The History of Outdoor Showers: From Ancient Origins to Modern Oasis

Did you know that there were open-air showers in ancient times? Even the Greeks and Romans had such facilities in their public baths to clean themselves before and after bathing. In ancient times, outdoor showers were a common way to cleanse and cool down.

Cold Showers in Ancient Greece

The ancient Greeks created what we now know as the modern shower. These showers originally consisted of a simple hole in the wall. Those wishing to bathe stood aside while a slave poured water through the hole. Over time, public showers with lead pipes and intricately carved shower heads became common, especially in gymnasiums.

These showers were usually cold because, as Plato wrote, bathing in lukewarm water was considered suitable only for the elderly. Known for their bravery, the Spartans believed that cold baths would prepare their bodies and minds for battle.

Roman Hot Shower

The Romans were especially known for their hot springs, public buildings with outdoor showers, and hot and cold baths. Most Roman baths were built near natural hot springs, with hot water for bathing and cold water for showers.

These buildings were often luxuriously designed and decorated with mosaics and statues. Outdoor showers were generally exposed, though some were shaded from rain or sun. Roman bathhouses were also social venues where people gathered to relax and converse.

Health Garden Shower

In ancient times, outdoor showers were often seen as a way to maintain health and personal cleanliness—not just a luxury. Even then, physicians believed that regular use of baths and showers could prevent certain diseases.

Outdoor showers continued to be used in the 19th century for health and hygiene purposes, especially in ports and railway stations where they served workers and travelers alike.

Cowboy-era Outdoor Showers

In America's Wild West, outdoor showers were a practical solution for rural and backcountry workers to wash and cool down. Cowboys, miners, and settlers often lived far from modern plumbing and relied on creative methods to stay clean.

These makeshift showers were built near streams or water sources—sometimes just a hose or a wooden box with holes. Logging camps, mining towns, and farms also adopted these rustic setups. Without indoor bathrooms, entire families, including women and children, often bathed outside.

Shower Outside to Save Water

Despite their simplicity, outdoor showers were a luxury in many remote locations. Water was often scarce and precious, making the ability to bathe outside a rare privilege.

In 1767, Englishman William Feetham patented the prototype of the hand shower. The first rain-style showers were introduced by the French military around 1860 to clean many people quickly and affordably. By 1880, showers were installed in individual cells in barracks, boarding schools, and prisons across Europe. The Prussian army expanded their use throughout Germany.

Over time, outdoor showers became more luxurious and modern, incorporating durable materials like plastic and metal to enhance comfort and efficiency.

Install Outdoor Shower at Home

In the 1960s and 1970s, outdoor showers became popular in home gardens for private use—mainly to rinse off after swimming or to cool down during hot summer days.

Stainless steel quickly became the material of choice for gardens, swimming pools, and saunas due to its durability, weather resistance, and eco-friendliness—even in salty or chlorinated environments. Though more expensive than plastic options, its longevity and performance are unmatched.

Today, outdoor showers are available in various styles and sizes to suit every need and budget, making them a practical and aesthetic addition to modern homes.