. Very few of us would feel comfortable bathing in the front garden while the morning commute rushes by! A secluded nook is perfect, perhaps tucked into the corner of your garden against a wall or fence. It will feel nice and private, as well as cutting down on breezes.
Thirdly, take account of what’s above you. Overhanging trees offer shade and screening, but they can also drop leaves and other debris into the water. If you have neighbours with tall houses, you’ll also want to make sure they can’t see straight into your bathing area. Consider a shade cloth to keep off both falling leaves and prying eyes.
Lastly, ensure good air flow and natural light. If you set your bath in a dark or stagnant spot, you’ll find yourself sharing it with the local mosquitoes. Stand your bath on bricks, and if you’re installing a shower include a grate or decking with space for air to flow underneath.
Set the scene
Your bathing spot is a chance to create a garden idyll. For that, you’ll need plants. Surround your bath or shower with attractive pots, grow a flowering vine up a trellis to enclose your space, or install a herb garden for fragrance.
Lights are another way to increase the ambience. A string of fairy lights above your turn can elevate the experience to spa-like splendour. Add solar powered lights that glow long into the evening for a nighttime dip.
A timber deck or paved surround is both practical and attractive. When you step out of the water, you won’t want to be standing on soggy grass. Choose smooth pavers, timber or polished stones set into concrete for a bonus foot massage.
Decide how far you want to go
An outdoor bathroom can be simple and basic, or an oasis of sensation. It just depends on your budget and available space. A basic shower head fixed to a fence, or a custom-made water feature spilling into a claw foot tub.
Whether you plump for a bath tub, shower or both will depend on a few things. Showers take up less space, so they’re perfect for smaller gardens. A bath offers the opportunity for indulgence and is perfect if you want to take your time. Consider a copper or nickel bateau-style tub for serious vintage vibes. They’re also surprisingly light, making them easy to position.
You’ll need some accessories, as well. A ledge or table to keep your soap and other toiletries is handy. A hook for a towel. A low bench so you can sit down and dry yourself in ease is also welcome.
When choosing bathing products, make sure they’re eco-friendly. Any spillage should be as gentle as possible on the surrounding garden.
Then all that’s left to do is pour a glass of wine or brew a hot cup of tea, lie back and relax!