Refresh Yourself with an Outdoor Bath or Shower



From cooking and dining to the latest in green office spaces, Americans are embracing the outdoors. And the latest addition to the outdoor living family? Outdoor baths and showers.

 
Why Move Your Bath Outdoors?
Standing under a refreshing spray of water while basking in the sun or enjoying a cool breeze re energizes in a way tiled indoor shower experience can not. Convenient and calming, clean off comfortably following your morning jog or an afternoon in the garden. Tough day at work? Grab a glass of wine and unwind under the stars indulging in an outdoor bath.



Don’t Be Bashful – Dive into the World of Outdoor Bathing
Adding an outdoor bath or shower is just as easy as transforming your outdoor living space into a kitchen or office space. (And don’t worry, it doesn’t involve flashing the neighbors.)


  1. Choose a ‘theme.’
    Creating a theme for your outdoor bath or shower relegates the act of bathing from an obligation to a pleasure. Design your own tropical escape, create a spa-like retreat, or a rustic, nature-inspired hideaway with wood and stone accents, relaxing in the comfort and privacy of your own home.


  2. Consider your shower location.
    Capitalize on amazing views or the natural amenities in your yard, situating your shower carefully on your home site. Aim for a locale with direct sunlight for a warm, pleasant bathing experience. Sunny, airy locations will enhance the drying capacity of your space, preventing mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues. For this reason, it is also best to steer clear of areas with trees overhead, which increase debris accumulation and pest issues. Taking advantage of an exterior wall can be ideal, just be sure to include a waterproof membrane between surfaces.  
  3. Integrate creature comforts.
    The refreshing spray of cold hose water may be fine in the heat of a summer afternoon, but in all other seasons – and the evening – hot water is a must for comfort and enjoyment. Add a new line for your outdoor bathing area with the help of a general contractor or plumbing pro, or tap into your home’s hot water supply line if possible. Solar roof heating systems are another efficient, energy-saving option. (Tip: Don’t forget a shutoff valve to avoid winter pipe surprises.)
  4. Safeguard your home and outdoor space.
    Consider proper drainage before adding your shower or bath space. Always drain away from your home’s foundation/basement to ensure moisture buildup and standing water do not damage your property. Consider the addition of a French drain, permeable pavers, or artificial turf, as well as draining to an existing gutter system, storm drain or greywater tank, checking your local building codes before embarking on the construction portion of your addition.
  5. Enhance your space.
    What best suits your setting? A stunning shower stall encased in natural stone; modern, sleek, teak wood backdrop; or antique claw-footed tub? Top off your chosen surround with stainless steel fixtures and other finishes built to withstand the rigors of outdoor extremes. Enhance the theme of your outdoor bathing space, creating a true getaway with the addition of colorful landscaping, unique accent lighting, extravagant sculptures, an electric of gas fireplace, and more.
  6. Add privacy with a pergola.
    Enjoy Mother Nature without offending the neighbors. Avoid run-of-the-mill privacy fence panels and blocks, preserving the ambiance of a true outdoor bathing experience while safeguarding your privacy with an adjustable aluminum pergola. Deftly angle pergola louvers, preventing peeping from neighboring multi-storied homes, yet still retain access to sunshine and sky views. Add privacy and keep pests at bay without detracting from your outdoor experience with the addition of retractable motorized screens and curtains. Arcadia adjustable aluminum pergolas are ideal for ensuring the air circulation and sunlight integral to safeguarding the cleanliness and longevity of your outdoor bath or shower space. No upper-level neighbors? Indulge in the unrestricted sky views now possible with the Arcadia Slide, enjoying the ultimate bathing experience on cloudless sunny days and clear starlit nights.



Customize your outdoor living space, creating the relaxing sanctuary you’ve always yearned for. Open up to new ways to enjoy your home with the help of Amazing Pergolas today.

This post was originally published at http://austinpergola.net/refresh-yourself-with-an-outdoor-bath-or-shower/


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