Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 07, 1999 06:02am | #1

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   Used a low tech version at a backwoods cabin with no running water ( except when it rained): Black plastic 2-3 gal water container with attached hose and shower head, tree branch to hang it on, sunshine to warm water, total lack of inhibitions when other humans around, add soap to taste = enjoy!!

   -pm

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   Guest_ | Jul 07, 1999 06:33am | #3

   *Mary Jo,Can you give us more specifics? Summer use only or year round? Swimming pool, beach, or camp shower. Out in the open or something providing more privacy? Hot water or take it as it comes?To get you thinking lets assume you want a shower with hot and cold water and a privacy screen so you can clean up after working in the yard. First, you are going to need a source of hot and cold water. Since you are in New York freezing is a consideration. I would look under the house for lines that can be tapped. I would exit the house with frost free hydrants (taps) and transition to washing machine hoses rated for hot water. These hoses are about 4' long and have female connectors at both ends. If your shower is not adjacent to the taps you can extend the lines with coper or plastic tubing but it is important that you be able to drain these tubes completely when you shut down for the winter. You can obtain a special pipe fitting that will allow you to screw a female hose connector to a tube. Do not leave hoses connected to frost free hydrants during the winter! At the shower, you have a couple of options when it comes to mixing the hot and cold water. First, you can use individual or in-line valves. This is the easiest and least expensive option. It is also compact, functional, and easy to drain. But, it does not provide anti-scald protection. The second option is to purchase a modern single-handle anti-scald shower control. More expensive, more difficult to trim out in an open shower, and harder to drain. Your call.Lots of shower head options. I like the big ones that simulate rain. They are available in specialty hardware stores. Again, your call.Once you have showered, you neeed to do something with the "grey" water. One option would be a trapped drain that leads back to your sewer system. Complicated and, unless it is run under your frost line (or disassembled after the season), another source of freezing and breaking. It may be possible to drain into your gutter system, a dry well, or simply off into the woods. Not sure your code officials will like this but you were not going to pull a permit for this anyway (right?). Your shower can be as elaborate as you want. Most basic - a 4"x4" post with hot and cold water valves and a shower head raining down on a duckboard. I would want a screen made out of fencing, a seat, some clothing hooks, and some provision for draining the water off. A cement pad will help control mud. A gate with a hasp if visitors are a concern. I would use copper tubing, sweat fittings, and brass in-line valves. In time, they will take on a great patena. A nice flat flagstone can substitute for the concrete pad but getting control over the run off may be more difficult. Sounds like you have a fun project. Let us know how it turns out.Steve

2. 
   mary_jo | Jul 07, 1999 06:33am | #2

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   I would like information on the design and constuction of an outdoor shower. I live in upstate NY. Any articles or books that I can be referred to would be greatly appreciated...along with and first hand knowledge.