Pool patio outdoor shower wall | Patio

Design decision

Why this idea works

A shower wall gives pool users a clear rinse-off destination and can create a small visual screen for the deck. Locating it at the perimeter can keep the main lounge area more open.

The tradeoff: The fixed features give the patio a clear purpose, but they reduce room for later changes. Water supply, drainage, waterproofing, local plumbing rules, wall support, and safe wet-surface detailing are core requirements.
How to measure it: Conceptual range: pool-specific; shower pad, linear drain, adjacent deck, and wall should be measured as separate planned elements.

On your property

Plan it for your site

Use a slip-conscious concrete finish and a visible drainage direction toward the selected drain. The wall and drain should align with the patio geometry rather than appear as a last-minute addition.

Plan drainage so shower water does not cross pool paths or run toward the house.
Use exterior-rated plumbing, fixtures, and electrical methods appropriate to the climate.
Keep the shower clear of gates, equipment, and lounge seating.

Before forms are set

Build implications

Confirm before estimating Plumbing, drain connection, winterization, local requirements, and accessibility.
Confirm before estimating Wall support, waterproofing, drainage capacity, and cleanout or service access.
Confirm before estimating Pool barriers, deck joints, footing locations, and finished elevation.
Measure the site and establish elevations Record boundaries, thresholds, grade changes, utilities, and the dimensions of vehicles, furniture, equipment, or structures that affect the layout.
Test how the space will be used Check walking routes, turning paths, door swings, working clearances, maintenance access, and the route back to the house or street.
Resolve drainage, services, and structural support Decide where water goes and coordinate drains, conduit, irrigation, fuel, electrical work, footings, and independent supports before forms are set.
Define and estimate each concrete element Confirm the slab or footing section, base, joints, edges, and finish, then estimate simple measurable fields separately from steps, walls, drains, and supported features.

Prevent these problems

Crowding the usable areaFurniture can fit in a drawing while still blocking doors, chair movement, serving routes, or the direct path back to the house.
Sending water toward the houseA terrace that appears level can hold runoff at thresholds unless finished elevations and a discharge route are established first.
Treating added features as decorationPergolas, fire features, kitchens, walls, and planters need their own supports, clearances, utilities, drainage, and maintenance access.

Next step

Turn the idea into your estimate

Enter dimensions measured on the property. The conceptual image does not provide a takeoff.

Estimate your patio

Questions this idea raises

Does an outdoor shower need a drain?

The selected shower and local plumbing requirements determine the drainage approach. Do not allow water to run uncontrolled across a patio or toward the foundation.

Can a shower wall be built on a pool deck?

It may be possible, but water, support, plumbing, local rules, and pool-side safety require coordinated design beyond a standard deck slab estimate.

Best when: Poolside yard where a rinse-off station improves daily use and can be located away from door thresholds, dining, and primary pool circulation.
Reconsider when: Reconsider the idea if drainage, circulation, and support for added features cannot be resolved on the property.
Verify first: Water supply, drainage, waterproofing, local plumbing rules, wall support, and safe wet-surface detailing are core requirements.
Professional input: Concrete contractor; specialist review for supported structures, fire features, or utilities

Sources and further reading

NRMCA CIP 6: Joints in Concrete Slabs on GradeA concise industry reference for planning panel and control joints on a patio slab instead of improvising them.
Building America Solution Center: Slope Patios Away from the HouseDOE-affiliated guidance on setting patio grade so surface water moves away from the house.
NRMCA CIP 11: Curing In-Place ConcretePractical guidance on curing methods and timing for new concrete.

Read the slab planning guide