Trickle-down Technology
Bathing al fresco gets a facelift from interior technology and modern-day amenities
Image courtesy of Jalco
"This Old House" veteran Richard Trethewey knows a great outdoor shower when he sees one. And the plumbing and heating expert has no qualms about borrowing an inspired design - consider it sharing inspiration.
"I borrowed the design for an outdoor shower on my home from one I saw in Buck's Harbor, Maine," he says. "The construction of the shower in Maine came just high enough to cover the necessary body parts but left the head exposed so you could see the ocean and the sun rise or set, depending on time of day. It was spectacular."
With the economy as it is, homeowners might be thinking that this kind of inspiration could be hard to come by, but out-of-the-home shower experiences are just hitting their stride.
"Historically, the outdoor shower consisted of two pipes that connected to one spout, and you were lucky enough to get a decent temperature as the water trickled out," Trethewey explains. But as technology improves indoors, perks to bathing al fresco arrive on the scene. While Trethewey notes progressive plumbing upgrades, the look and designs of outdoor showers also get a modern makeover.
"Since 2007, the aspiration of the McMansion has been replaced with making use of current, existing homes by integrating interiors with the outdoors," says Diana Schrage, senior interior designer at Kohler, Wis.-based Kohler.
Some clients install outdoor showers to accompany a pool, explains Alan W. Zielinski, the 2010 vice president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. "However, we are seeing a lot of outdoor showers that are integrated into the master bedroom suite with a private Zen-like garden. The shower heads for outdoor showers have a much finer spray that creates a softer effect. When designing an outdoor shower, it's important to chose materials that complement warmth and serenity for a natural and relaxing experience that takes you away from the stresses of everyday life."
Topping off the feel of the flow, Kohler has a partnership with Baltimore-based Polk Audio to create SoundTiles. "The significance of the shower has expanded for consumers and this musical feature makes bathing phenomenal," Schrage says. "Today's technology can produce a low flow body spray that is absolutely velvety while using substantially less water."
Think beyond body bathing and make sure you have an exit path for excess water. Avoid a slippery mess by building a base for bathers to stand on that allows water to drain. Install handrails to make the shower user-friendly for all ages. Opt for lever handles to add a degree of ease to the operation. And go green by looking for the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense logo to ensure eco-friendly plumbing.
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